Established
1994
Location
Southeast of the main entrance along the Tateuchi Loop Trail
Background
- Established at Kelsey Creek Park in 1971
- Relocated to BBG because of flooding at Kelsey Creek Park
- Features a traditional Japanese gate, as well as an Azumaya, a traditional Japanese garden arbor, made possible by the Atsuhiko & Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation
Yao Garden
A traditional Japanese gate leads into this contemplative garden, developed to honor the sister city relationship between Bellevue and Yao, Japan. The garden blends Pacific Rim influences, with delicate maples beside Columbia River basalt, ground covers surrounding Japanese lanterns, and vibrant azaleas accenting rhododendrons and viburnums. A surrounding fence helps shut out the outside world and create a sense of peace and tranquility.
Japanese design principles are reflected throughout the garden in the choice of plants, texture and form, placement of rocks, places to rest and meditate, and the movement of water. The entry gate is derived from the Sukiya teahouse style of sixteenth-century Japan and was constructed by Dale Brotherton of Takumi Co., who spent two years learning the trade of Japanese carpentry. Its Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) door panels were planed entirely by hand, without the use of sandpaper.
