Events: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden

Japanese Language Classes

Japanese Language Classes

Japanese Language Classes – Intermediate 2.0 Ready to build on your Japanese skills? Our Intermediate classes are perfect for those who’ve completed the beginner level or want to sharpen their “survival Japanese”! Dates: July 24 – August 21 Thursdays: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Instructor: Tomoko Ages: 12+ Cost: $100/person for 5 classes Nikka Yuko…

Caring for a Prince of Wales Juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Prince of Wales’)

Caring for a Prince of Wales Juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Prince of Wales’)

Caring for a Prince of Wales Juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Prince of Wales’) in Lethbridge, Alberta, involves providing the plant with the right growing conditions to thrive in the local climate, which can be quite cold and dry. The Prince of Wales Juniper is a hardy evergreen shrub, making it an excellent choice for landscaping in…

Nikka Yuko Summer Camps

Nikka Yuko Summer Camps

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is excited to introduce Summer Day Camps, an engaging, educational, and fun-filled 2-days of activities for youth aged 9-13 hosted by our highly trained and knowledgeable staff. Participants will learn about the history and unique culture of Japan, Japanese Canadians in Southern Alberta, and Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. Participants will have…

Anime Movie Night – Ponyo

Anime Movie Night – Ponyo

Anime Movie Nights at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Every 2nd Thursday of the Month | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM(Except October — alternate date due to room availability)Location: Prairie Grass Garden(BC LG Room will be used in case of inclement weather)Admission: $15 per personIncludes: Garden admission, anime screening, Ramune soda, and popcorn Enjoy a magical evening under…

Canada Day 2025

Canada Day 2025

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | Open 10:00 AM – 11:00 PMLast entry at 10:30 PMCelebrate Canada Day in a space that blends serenity, culture, and community. From live performances and tea ceremonies to storytelling through film and fireworks—Nikka Yuko is your one-stop destination for a meaningful, memorable day. AdmissionGeneral Admission: $15 (includes one drink +…

Father’s Day Festival

Father’s Day Festival

Celebrate Father’s Day at the Garden! Sunday, June 15 | Gates Open at 10:00 AMLocation: Bunka Centre Garden Treat Dad to a day he won’t forget—filled with fun, food, and family time in a beautiful Japanese garden setting! Festival Admission: $15/person – includes a drink, cookie and event access! Children under 5: Free Event Highlights…

Mezame (Awakening) Sessions (June)

Mezame (Awakening) Sessions (June)

Date: Sunday, June 8 Time: 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM (Guided Meditation Class) Location: Bunka Centre – Large Venue Room Optional Garden Walk: 11:15 AM to garden closing Includes: Choice of Green or Chrysanthemum tea Cost: $30/person Capacity: Maximum 25 participants Note: Please bring your own yoga mat or rent one from us. Deeply inspired by Zen Buddhism, Devasis (Dev) Dasgupta embraces a…

Caring for a Nest Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)

Caring for a Nest Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)

Caring for a Nest Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) in cold and dry climates involves providing the right conditions to thrive in the region’s cold, dry climate. Nest Spruce is a compact, ornamental evergreen that can tolerate the harsh winters of the area, but it will require some attention to ensure it stays healthy and vibrant….

Caring for a Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)

Caring for a Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)

Caring for a Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) in Lethbridge, Alberta, requires attention to the plant’s preferences and the unique climate of the area. Nannyberry is a hardy native shrub, often used in landscaping for its attractive berries and fall color. This guide is based on firsthand experience from the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, Alberta—a city located in hardiness…

Caring for a Blue Chip Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Chip’)

Caring for a Blue Chip Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Chip’)

Caring for a Blue Chip Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Chip’) in Lethbridge, Alberta, requires understanding the plant’s needs and adapting them to the region’s cold, dry climate. The Blue Chip Juniper is a low-growing, spreading evergreen with attractive blue-green foliage, making it a great choice for ground cover, borders, or rock gardens. This guide is…

Caring for a Globe Caragana (Caragana arborescens) 

Caring for a Globe Caragana (Caragana arborescens) 

If you’re looking for a tough, low-maintenance shrub that can handle unpredictable weather, Globe Caragana (Caragana arborescens) is a great choice. Globe Caragana is a compact, ornamental evergreen that can tolerate cold winters, dry summers, and a variety of soil types—making it an excellent addition to your yard. Here’s how to keep your Next Spruce…

Caring for a Preston Lilac (Syringa x prestoniae)

Caring for a Preston Lilac (Syringa x prestoniae)

Successfully growing a Preston Lilac requires thoughtful consideration of your local climate and soil conditions. This guide is based on firsthand experience from the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, Alberta—a city located in hardiness zone 4B, where winters are cold, and the climate is relatively dry. You can also see Preston Lilac by visiting Nikka Yuko. Planting Location: Full Sun:…

Winter Light Festival – Nikka Yuko

Winter Light Festival – Nikka Yuko

Welcome to our annual Winter Light Festival experience! We hope you will enjoy this year’s light display celebrating the seasons! The garden will be separated into four sections, designed to capture the essence of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Don’t forget to check out our giant Lite-Brite display made by Wesbridge Construction inside the Kid’s Corner! If you would like to add the Kamakura [Igloo] Projection Dome, to your experience, use the add-on option in the ticket levels (labelled in black). This add-on does not include garden admission and must be purchased with an admission ticket. This experience is not available on Fridays in January and February, instead, it is reserved for our Date Night in the Dome bookings, available on our website.  For more information on special events, bookings and garden history please visit our website: nikkayuko.com

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden: A Symbol of Friendship and Cultural Harmony

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden: A Symbol of Friendship and Cultural Harmony

Established in 1967 to commemorate Canada’s Centennial, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden stands as a tribute to the contributions of Japanese Canadians to Lethbridge, Alberta, and as a lasting symbol of international friendship. The name “Nikka Yuko” blends elements of both Japanese and English: Ni (from Nihon, meaning Japan), Ka (from Canada), and Yuko (meaning friendship), representing the deep connection between the two nations. Opening…