Richard & Helen Devos Japanese Garden (Meijer Gardens)

Opened in 2015, the Richard & Helen Devos Japanese Garden is a sprawling 8.5 acre Japanese garden. Designed by Hoichi Kurisu, the garden is reminiscent of gardens such as the Portland Japanese Garden, Anderson Gardens, and the Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden. A mix of Japanese and native plants and trees, the garden is one of the most authentic gardens I have had the opportunity to visit. In addition, the garden contains a separate bonsai garden as well as a large dry landscape garden.

Website: https://www.meijergardens.org/gardens/japanese-garden/

Video: https://vimeo.com/687170879

The large entry gate reminded my of the gate at the Anderson Japanese Gardens. Once within, there are two routes that one can take, both of which take the visitor around the perimeter of the garden and introduce multiple side areas worth exploring.

This shishi-odoshi (deer chaser) was a nice feature, and one of the loudest I have ever heard.

Four waterfalls along the perimeter do an excellent job of reducing noise from the surrounding community. The garden is large, but the neighboring communities are full of suburban sprawl and traffic. However, once in the garden that noise quickly dissipates. 

There are several "island" pavilions where visitors can rest and take in the view.

The boat landing and traditional style boat was unique and something I have not seen in other gardens.

The zig-zag bridge was extensive. I would argue it was a bit heavy with the railings, but I understand that given the number of yearly visitors, it was probably a safety concern.

The Japanese teahouse is a significant feature, having been built in Japan and reassembled on site. Its only accessible on specific days, but is still a site to behold while strolling through the garden.

The steps and pathway leading to the teahouse gate were excellent examples of stone-lined walkways.

The Koshikake shelter at the entryway to the teahouse was a nice feature with wonderful views of the pond and its large bridge. The stone work at its base was excellent

Crossing the bridge brings one to an island pavilion with views of the teahouse area.

An extensive dry-landscape Zen garden is another major feature of the garden. Similar to Ryōan-ji in Kyoto Japan, this Zen garden was immense and well managed. One of the best I have experience in North America.

The smaller West Gate allows visitors to enter from the far side of the garden. Although much smaller than the main gate, its beauty was nonetheless impressive.

An extensive bonsai collection also added to the many features of this magnificent garden.

Without a doubt the Richard & Helen Devos Japanese Garden is one of the largest and best gardens I have had an opportunity to visit in North America. Its size, authenticity, numerous features, and beauty make it a garden well worth visiting if one is looking to experience a Japanese garden outside of Japan.