Calgary 
Did you know you can find one of Alberta’s prettiest gardens in the centre of Lethbridge? The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden sits on the west shore of the city’s Henderson Lake and creates a wonderfully peaceful space in the heart of Lethbridge.
The Garden opened in Lethbridge in 1967 as a symbol of international friendship and of Japanese and Canadian Cultures coming together. Everything you see in the garden is a piece of art, from the bridges, stone lanterns, and gates to several other pieces of décor scattered along the trails.
Take advantage of Nikka Yuko’s summer season for a scenic walk around the beautiful and historic grounds. Or plan your visit around the exciting and educational experiences hosted by Nikka Yuko.
The garden is open until Thanksgiving weekend for the summer/fall season. The garden reopens for a magnificent Christmas light display during the holiday season.
Exploring the Gardens & Art
The Nikka Yuko Gardens change with southern Alberta’s seasons, and your experience can vary depending on when you go: spring, summer, or fall. A stunning feature during summer is the amount of green in the garden: from the lush grassy hills to the towering maple trees over the ponds.
As you explore, you’ll come across authentic Japanese art installations, like statues, stone sculptures, and wooden structures, all made of wood shipped from Japan.
You’ll come across rock gardens as well, with the massive stones all brought to the garden from Canada’s Rockies. This is Nikka Yuko in the summer; if you visit in Spring, the trees will be blooming, while fall has the stunning red/gold maple trees centre stage.
Experience Nodate
Nodate, or outdoor tea, experiences revolve around a traditional tea ceremony. You’ll take part in this immersive ceremony with tastings of matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets. Book your Nodate Experience for small groups, or larger groups of up to 25 people. Details
When: throughout the open season
How much: $40/person
Food Truck Fridays
What could create a more beautiful picnic setting than a perfectly manicured Japanese Garden?
Food Truck Fridays bring a rotating lineup of Lethbridge favourites to the Garden, serving wood-fired pizza, barbecue, tacos, poutine and sweet treats. Grab lunch or plan a relaxed dinner picnic, then show your receipt at the Bunka Centre ticket office for $10 admission and enjoy your meal in scenic surroundings.
How much: Free/$10 admission
Special Celebrations
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden’s season blends outdoor theatre and Japanese cultural traditions, from Shakespeare in the Garden’s King Lear on July 16 and August 6 to Tanabata, Heritage Day on August 3, Obon Toro Nagashi Lantern Festival on August 23, and the North American International Yosakoi Festival from September 19-20, 2026. Expect performances, taiko drumming, origami, lantern dedications, dance, community connection, and summer festival energy in Lethbridge throughout the year ahead.
Immerse Completely with the Yukata Dressing Package
A yukata is a traditional Japanese garment worn on more relaxed days and for outings. The lightweight gowns are often worn during relaxation activities, such as walking through a serene garden. The package allows you to stroll the garden trails in an authentic Yukata, complete with an obi (the belt), and includes outfit return at the end of your visit. Details
How Much: $30
There’s a company in Calgary that designs, creates, and maintains Japanese Zen Styled Gardens and Landscapes. The name is Ishidoro Zen Gardens Inc.