Yes, a beautiful and peaceful Japanese garden has been created in Tucson at 2130 N. Alvernon Way, just due south of the Tucson Botanical Garden on the same side of the street. Press release:

Tucson and its tourist economy gain the area’s first authentic Japanese garden and a unique new visitor attraction. The non-profit Gardens are located at 2130 Alvernon Way, immediately south of the Tucson Botanical Gardens.

Yume Japanese Gardens showcases five traditional Japanese garden designs on three quarters of an acre. While many of the more than 250 other Japanese gardens in the U.S. are larger, Yume is the southernmost garden in the West and the closest garden to Mexico, making it a convenient destination for travelers from across the border as well as from across the Southwest. The Gardens are projected to draw as many as 20,000 visitors during the first year of operation.

“Yume means “dream” in Japanese,” says the Gardens founder and executive director Patricia Deridder, a Belgian who developed her love of Japanese gardens during a 15-year stay in Japan as a young woman. “It has always been my dream to create an authentic Japanese garden to introduce people to the creative force of Japanese culture.”

Deridder adds, “Yume is a place where you can get in touch with nature and with yourself.” Revealing pathways and layered plantings offer intimate courtyard views of classical Japanese imagery. A Zen contemplative garden, a stone and gravel garden representing sea and islands, and a tranquil strolling pond garden with koi provide further examples of Japanese garden styles. The Gardens were under construction for nearly a year.

Several of us in the Japanese American community were treated to a sneak preview of the garden in October and these three photos were taken by Lew Stallman, husband of Sachiko Suzuki Stallman, who is originally from Japan.

The public is invited begin visiting the Yume Japanese Garden on Saturday January 19, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thanks to the vision, creativity and generosity of Patricia Deridder, this beautiful addition to the gardens of Tucson will be a welcome treat to both locals and visitors. I especially love the koi pond which is the highlight of the garden (see photo below).

For more information contact Assistant Director Allen Boraiko at (520)343-0926 or email P. Deridder at yume@tucsonjapanesegardens.com.

Ticket prices:
Adult $9
Senior (65 & over) $7
Students/Military (with ID) $6
Children ages 3 to 15 $5
Children 2 and under FREE

Group rates (10 or more, need 2 weeks advance booking, one payment): $8, Seniors/Military $6, Students/Children $4

Website: www.tucsonjapanesegardens.com, phone (520) 445-2957.5

Photos of January 15 invitation only grand opening: http://tucsoncitizen.com/community/2013/01/16/yume-japanese-gardens-grand-opening-photos/