Skip links

Governance

Lethbridge & District Japanese Garden Society

Board of Directors

Dawn Sugimoto

Dawn Sugimoto

President

Gideon Fujiwara

Dr. Gideon Fujiwara

Vice President

Timothy Koba

Treasurer

Erin Crane

Erin Crane

Secretary

Janet Adachi-Elkjaer

Rob Janzen

Rachel Hopf

Dr. Carly Adams

Visitors who experience our world-class destination will be nurtured by the garden landscape, architecture, and programming, and be inspired by the beauty of our diverse community.

    • Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is the destination.
    • The Garden is unique and universal.
    • The Garden will be here as long as the city exists.
    • The Society is the appropriate steward to preserve and maintain the Garden.
    • The Garden represents the community that nurtures it.
    • We maintain a link to the past and a connection to the future.
    • We are the right people to tell the story.
    • Our programming and experiences provide good value for people wanting to return.
    • When people leave the Garden, they will be better and feel healthier than when they came in.

COLLABORATION: chōwa 調和
Through harmonious relationships, we grow and preserve the garden.

  • Lethbridge is celebrated and promoted through our work with local businesses and partners, and we are an integral part of a thriving community.
  • Community members steward the Garden through ever-increasing engagement and commitment that will ensure its preservation and growth.
  • Our community members and partners are enriched through the programs and experiences we deliver together.

EDUCATION: seicho 成⻑
People gain a deeper understanding, bridge cultural and generational divides, build an inclusive community, and we are inspired to share their knowledge with others.

  • People who visit us gain an increased understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture and history and collaborations of the Nikkei community in Southern Alberta.
  • People who engage with our Garden experience diversity and inclusivity through bridges to connect with different cultures and generations.
  • People will have an increased understanding and appreciation for landscape architecture and horticulture.

DESTINATION: meisho 名所
Visitors from all over the world experience our unique Southern Alberta culture, energizing our local communities.

  • The Garden is the premier attraction and the main reason people visit Lethbridge.
  • Visiting our Garden is an essential tradition for our Lethbridge & District residents.
  • People are spiritually, mentally and physically healthier because of the social, cultural and horticultural connections and memories they make at the Garden.

2024/2025

Annual General Meeting

2024/2025 AGM Booklet

Our Mission
基本理念

The Lethbridge & District Japanese Garden Society, celebrates the influences of people of Japanese ancestry, narrating the history of this region through garden architecture, the natural environment, and the culture in Southern Alberta.

Posted on Google Google
P K profile picture
P K
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Always a delight to visit the gardens. This year we took part in a Sake Tasting (highly recommend) and enjoyed the festival of lights. There's a great gift shop on site.
Posted on Google Google
TheFoodietravelers V&K profile picture
TheFoodietravelers V&K
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The winter festival is a nice way to spend 30 minutes of your time. Beautiful lights. If you purchase your tickets at the door you get a cookie and hot chocolate included with your admission price. That is not the same as the online price. It would be nice though if they added a few more places with a little more fires and it would also be nice if you could a full poop. But otherwise a nice little place.
Posted on Google Google
Brenda Impey profile picture
Brenda Impey
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Japanese Gardens Lethbridge are a delight! The winter lights festival 2024 was enchanting!
Posted on Google Google
Sharalyn Patching profile picture
Sharalyn Patching
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Beautiful. Loved Loved the theme this year seasons. Seasons in Canada 🇨🇦
Posted on Google Google
Rajesh RJZ profile picture
Rajesh RJZ
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
A good place to visit a light show with family and friends as a relaxed night out. Don't expect big and fancy things. They do provide complimentary drinks and cookies :)
Posted on Google Google
Michael Bruining profile picture
Michael Bruining
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Went for the light display and it was beautiful. It was an awesome date activity after dinner when it was nice and dark. All the staff were super friendly and helpful.
Corporate Sponsors