Kawachinagano Japanese Garden is a serene oasis in the center of Carmel — a beautiful and tranquil space for the community right behind Carmel City Hall. The garden is situated just off the Monon Trail, providing a convenient spot for trail users to take a break and relax. Additionally, it offers families the opportunity to enjoy picnics while being surrounded by natural beauty.
The garden incorporates traditional Japanese gardens, showcasing features such as a gateway leading to a garden path. This path wraps around a pond filled with koi fish and lily pads. Visitors will also see sculptures all around the park, including sculptures of cranes (a symbol of happiness and youth) and lanterns. There are benches that face the pond, where visitors can sit and watch the koi swim, and geese gather.
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Multiple cherry blossom trees have been thoughtfully planted in the park. In the spring, visitors are treated to a burst of vibrant color from the pink, delicate flowers that bloom from the trees. Because of this, Kawachinagano Japanese Garden is a popular setting for engagement and family photos.
How to get to the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden:
There are two ways to get to Kawachinagano Japanese Garden: by car or by the Monon Trail. To access the garden from the Monon Trail, look for a small pedestrian bridge with red railings — this will lead you straight to the garden. The red bridge is located just south of Carmel City Hall. If you are coming by vehicle, follow the signs for Carmel City Hall, and you will see a free parking lot for the gardens.
The History of Kawachinagano Japanese Garden
In 1993, Kawachinagano City in Osaka, Japan, sent a research group to visit Carmel. In 1994, the Sister City agreement was signed at Lovely Hall in Kawachinagano, Osaka, Japan. Carmel Sister Cities Inc. and the Kawachinagano International Friendship Association drew up an agreement regarding future city activities.
Since then, Carmel and Kawachinagano have had multiple exchanges and sent groups to visit each other’s cities. The two cities have been collaborating on activities for many years, engaging in various projects and events. These include exchange projects between police and fire departments, picture exchanges among students, study abroad opportunities, musical concerts, and Carmel’s International Arts Festival participation.
More Info
Kawachinagano Japanese Garden (website) is located at One Civic Square in Carmel.
