Himeji Garden, Adelaide (must see)

Himeji Garden in Adelaide is a serene and meticulously crafted Japanese garden, located in Park 18 (Peppermint Park / Wita Wirra), part of the southern Adelaide Park Lands. This traditional Japanese garden was gifted to Adelaide by its sister city, Himeji, in 1982, as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two cities.

Initially designed by Adelaide City Council staff in collaboration with the local Japanese community, the garden faced criticism for some of its design elements, such as the use of a cyclone fence and a perceived lack of detail. Recognizing the need for refinement, in 1986, the council enlisted the expertise of Japanese landscape designer Yoshitaka Kumada to revamp the garden.

Kumada's redesign, which began after a Shinto ground-breaking ceremony in 1987, introduced significant changes, including reshaping the lake, expanding the Sea of Sand, and integrating a selection of trees, shrubs, and stones sourced from Melbourne and the Adelaide region. The centerpiece of the garden, a granite Okunoin lantern, was a gift from the City of Himeji in 1985, further enhancing the garden's authenticity and cultural significance.

By 1989, the garden's redesign was fully implemented, but Kumada's influence continued into the early 1990s as he made annual visits to Adelaide, fine-tuning details and imparting traditional gardening techniques to the council's horticulture team. These techniques are still in use today, ensuring that the garden remains true to its original design principles.

The garden is divided into two distinct areas: the sansui, or "mountain and lake garden," and the kare-sansui, or "dry rock garden," which symbolizes mountains surrounded by water. The Sea of Sand, a key feature of the kare-sansui, is carefully maintained to depict waves lapping against islands, with straight lines representing the ocean, embodying the peaceful and contemplative spirit of Japanese garden design.

Himeji Garden stands as a tranquil retreat in the heart of Adelaide, where visitors can slow down, reflect, and appreciate the timeless beauty and meticulous craftsmanship that went into its creation.