Kubota Garden is a public garden that is now owned by the City of Seattle and maintained by the Department of Parks & Recreation. In 1981, it was designated an Historical Landmark of the City of Seattle. The garden is free to the public and open during daylight hours. The garden was originally created and maintained for many years by Fujitaro Kubota, an Issei was born in Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku in 1879. He came to the United States in 1907. He was entirely self-taught as a gardener. He established the Kubota Gardening Company in 1923. In 1927, he began his garden. It was used as a design and display center for his business, as well as a nursery to grow plant materials for gardens installed by the company. They also shared access to the garden to the local Nikkei community for social and cultural activities. During WWII, the garden was abandoned while the Kubota family were incarcerated at Minidoka concentration camp in Idaho. Fujitaro and his sons, Tak and Tom, rebuilt the landscape business after their return. In 1972, the Japanese Government awarded Fujitaro Kubota with the Fifth Class Order of the Sacred Treasure, "for his achievements in his adopted country, for introducing and building respect for Japanese Gardening in this area." Fujitaro passed away the following year at the age of 94. On a trip to Seattle, Washington in early July, 2007, we went to Kubota Garden. It was a bright and sunny day, but thankfully not too hot. Here are photos from our visit. Hope you enjoy! Kubota Garden 9817 55th Avenue S. Seattle, Washington 98118 Information above is from the Kubota Garden website: kubotagarden.org. The site includes a brief history, photos, schedule of events, wedding & tour information, membership info, event info, map, and directions.