Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors
Kobe Terrace
A peaceful one-acre terraced hillside park in Seattle's International District, commemorating the sister-city bond between Seattle and Kobe, Japan, with cherry trees and a historic stone lantern.
What is Kobe Terrace known for?
Kobe Terrace is a one-acre terraced hillside park in Seattle's International District that commemorates the friendship between Seattle and its sister city, Kobe, Japan. It is known for its Mt. Fuji cherry trees, winding pathways, and a 200-year-old, four-ton Yukimidoro stone lantern.
What are the hours for Kobe Terrace?
The park's listed hours are 6 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
When is the best time to visit for cherry blossoms?
Many visitors come to the park in late March when numerous cherry trees are in bloom throughout the landscape.
What can I see and do at the park?
Visitors can enjoy walking, viewing, and quiet sitting along pathways that offer views of Mount Rainier to the south and eye-level views of the freeway. The lower section of the park also features the Danny Woo Community Garden, which contains resident-tended plots of herbs, vegetables, and flowers.
Where is Kobe Terrace located?
The park is located at 650 Main St, Seattle, WA 98104, on the northeast edge of the International District. It is bounded by 6th Avenue S., S. Washington Street, Interstate 5, and S. Main Street.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
Kobe Terrace is a one-acre urban pocket park situated on the northeast edge of Seattle's International District, specifically within the historic Japantown area. The park occupies the land bounded by 6th Avenue S., S. Washington Street, Interstate 5, and S. Main Street. It serves as a living monument to the friendship between Seattle and its sister city, Kobe, Japan. The hillside is designed as a series of terraces adorned with Mt. Fuji cherry trees and interwoven ground vines. Winding pathways lead visitors upward, offering a unique perspective where they can see cars flashing along the adjacent freeway. The upper terrace is specifically designed as a contemplative space, featuring a four-ton, 200-year-old Yukimidoro stone lantern. This lantern was presented to the city by Mayor Tatsuo Miyazaki of Kobe in 1976 to honor the United States Bicentennial. At the lower section of the park, visitors will find the Danny Woo International District Community Garden. This space is divided into small, resident-tended plots where community members grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The upper portion of the park provides scenic views toward Mount Rainier to the south. Each year in late March, the park becomes a focal point for visitors as the cherry blossoms bloom throughout the landscape, transforming the hillside into a vibrant display of floral beauty.
Visitor tips
- Visit in late March to experience the peak of the Mt. Fuji cherry blossoms.
- The park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Allow a few minutes to walk from the heart of the International District to the northeast edge near I-5.
Nearby context
Located on the northeast edge of the International District, Kobe Terrace is a peaceful retreat near the Wing Luke Asian Museum and the heart of the neighborhood's shops and services.
Sources
Evidence and links
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International Terrace | Seattle Housing Authority
Located near the heart of the International District, International Terrace is close to several grocery stores, small neighborhood markets,…
seattlehousing.org -
Kobe Terrace - Parks | seattle.gov
This terraced hillside on the northeast edge of the International District is adorned with Mt. Fuji cherry trees and laced with ground vine…
seattle.gov -
Kobe Terrace (Seattle) - Wikipedia
Kobe Terrace is a 1-acre (4,000 m2) public park in the International District neighborhood of Seattle, Washington.
en.wikipedia.org -
Kobe Terrace - Clio
Kobe Terrace is a one-acre urban pocket park that commemorates Seattle's friendship with its Sister City of Kobe, Japan.
theclio.com -
Kobe Terrace Park - Beautiful Washington
This amazing terraced hillside park is located in the International District (its northeast edge) part of Seattle, just West of I-5.
beautifulwashington.com -
Kobe Terrace Park | Japanese-City.com
Kobe Terrace Park is a peaceful hillside park located in Seattle's historic Japantown within the Chinatown-International District.
japanese-city.com