Overview
The Japanese Garden at Carmel City Hall was created to celebrate Carmel’s Sister City relationship with Kawachinagano, Japan. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 23, 2007.
Located on the south side of City Hall, the garden provides a peaceful space for reflection and features traditional Japanese design elements, including a sculptural gateway, winding paths, lantern and crane sculptures, benches, boulder groupings, and thoughtfully arranged trees surrounding the pond.
A centerpiece of the garden is the handcrafted Sukiya gate, assembled on site by members of the Kawachinagano International Friendship Association using traditional Japanese techniques and Hinoki wood, reflecting centuries-old craftsmanship and cultural symbolism.
The garden was completed in 2009 and has recently reopened following renovations designed to enhance its beauty and sustainability. Updates include refinements to the pond, improvements to the northern garden area, and increased stormwater capacity. Clay Township engaged world-renowned designer Hoichi Kurisu, former landscape director for the Oregon-based Japanese Garden Society, to lead the redesign.
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