Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) will temporarily close the Seattle Japanese Garden this summer to allow for the restoration of the north retaining wall, an important project to preserve the garden’s historic design and enhance visitor experience. 

The garden will be fully closed from June 22 through July 27, 2026, reopening on Tuesday, July 28 with its regular Tuesday–Sunday schedule. Following reopening, the north section of the garden will remain closed through November 2026 while the new wall is constructed, and surrounding landscape areas are restored. After construction, the garden will close for its regular winter maintenance from December through February. 

The project replaces a deteriorating basalt retaining wall with a new granite wall in the traditional Japanese Ishigaki style. The work will be led by Suminori Awata, a fifteenth-generation master stonemason from Japan, bringing authentic craftsmanship to the restoration. Additional improvements include new stairways, accessibility upgrades, and restoration planting consistent with the garden’s historic palette. 

“While we understand the timing may be inconvenient for some visitors, this project is a rare opportunity to bring authentic Japanese stone masonry to Seattle,” said Michele Finnegan, SPR Interim Superintendent. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we make these long-term improvements to preserve the garden’s beauty and cultural heritage.” 

During construction and while the garden is closed, visitors to the Washington Park Arboretum should expect heavy machinery and construction vehicles within the garden grounds, with minimal impacts outside the garden, including Lake Washington Boulevard and Arboretum roadways. Once the garden reopens, visitors may have the opportunity to observe the master stonemason at work during certain times in the north section. 

This project is made possible through the generosity of local donors, with funds raised by the Arboretum Foundation, and represents the first step in long-term improvements planned for the north end of the garden. 

Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips and check the Seattle Japanese Garden website for updates: www.seattlejapanesegarden.org. 

About the Seattle Japanese Garden: Located within the Washington Park Arboretum, the Seattle Japanese Garden offers a serene cultural and botanical experience with traditional Japanese garden design and seasonal plantings. 

About the Arboretum Foundation: The Arboretum Foundation raises funds to maintain and enhance the Washington Park Arboretum and Seattle Japanese Garden, ensuring these spaces can be enjoyed for generations to come.