Twitter
Facebook
If you have been in the KMC for a while, you’re probably aware of the Garden Show or have driven by it with a dinosaur peeking over the road. But, you might not be so familiar with the Japanese Garden which is secretly tucked away behind a high sandstone wall just next to the County Administration Building.
During a visit you might have the sensation of walking through a painting, a well-chosen philosophy of Japanese gardens. These types of gardens are living works of art, composed and designed upon the principles of landscape paintings. And, the prime effect: your body and soul can intensely experience its overall sensitivity.
The garden was opened in 2000 after two years of construction and foundation of the association “Friends of the Japanese Garden Kaiserslautern” in 1995. In 1998 Japanese architect Kunihiko Akamatsu began with the design and after two years the first of five sections was opened to the public, alongside the opening of the State Garden Show nearby. In 2004 the stone and moss gardens and the Zen garden were introduced and the Tea House opened its doors with a tea ceremony. The first wedding took place in the Tea House in 2010.
Further features, such as a kiosk named Bunkyo-an with Japanese specialties were soon to follow. The pond was redesigned with an island and an abundance of colorful koi fish. The red wooden bridge is an absolute highlight with a grand view over the pond area and painted with a secret Japanese recipe for its bright color, and the waterfall running directly beneath it. Zigzag-stepping stones let you almost walk over water with curious koi fish peeking at you in the pond.
The garden offers a number of special events throughout the year, such as Hanami, which is a cherry blossom event with drum groups and Kodomo no Hi, a highlight for children. In July it celebrates Tanabata based on a legend about a tragic love affair. The Moon Festival Tsukimi takes place during the full moon in either late September or early October, depending on the year, with a special flair of harmony and content in a colorful Indian summer setting.
In addition, there are regular tea ceremonies, yoga and meditation events, readings, martial arts days and even a modern Cosplay Day has taken place. With or without a special event, the garden is a fabulous place to relax, dream and wind down with a peaceful break from a busy work schedule in surprising solitude amidst a bustling city.
Since 1988 Kaiserslautern has been the sister-city of Bunkyo-ku, which is one of Tokyo’s 23 districts with 200,000 inhabitants and 19 universities. Another large Japanese Garden is located in Karlsruhe and the largest Japanese community outside of the country can be found in the city of Düsseldorf with 20,000 members, which celebrates Japan Day each May. The Japanese Garden is also venue during Kaiserslautern’s “Long Night of Culture” on June 17.
For more information, visit: https://www.japanischergarten.de/besuchen/startseite
