Dog-Friendly Kubota Garden in Seattle

, , 46 Comments

Zen and dogs usually do not go together. The Japanese Garden in Portland bans pets as does the Seattle Japanese Garden. However the Kubota Garden in Seattle allows dogs as long as they are leashed and you clean up after them. It is also open year-round during daylight hours and free.

The 20-acre garden is owned by the City of Seattle which bought it from the Kubota family in 1987. It was founded in 1927 by Fujitaro Kubota, a self-taught gardener and immigrant from the Japanese island of Shikoku. The gardens on the Seattle University campus and the Japanese Garden at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island are also his work.

The garden is less manicured and more “wild” than the Japanese gardens I am accustomed to seeing. Which makes a lovely place to bring dogs without worrying that they’re going to wreck something perfectly landscaped. The garden’s casual atmosphere also lends itself to a variety of activities. 
There was a group practicing martial arts and a big wedding party that arrived in a Hummer limo and people rehearsing lines from a script. 

Mr. N evidently approved as he perched on a rock and refused to leave until we took his picture. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for dog-friendly activities in Seattle. 
Tweet
Pin
Share
0 Shares

Comments

comments

 

46 Responses

  7. Beth

    September 2, 2016 3:57 pm

    That looks lovely! We don't have any Japanese gardens that Barley can visit here–the botanical garden has one, but they quit allowing dogs many years ago, so Barley's never been. Luckily, we have our arboretum that is still pretty "zen."

    Reply
  9. Feline Opines

    September 2, 2016 7:18 pm

    Gorgeous photos. I have family in that area, wonder if we take Alberto with us on his harness and leash if the garden is "cat friendly". Alberto is more like a dog in a cat suit anyway.

    Reply
  10. Janet Keefe

    September 2, 2016 10:02 pm

    I'm so glad that you could find such a nice garden that allows dogs. It looks beautiful there and it sounds like everyone really enjoys it. Mr. N must have loved all the great spots to pose in. 🙂
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

    Reply
  14. Robin Mudge

    September 4, 2016 3:59 am

    It may not be perfectly manicured, but it is still beautiful! It is great that this garden is open for the public to enjoy. We don't have many of those over here. Mr. N is adorable as usual. He gets to go a lot of awesome places! 🙂
    -Purrs from your friends at http://www.PlayfulKitty.net

    Reply
  15. Sadie and Co.

    September 4, 2016 3:35 pm

    You do manage to find some amazing places to visit! Thank you for sharing this with us. Even though we're not there, it brings a sense of peace and tranquility to look at the photos.

    Reply
  25. Cathy Armato

    September 5, 2016 10:38 pm

    That's really beautiful! I love Japanese gardens, they're so peaceful. There's one here that occasionally serves traditional Japanese tea, it's lovely.
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

    Reply

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.