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Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors

Chiyo’s Garden

A poignant memorial garden tucked away in an alley, honoring Chiyo Murakami and the enduring legacy of Seattle's Japanese American community within the historic International District.

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What is Chiyo’s Garden known for?

Chiyo’s Garden is a memorial that honors Chiyoko Murakami and the generations of her family that followed. It is considered one of Japantown's community treasures and serves as a stop on the Japanese American Remembrance Trail.

Where is Chiyo’s Garden located?

The garden is located in the alley behind the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington at 1414 S Weller St in Seattle’s International District, within the Nihonmachi Alley area.

What are the hours?

The alley containing the garden is open to the public at all times.

What is the history of the garden?

The garden honors Chiyo Murakami, the daughter of Sanzo and Matsuyo Murakami, who built the adjacent building. The site features a fence that tracks Seattle's Japanese American population from 1896 to 2013.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Chiyo’s Garden is a serene memorial located in the alley behind the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington at 1414 S Weller St. The site honors Chiyoko Murakami, the daughter of Sanzo and Matsuyo Murakami, who were first-generation Japanese Americans known as Issei. The Murakamis were the original builders of the adjacent Jackson Building, creating a deep physical and emotional link between the garden and the surrounding architecture. As a key stop on the Japanese American Remembrance Trail, the garden serves as a reflection on the stories of Seattle’s original Japantown. The site is designated as stop #6 on this heritage route, which is anchored by the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington, the Wing Luke Museum, and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. It is also integrated into the Nihonmachi Alley, a permanent public exhibit space that showcases community treasures. The garden's design incorporates historical data into its physical structure. A fence surrounding the green area tracks the Japanese American population of Seattle over time, with data spanning from 1896 to 2013. This detail transforms the space from a simple garden into a living timeline of the community's growth and resilience. Tragically, Chiyo's life was cut short by tuberculosis, though historical accounts vary on the timing. One record suggests she died in 1920 at age 5, while another states she passed away on January 3, 1937, at age 22, in an upstairs room of the Jackson Building. Regardless of the date, the garden remains a public space dedicated to her memory and the generations that followed.

Visitor tips

  • The alley is publicly accessible at all times, making it a flexible stop for any itinerary.
  • Look for the population timeline on the fence to understand the demographic shifts of the neighborhood.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the garden is located within the Nihonmachi Alley exhibit area.

Nearby context

Located in Seattle's International District, the garden is a vital part of the Nihonmachi Alley. It sits adjacent to the Jackson Building and the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington, placing it in the heart of the city's original Japantown heritage zone.

Sources

Evidence and links