- No pets, only trained service animals – please allow a staff member to assist you before entering the tea pavilion.
- No drone photography/filming at any time
- Guests must remove their shoes or wear shoe covers inside the tea pavilion to protect the floors.
- No outside food or drinks are allowed inside the garden. We ask that no food or beverages besides bottled water be brought into the tea pavilion.
- Please silence your cell phones and refrain from talking on them while in the garden. Take the time to unplug and relax.
- No smoking or vaping is allowed inside the garden.
The Society Board, Management, Staff, and Volunteers will not tolerate aggressive and inappropriate comments and behaviours.
Guests will be asked to leave or stop the behaviours immediately and maybe asked to leave the Garden if the problem persists. To be a part of the Friendship Experience we must treat everyone with respect including politeness and be mindful of individuals’ space.
Our most asked question! Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is not a botanical garden and, like many traditional Japanese gardens, does not have a year-round display of flowers. The colours of our garden vary with the seasons; our crabapple blossoms bloom in the spring, followed by our peonies inside the Prairie Garden, then a lush green garden during the summer before finishing with the beautiful red and gold maple leaves in autumn. These changes remind us that nothing is permanent, and we invite you back throughout the seasons for a new experience each visit!
While we certainly love all four-legged friends, we, unfortunately, do not allow any animals inside the garden except certified service animals. Service animals must be on a leash. Please allow a staff member to assist you before entering the tea pavilion with your service animal.
*NEW* The City of Lethbridge has approved a trial period for the months of July & August, where pets will be allowed in the garden for special events, photography packages and private bookings.
This includes things like weddings, graduation photoshoots, and private tours! This of course has specific rules and regulations in order to protect our garden, so there will be a waiver form in place. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Yes! All our pathways are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. We ask that you take care of the moon bridge by the bell as it is slightly steeper. A ramp is located off the pavilion deck for access. We ask that strollers remain outside the pavilion. Please ask our hosts or hostesses for assistance storing strollers in the pavilion and gaining admission in your wheelchair.
We also have wheelchairs available on-site for those who may need them, just ask our staff inside the Bunka Centre to assist you!
Yes! Our hosts and hostesses offer half an hour-guided tours through the garden at 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM, Thursdays to Mondays, during our summer season only. Guided tours are included with your admission and begin at the main gates. Guided tours are not offered during the Winter Light Festival.
The garden has no dress code, but all guests must wear a shirt and shoes. The garden is open rain or shine during summer, so dress comfortably. Umbrellas are available to borrow during your visit if it happens to rain. Please dress warmly for the Winter Light Festival. Warming stations are placed throughout the garden, but please dress accordingly to the cold temperatures to ensure a comfortable visit.
Our tea pavilion floors are made from beautiful aromatic yellow cypress wood. Take the opportunity to enjoy the soft wood under your feet! This is a very soft wood and scratches easily with any dirt or small rocks that may be on the bottom of your shoes. We ask that all guests remove their footwear at the pavilion’s door. You can leave your shoes on the pavilion deck while you tour indoors. We offer shoe covers if you cannot remove your shoes or prefer to leave them on.
Guests are welcome to take as many non-professional/non-commercial photos as they like, provided they stay on the pathways and avoid blocking areas for other guests to move past. We ask you not to bring tripods, light stands, or anything obstructing pathways. Commercial photoshoots and film shoots must be booked in advance through the garden; however, you can access off-the-path areas with the assistance of an accompanying host or hostess. Drones are not allowed at any time.
Yes! Please see our Wedding Book for more information on hosting your special day at Nikka Yuko!
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