Very small Japanese garden.It is very quiet.Not really a destination in itself but a nice place to go for a stroll if you live or study in the area.It really couldn't be more relaxing. I don't understand everything about Japanese gardens but they have a nice brochure that explains all the elements.

A decent garden but could be larger. Check out Portland's Japanese garden for a more extensive experience.

nice quiet spot

Although it is small it is an oasis in the middle of the jungle. The garden is a nice quiet spot to visit. There is a pond in the middle with paths and bridges to wander about. Very peaceful.

Simply Amazing. If you take the time to walk slowly though the garden, you will notice that it is well designed to take advantage of multiple viewpoints making it most interesting. Give yourself not 10 minutes but at least 30 to 45 minutes to take in the garden views.

Take your time time to stop by the pond, tea house and monuments indicated on the garden map and look back at where you started... more

Very scenic garden

Nitobe is a very beautiful, peaceful garden, albeit quite small. It is quite difficult to get to by bus and there are no toilet facilities there. However Canadian hospitality is amazing the gentleman at the kiosk was so friendly and helpful. He told us to use the toilet facilities at the Museum of Anthropology which is about a 4 to... more

An Oasis of Tranquility

Stepping into this garden immediately awakens your senses with the peacefulness abound.
At every angle there is something in the air that beckons you to feast your sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell.
There are Bridges, ponds, streams, waterfalls, Koi, small statues, stone lanterns, flowers, a variety of trees and with ceremonial tea if you desire.
I can see why... more

Lovely, but not worth the price of admission

The garden is very lovely, but I personally did not think it was worth the $12 price of admission, plus the price of public parking. I was disappointed that it was not larger and did not have many places for sitting and relaxing. We made a special trip from downtown Vancouver to visit the garden, based on reviews. Maybe if... more

A quiet break from the hustle of the city

Nitobe is a beautiful Japanese garden at UBC. It is a very mature garden, which I first visited 45 years ago while a student. I try to visit every spring for the blossoms, as it is just fabulous.
Nitobe is also a wonderful place to go if you just want to sit in a quiet and beautiful place to spend... more

The only formal Japanese Garden outside of Japan

To really appreciate this extraordinary garden, please ensure you take a tour from one of the friendly "FOGS" Friends of the Garden associated with the University's Botanical Garden. From them, you will learn about who Nitobe was, his extraordinary life, and why this classical garden was designed in his name. This garden takes you through the traditional "walk of life"... more

A living Japanese jewel

A beautiful "island" of Japanese gardening tradition.
An oasis of tranquility, exceptional plants and oriental atmosphere!

A break from the Museum

Sometimes I get "Museum Head" when confronted with so much stuff so strolling around the Nitobe Memorial Garden was an ideal antidote. Although there was no sign of any map or information it was lovely to soak up the tranquil atmosphere to prepare for another hour at the Museum. There is no fixed entrance fee but there is a donation... more

Hidden Gem 5 mins from Museum of Anthropology

What a gem. One of the top Japanese tea gardens in North America. And, only a 5 minute walk from the MOA. It is a real shame that these two are not advertised together. The garden is exquisite and should not be missed. From the lake to the trees, to the organization - superb! Since the garden is within the... more

Tranquil beauty

I live outside Vancouver but took a special trip to see the Garden and the Museum of Anthropology. I took my two teens along.
The Garden is so tranquil that I could see myself just sitting on a bench relaxing and reading. If I worked at UBC I would be there all of the time. There were small groups of... more

A great family outing

We have been living in Vancouver for 20 years but we never had been to the Nitobe Garden.... until now! We took our 2 pre-teen kids with us and had a terrific time. It,s a small garden but it comes with a story that you discover with a map explaining the path of live, the passage from childhood to death... more

It's like entering another world

It was the most beautiful Japanese garden that I have seen in North America. The entire ground is covered in moss. Everything seems to be in the perfect place. It is a great place to find your inner peace.

One of the best Japanese garden outside of Japan

Just fabulous no need to bother with other Japanese gardens outside of Japan, okay Seattle is nice, San Francisco is okay. But this one even so it is very small it is just perfect.
A must see.

