Your Guide to the Japanese Garden of Peace

Nestled in the stunning town of Fredericksburg, TX, the Peach Tree Inn and Suites offers one of the most unique places to stay in the Texas Hill Country. Its location within the heart of the Texas Hill Country provides convenient access to a host of attractions, including the historically rich National Museum of the Pacific War. One of the highlights of this museum is the serene Japanese Garden of Peace. This beautifully designed garden serves as a poignant reminder of the power of peace.

The History and Significance of the Japanese Garden of Peace

The Japanese Garden of Peace, nestled within the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, is a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States. Following World War II, American Admiral Chester W. Nimitz championed the construction of the Mikasa Memorial in honor of his friend, Japanese Admiral Heihachiro Togo. In recognition of this gesture, the Japanese Coordinating Committee joined the National Museum of the Pacific War to create a breathtaking garden, blending traditional Japanese elements and a replica of Toga’s study.

Explore the Top Garden Highlights

Mikasa Memorial Painting: The Japanese Coordinating Committee donated a painting of the Admiral Togo Statue with the Battleship Mikasa in the background. This section of the garden examines the enduring friendship between the two naval heroes, American Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and Japanese Admiral Heihachiro Togo, which led to the creation of the Japanese Garden of Peace.
Garden Blueprints: The construction of the Japanese Garden of Peace involved discussions between the National Museum of the Pacific War and the Japanese Coordinating Committee. Taketora Saita of Meiji Seisakusho, Ltd. designed the garden, which is similar to the Togo shrine in Tokyo, Japan. The land was reconfigured, and new flora was planted to replicate its Japanese counterpart, resulting in a truly distinctive landmark.
Sake Bottle: On May 8, 1976, a historic dedication ceremony marked the establishment of the Japanese Garden of Peace in Fredericksburg. This significant event brought together esteemed leaders from Japan and the United States, as well as military officials and representatives from the Museum and the Japanese Coordinating Committee. Sake was brought from the Togo Shrine in Tokyo, which added a touch of tradition to the occasion as it was shared among the participants.
Togo Study: A replica of Admiral Heihachiro Togo’s personal study, the Togo Study, was meticulously reconstructed in Japan using traditional Japanese methods before being reassembled in the United States to be part of the Japanese Garden of Peace. During the official opening in 1976, officials held a traditional tea ceremony inside the Togo Study.
Bamboo Pool: This is a small stone basin with water flowing from a bamboo pipe, allowing visitors to purify themselves by cleansing their hands, mouths, and minds before entering the Garden. This enables individuals to let go of worldly impurities, unkind words, and negative thoughts to meditate better in pure nature.