About
The Japanese Garden of Peace offers a tranquil oasis for reflection. It was a gift from the people of Japan to honor the unique friendship between Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and Admiral Heihachiro Togo.
Visiting this serene spot, I felt a mixture of beauty and stillness. And as I walked in, I was met with an entrance lined with fallen soldiers and memorial plaques. Some of which still have fresh flowers laid for them to this day.
Walking the corridor into the gardens, I couldn’t help but feel the immense sadness of many lives lost. So I took a moment of silence to honor their service.
Turning the corner I found a beautifully manicured and curated walking garden. With a koi pond in the middle, grass, bonsai trees, and flowers, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of sadness leave my body.
Resting on a nearby bench, I reflected on many things and paid homage to the friendship that was made between Nimitz and Togo despite their opposition.
Japanese Garden of Peace: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The story behind Admiral Nimitz and Admiral Togo’s friendship, and how the garden came to be in its current spot, is not only unusual given the adversity and opposition; it’s incredibly interesting.
The two became friends when they met at a reception in which Admiral Togo was being honored for this courageous work in the Battle of the Sea of Japan in 1905. From that time, the two remained in contact and would often communicate with one another.
Sadly in May of 1934, Admiral Togo died. Admiral Nimitz's entire crew marched in his funeral. After World War II, Admiral Nimitz took significant measures to find a way to save the Mikasa, which was the flagship vessel used by Admiral Togo.
The Garden of Peace was placed in Admiral Nimitz's birthplace as a way to show respect for him and all he did to help with Mikasa's renovation.
As such, there are numerous symbolic elements in the garden that pay homage to the traditional Japanese garden.
Like the black and white stones that are meant to preserve the balance of nature or the gravel is raked in such a way that it feels as though it is the ocean waves coming in, up, and over the stones and plantings. That is to remind visitors of the Pacific Ocean itself.
Finally, there is a simple, flowing stream in the garden. This symbolizes how a single raindrop can make its way to the ocean.
Every aspect of the Japanese Garden of Peace is intentional, with heart and meaning behind each element. And since this garden was designed by Taketora Saita of Tokyo and built by Japanese craftsmen, it's a true gift to America.
Be sure to add this iconic landmark to your Texas Hill Country vacation.
Getting There
The Japanese Garden of Peace is located right off Main Street. It's located at the rear of the Admiral Nimitz Gallery along Route 83.
Cost
- Free to enter
Local Tips
- Visit on a bright, sunny day, if possible, to get the feel of the warm sunshine on you as you walk through this location.
- The garden saw a significant renovation in 2015, so if you haven’t been there since, I highly recommend it.
- Make sure you leave plenty of time to reflect. While the garden is smaller in size, there are plenty of benches around the pond to gaze at.
- It can be tricky to find. It’s located in an adjacent area to the main National Museum of the Pacific building.