Not good value. And I got in free

I work for ubc so figured I would go check it out because I get in free. Not sure why people are rating this high. A pond with some Koy. Not much else to see. I'm glad i didn't pay to get in.

beautiful and peaceful

Lovely Japanese garden, well worth a visit - only 6$ entry. They have as little self guided route that explains the significance of each part of the garden. Lots of lovely birds when we went too.
We visited after the anthropology museum... Great contrast from busy to serene.

Peace, quiet and great scenic photography possibilities

As part of a large university campus one might think it would be ok to miss this garden in favor of another one, BUT do not do this. The space is compact, but so peaceful and calming you want to just sit and inhale the atmosphere. Sadly, I was not there at a time to be able to enjoy the... more

Serenity in the City

This traditional Japanese garden is a lovely place to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. There is also a traditional Japanese tea ceremony that is worth partaking in.

a wonderful morning

We spent a morning at the garden. It was delightful, and we would enjoy visiting on a regular basis.

Quiet oasis on busy UBC campus

Nitobe garden is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the workaday world. Peace and serenity of water, plants and rocks in an idyllic setting.

Overrated

This place is overgrown, overrated and not worth the price of admission. It is basically a pond surrounded by large fir trees and moss covered ground. We paid $24 for 2 adults and 2 seniors to walk around the pond and 20 minutes later we were done.

Beautiful, peaceful spot

This lovely Japanese garden is a wonderful place to contemplate, meditate and just be mindful. The atmosphere is just exquisite.

Very Peaceful Place

It took us a little bit to find it, but once we got there, we enjoyed walking around this small but traditional garden. If you like Japanese gardens, you will like this place.

Serenity

It's a beautiful Japanese garden, although not terribly large. It has a wonderful serenity and is beautiful in all seasons.

Lovely peaceful garden

I have visited many Japanese gardens, both in Japan and elsewhere. Nitobe Memorial, though small, is certainly among the best foreign examples, and would be well ranked in Japan. It has a particularly restful atmosphere.

Visit at UBC along with Museum of Anthropology

This a beautiful, reflective, quiet landscape created by Japanese artist/gardeners who came to Vancouver for a year to create it. It is near MOA, where a local bus from downtown stops so I suggest you visit them both together.

Peaceful Oasis

We enjoyed this park for an hour of good photography and peaceful meditation. We definitely recommend it if you are on a short or long visit to the area.

Meditative escape from the downtown bustle

Rainy day, sunny day, awesome after a fresh snowfall. The aesthetic is subtle so if you are looking for the big splashes of colour as in the commercial destination gardens you might be disappointed or taken aback. But the experience is very calming and refreshing if you allow the subtleness to penetrate.

Underwhelming

Not sure what the fuss is about but perhaps our visit was marred by the repair work and hammering which made this a less than tranquil outing.

Get a guide or a brochure

The garden is beautiful, but it's FULL of symbolism that will be lost on you unless you get a guide. It's fascinating when you know what you're seeing. For example, the whole garden is supposed to represent a walk through life... you start as an adolescent in the rough stages of life (the rocky waterfall) and transition into adulthood when... more

Serenity

A beautiful Japanese garden. The gorgeous landscape was a treat to the eyes! Wished we would have been there for the tea ceremony.

Overrated

Like most tourists, we had done some research and were delighted to find that this is just down the road (300 yards) from the Museum of Anthropology at BC university. (see separate review)
OK, it has a plan. It is Japanese in approach, but for me, I could not see what the place is for. Only 100 yards by 60,... more

Don't miss it

Got to the garden following a recommendation from hotel staff. It's located inside UBC, just a short walk from the museum of anthropology. We didn't expect much, and were pleasantly surprised. The garden is beautifully designed and maintained. You get a small map with explanations about the Japanese motifs, and you can stroll the garden for as long as you... more

Don't miss this

It's just a short walk from Museum of Anthropology and both are must see attractions. Bring your camera as I got the loveliest pics from here.

great place for a wedding

way out on the edge of point grey, behind the UBC asian studies centre is a quiet japanese garden. UBC students get in for free (i believe) but otherwise entrance is nominal. traditional landscaping and tea house. great place for a wedding (mine included).

Good spot

Good spot to visit for a quiet conversation. Great for pictures as well as some peace and quiet. Accessible and convenient

serene bliss

Beautiful Japanese garden that is well worth a visit. Totally zen atmosphere and timeless little bridges and a small tea house. Definite must see if you can make the trip up to UBC.

