Fort Worth Japanese Garden, Fort Worth (must see)

The Fort Worth Japanese Garden in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden was built in 1973. Many of the plants and construction materials for it were donated by Fort Worth's sister city Nagaoka, Japan. Attractions at the garden include a zen garden, a moon viewing (tsukimi) deck, waterfalls, cherry trees, Japanese maples, a pagoda, and fishfood dispensers to feed the hundreds of koi (colored varieties of the Amur carp, kept for decorative purposes) in three ponds.

Built in the tradition of Edo-period (1600-1868) stroll gardens, the Fort Worth Japanese Garden integrates several Japanese styles of garden design into a single landscape. Examples of the 'Hill-and-Pond' (tsukiyama rinsentei), 'Dry Landscape' (karesansui), 'Tea Garden' (roji), and 'Enclosed-Garden' (tsubo niwa) types are all expressed here. In addition, the garden features architectural elements derived from venues historically associated with Japanese gardening. These include Buddhist temples, Imperial villas, the estates of Samurai lords, and the townhouse gardens of wealthy merchants.

Several unconventional architectural elements are also exhibited in the Fort Worth Japanese garden, including the so-called 'Pavilion', a derivative of a Shinto shrine's main hall. It stands above the ground on posts, and features several gabled roofs with criss-crossed extensions (chigi). Another unusual garden element is the 'Mikoshi', an ornate palanquin donated to Fort Worth by the citizens of Nagaoka, Japan. Likewise, a 'taijitu' (yin-yang symbol), a graceful Indochinese Buddha, and three stone monkeys (Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru), are all atypical additions unique to this Fort Worth exhibit.

The Fort Worth Japanese Garden is also known for hosting two annual events, such as the Spring Festival and the Fall Festival, featuring demonstrations of Japanese art and culture.