Definitely a hidden gem to have but it's small and unfortunately there's a homeless camp living behind the park. We think it's an otherwise calming place but we don't always feel safe there. read more

I took my daughter to Yashiro Japanese Gardens expecting it to be a relaxing and inspiring experience. I also wanted to experience our local Asian culture. I was very disappointed and a little embarrassed. The whole garden was in a state of neglect. There were leaves floating on the Koi Pond, which was the home of only two Koi. Furthermore there was algae growing in the pond which gave it the appearance of a swamp. The rest of the garden appeared neglected. There were no labels identifying the plants. Identifying plants is minimum expectation of a public garden. I would preferred a reference to their significance. At bare minimum the garden could have weeded and raked. I feel this garden was a disgrace to the city of Olympia and an insult to our Asian population read more

Was a bit hard to find I kept going around in circles but it was a nice small park There was no one there and we stayed until the garden closed. I wish there was more to look at though. read more

Pretty small and there was a homeless camp right next to it. Took 2 minutes to complete.

A very beautiful garden but it feels a bit underwhelming. Parking can be hard to find and you'll likely see the whole thing in under 15 minutes. It seems like a nice place to enjoy a book for an hour or so. I wish that they had built solid walls all the way around, seeing the gas station through chainlink fence on one side ruins the emersion. It also seemed a bit unkempt and could use a bit more time with the gardeners. read more

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Such a peaceful place to go for a walk. It's small but a nice place to clear your mind. read more

Yashiro Japanese Garden - Parks Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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What is so nice about so many towns along Puget Sound is that almost all of them have a Japanese Garden or something very botanical to offer. This Japanese themed park is very tiny, but free! It is kept up pretty well and there are nice features and decorations here to emphasize the theme. As I said before, the park is tiny so a stroll around it doesn't take long at all so best go here with the intention of a picnic, sitting or meditating because you are on the other side of the park in no time at all! read more

Here I was thinking that a crappy vacant lot with some trees was the famed Olympia Japanese Garden. I was off by two blocks! This small but awesome garden was particularly tranquil when we visited, owing to a gentle snow of cottonwood seeds. Very soothing layout with a few nooks to sit and contemplate the greater meaning of things. HIghly recommended for Olympians. read more

I was generally underwhelmed during visits to the Japanese Garden, both in the winter and the summer. It's a tiny postage stamp on busy Plum Street right beside a gas station. While it seemed to be well-kept, it was fairly unusable and I don't recall even seeing a bench on which to sit. There also wasn't another soul during either of my visits, perhaps a testament to the lack of function of the park. I do appreciate that the city invested in such a park, but it would benefit from an expansion and some more seating areas. read more

This small quaint little garden is tucked behind the Chevron gas station & across from the Olympia Justice Center. I think this would be a very nice place to sit and review your day, reflect on issues that boggle your mind, or sprinkle a little bread crumbs into the very peaceful koi pond and watch the koi glide through the water. The path is not paved ahd circles back around toward the entrances or exits of the garden. You walk through the bamboo and have the option to sit on one of the many benches well placed in this peaceful garden. The koi are very nice and plump and move through the water unlike any other fish I've seen. I see why one could gain tranquility and peace just by watching them move. The little fountain that leads into the koi pond is also very peaceful. The park is very small but it's very nice. A park doesn't need to be huge to make an impression. I will be back, this garden is just my size and has everything I desire. read more

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Better visit quickly before this place is degraded. July 25, 2018 11:11 AM City of Olympia staff is proposing the city spend $1.4 million a year to operate two homeless camps for about 80 people. The first to open would be on a quarter-acre lot the city owns off Plum Street Southeast next to the Yashiro Japanese Garden. Read more here: https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article215499095.html#storylink=cpy read more

What's fun about this garden is that it's a hidden gem, openly tucked away near the heart of Olympia. I lived by it for a few years before becoming aware of it and eventually checking it out. Despite being close to two major roads and a gas station, the environment is peaceful, quiet and still. One can hear the water of the fountain splash into the murky koi pond, and look at the large fish. This place is very small though and takes but a few minutes to stroll through completely - best suited for slow moving folks or perhaps meditation. Cool statues, and small but nice trails make this place memorable and fun. read more

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Beautiful little garden tucked away in the city. Very lush greens and vegetation. There are a few benches and places to sit. A nice place to take lunch and step away from the city. It's very quiet and peaceful. read more

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A nice oasis in the middle of the city! Even though it is pretty small, it is nicely kept and a tranquil experience to walk through and just slow down for a minute. read more

I keep seeing 2-3 star reviews saying things like "too small" or "no benches" and this makes me mad! There so too are benches, and plenty of flat rocks to rest on if you like that (I do). And for those of you who don't like the small size; this place is free!! It takes a lot of effort to maintain all those plants. This isn't a park so stop comparing it to one. They maintain the garden well, but also let it grow ever so slightly wild here and there for a more natural look. There's so many flowers.~ And there's lots of places to explore within despite the small size. Very tranquil and absolutely gorgeous. The only reason this isn't five stars is because there's chain link fence, but the dense foliage hides a lot of it anyway. It's kinda cool to peek from such an un-city-like place to see a road and parking lot. It just adds to experience for me. read more

Olympia's small hidden gem. Nice park for a small stroll or picnic.

Nice, secluded area but not always well maintained. Koi pond is pretty gross and green currently, nearly impossible to see the fish. But still a quiet spot to clear your mind (if you can ignore the homeless people.) read more