Discover Kariya Park in Mississauga
Kariya Park is a garden in Mississauga, Ontario, representing the friendship between the Canadian city and its sister city, Kariya, in Japan. Centrally located near Square One Shopping Centre, Ontario’s largest shopping mall, Kariya Park stands out amongst other city parks in the area due to its unique Japanese-inspired design. The park's entrance is marked by Kariya’s official city flower, the purple rabbit-ear iris, which blooms later in the season. Inside the park, the ponds, bridges, pavilion, and walkways are all designed to evoke a sense of peace and contemplation, making Kariya Park an ideal location for relaxation and reflection.
Kariya Park’s History: Twinning Cities
Kariya Park was born from the global movement of city twinning that emerged after World War II. The goal was to foster international cooperation and respect by establishing sister city relationships. Mississauga and Kariya, Japan, formalized their sister city relationship in 1981, recognizing the potential for cultural exchange and economic collaboration.
The park was officially opened on July 7, 1992, to commemorate the 11th anniversary of this relationship. Designed as a collaborative effort between Canadian and Japanese planners, Kariya Park captures the essence of a traditional Japanese garden. The park’s design focuses on harmony, balance, and tranquility, mirroring the aesthetic principles that are central to Japanese culture.
Visitors to Kariya Park can also learn about Mississauga’s counterpart in Japan, where a replica of the Mississauga City Hall stands in Kariya’s own Mississauga Park. This exchange of cultural symbols highlights the deep connection between the two cities and offers a unique insight into how each city celebrates the other’s heritage.
Design Features of Kariya Park
Kariya Park's creation was not only a celebration of the sister city bond but also a way to introduce Mississauga's residents and visitors to the beauty and cultural significance of Japanese gardens. The park’s features, such as its cherry blossom trees, cascading waterfall, and picturesque trails, provide a peaceful sanctuary that contrasts with the urbanized city landscape surrounding it.
The park’s landscape is thoughtfully curated to reflect Japanese values of simplicity and natural beauty—from rocks and waterfalls to the arrangement of flowers—reflecting Japan's cultural heritage. As visitors wander through the grounds they are greeted by ginkgo trees, Japanese maples, and peonies, creating an environment that feels authentically Japanese.
Here is a closer look at the features of Kariya Park:
Japanese Pavilion
Upon entering Kariya Park, visitors are greeted by a traditional Japanese pavilion, a beautiful structure representing the enduring friendship between Mississauga and Kariya. This pavilion is divided into two sections, symbolizing the connection between the two cities.
Friendship Bell
One of the most striking features of Kariya Park is the Friendship Bell, located within the pavilion. This large bronze bell, a gift from Kariya City, is another reminder of the lasting friendship of the twin cities. The bell is carved with symbols representing both Mississauga and Kariya, including maple leaves and iris flowers, and is rung during special ceremonial occasions.
Tsukubai Basin
Near the main entrance, you'll find a tsukubai basin, a small, cup-shaped stone structure traditionally used in Japan for ritual purification before entering sacred spaces. Traditionally this would be used for washing the hands and rinsing the mouth. This simple yet impactful feature adds to the park's authentic Japanese atmosphere.
Pond and Wildlife
The park then unfolds through winding gravel pathways, leading to a bridge and large pond. This bridge is a popular spot for photography, with the pavilion as a scenic backdrop and glimpses to be caught of the pond's wildlife, and the iconic cherry blossom trees.
The pond contains various wildlife, including koi fish, ducks, geese, and turtles. Visitors can enjoy watching these creatures in their natural habitat, but it's essential to remember that feeding the wildlife is discouraged to maintain the park's delicate ecosystem.
The Statue of Friendship
Continuing your journey through the park, you’ll encounter the Statue of Friendship, a charming sculpture of a boy and a girl sitting side by side with joyful expressions. This statue captures the spirit of camaraderie and friendship that Kariya Park embodies, it is another visual reminder of the bond between the sister cities.
South Pond and Turtle Rock
Kariya is home to many ponds. The South Pond area offers a more secluded spot within the park, where water cascades down rocks into a shaded pond. One of the unique attractions here is Turtle Rock, a large stone resembling a turtle basking in the sunlight. This peaceful spot is perfect for a quiet walk or simply sitting and absorbing the natural beauty around you.
Zen Garden
The Zen garden, also known as the Rock Garden, is a space designed for meditation and rest. The carefully raked patterns in the gravel and thoughtfully placed stones create a calming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to relax and relinquish life’s everyday stresses.
Seasonal Flowers
Kariya Park’s landscape changes with the seasons. In spring the cherry blossoms wow visitors and are arguably the park’s main feature. But there are other beautiful trees and plants, such as Japanese Maples, sweetgum trees, and ginkgo, which offer a colorful display throughout the year.
Cherry Blossoms at Kariya Park
Kariya Park is home to approximately 80 cherry blossom trees, a generous gift from the city of Kariya, Japan. These trees represent renewal and optimism; their blossoming marks the arrival of spring in Mississauga and has become one of Kariya Park’s most popular features.
Every spring, typically in late April or early May, the park's cherry trees burst into a stunning display of pink and white blossoms. This fleeting period, lasting only about one to two weeks, attracts visitors from all over the Greater Toronto Area who come to experience the beauty of the sakura (cherry blossoms).
Viewing the cherry blossom trees at Kariya Park is a more intimate and accessible alternative to the larger crowds at Toronto’s High Park. Visitors to Kariya Park during this time can also participate in the Japanese tradition of hanami, or flower viewing, a practice that celebrates the beauty of the blossoms.
Visiting Kariya Park
Kariya Park is open to the public seven days a week from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. It is conveniently located on Kariya Drive, just off Burnhamthorpe Road, making it easily accessible by car or public transit. While there is limited paid parking on the street, visitors can also park at the nearby Square One Shopping Centre and make the short walk to the park.
During the warmer months, Kariya Park is a popular spot for weddings and professional photoshoots, especially when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. However, it's important to obtain a permit for any commercial photography. The park’s walkways are not maintained during the winter months, so accessibility might be limited during this time.
Tips for Visiting
To preserve the park’s beauty and tranquility, visitors are encouraged to follow a few simple guidelines:
- Stay on designated paths.
- Respect the cherry blossom trees; do not climb on them or take clippings.
- Dogs are not permitted in the park.
- Proper waste disposal is important—take your trash with you.
- Avoiding feeding the wildlife to maintain the park's natural balance.
Explore Beyond Kariya Park with Citydays
While Kariya Park provides a unique glimpse into Japanese culture right in the heart of Mississauga, there’s much more to discover in and around the city. If you’re interested in exploring other hidden gems we think you will enjoy one of our CityDays Treasure Hunts in Toronto and in particular, the Old Town Hunt.
Our urban adventures bring the secrets of Toronto to life in a fun and interactive way, so you can uncover the history of the city whilst exploring its often overlooked places of interest such as historic marketplaces and an intriguing fountain.
Along the way, you and your teammates will solve puzzles and clues that interact with the streets themselves to unlock fascinating facts as well as uncover great cafes, pubs, and plenty of surprises.
The Old Town Hunt is an ideal trail for locals, visitors and anyone looking to make the most of this unique and fascinating area. We think you’ll love it but for more information on this tour, and our other Toronto adventures click here: Toronto Urban Adventures | CityDays.