Beautiful Grouse Mountain at the top of Vancouver

Ski area and walking trails,beautiful views of the Northshore Mountains and Vancouver, good restaurant, there are two griszzly bears.

Exquisite

Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies held on the last weekend of each Summer month are simply not to be missed. An afternoon stroll through the beautiful gardens are like a visit to Japan itself.

Blissful

This is a wonderful tribute garden. It is very authentic and well kept. It is not huge, but you can still spend a lot of time wandering around and sitting and enjoying all of the wonderful trees and sculptures. Great place to go and be quiet. Refuge from the city.

Authentic Japanese Garden

The Nitobe Memorial Garden in the heart of UBC is a perfect place to wander any time of year. It is an authentic Japanese garden with koi pools, a tea house, and beautiful bonzai and traditional garden sculptures. Alone or with friends, this is a perfect way to lose yourself in its peaceful surroundings.

My last stop for the Alumni weekend.

Peaceful, tranquil, pretty, well maintained.

Relax and wander

Take a bus to the university campus and a short walk to the garden. Everything you expect from a meditative garden. Combine with a visit to the Museum of Anthropology.

Hidden gem

I always take visitors to this beautiful sanctuary located on the university grounds at UBC. They are always enthralled to see it and I am proud.

a hidden treasure

A wonderful garden of eauty and tranquility, at any time of the year.

A Special Place

Nitobe Memorial Garden,which is located on the campus of the University of British
Columbia, is an oasis in the city of Vancouver. It is a wonderful place to spend a
peaceful hour when you visit Vancouver and is a fine examle of a traditional Japanese
garden

Beauty in the Small Wonders

I used to work at UBC, and on a fine day, would visit Nitobe Garden. It transforms.
Its a small garden, square, but with meandering paths and bridges. When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, it is really pretty. You can find a quiet corner to sit and contemplate in several spots. In the late summer all the baby koi... more

peaceful place

a little hard to find, but worth the trip out to ubc. my grandchildren loved to run annd climb the rocks while i sat in the hush of the garden grove apprciating the sun filtering through the tree onto the japanese rock formations. restful. i'd have given it five stars but i know its out of the way for the... more

A peaceful oasis

It is a wonderful garden, at UBC. A great place to centre yourself. It is away from downtown proper (approximately 20km), but you can take an express bus which takes you there .

Escape to another world

Beautifully laid out Japanese Gardens and a quiet oasis with a minimalist aesthetic.

Reminds me of the gardens in Japan

Feels like you are in Japan. Very nice, quiet garden on the campus of UBC. See the garden, then head down the road to the Museum of Anthropology.

An absolute gem hidden away on the UBC campus. I felt like I was transported back to the gardens I visited across Japan when visiting Nitobe. The simplicity, peace, and tranquility pervaded all of my senses. They also have a tea house that I believe you can make reservations for. I feel like many people do not frequent the garden and that this is both a good and bad thing. Nothing beats peace,... more

Located on the campus at UBC, I was surprised that I was one of the very few people who chose to visit this tiny two and a half acres traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll garden on the weekend. It's a very relaxing and calm garden with maple, cedar and cherry trees. If you're lucky, you might even see a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the Tea House. There is a small pond with a few koi... more

This place is a gem, particularly for us inhumanely stressed students around exam time. When you've been up all night trying to cram History of the World Powers in the 20th Century, or Physics of Music into your skull, this place is a welcome respite from the world. Upon entering the gates, if you didn't know any better, you'd swear you were in Japan.
The campus at UBC is beautiful regardless,... more

What a beautiful, wonderful garden. I visited on a rainy day, but the loveliness of the space transcends any weather. Well worth a visit. If I were local, I'd go frequently.

Need some zen in your life?

Oh Nitobe. I never would've survived first year university without you. 3 hours of break and eating lunch in this garden was like paradise. Located at the corner of UBC, this gorgeous Japanese garden just gives you so much peace and quiet (even if there are others around). I've visited this place in all 4 seasons, and no matter what, it still looks great! It is a... more

Have a case of the midterm exam blues?
Nitobe is the cure.
I first visited here in 1986, and thankfully not much has changed.
Calm, green and peaceful. A five minute stroll around the pond is enough of a zen break to get your head straight.

Free for UBC students, and various other discounts for others... I highly recommend a visit to Nitobe Gardens.
Ahhhhh what a relief!