Is Kariya Park in Mississauga Worth Visiting?

One of the great things about owning a travel blog is being able to look at destinations through a different lens.

Take for example Mississauga. We have lived in this incredible city for most of our lives, but have only recently started taking a closer look at all it has to offer.

Did you know that there is a hidden Japanese garden in the middle of the city?

We certainly did not! Kariya Park in Mississauga is a true oasis and definitely worth visiting if you are in town.

Is Kariya Park in Mississauga Worth Visiting?

Yes, Kariya Park in Mississauga is definitely worth visiting. The park is known for its beautifully landscaped gardens and serene atmosphere, making it a popular spot for picnics, walks, and relaxation.

In addition to the incredible cherry blossoms, it also features stunning sculptures and a koi pond, adding to its unique charm.

Additionally, Kariya Park is located in the heart of Mississauga, making it a convenient destination for locals and visitors alike.

The History of Kariya Park in Mississauga

In 1981, the cities of Mississauga and Kariya, Japan formed a sister city relationship.

The sister city initiative began in the 1950s. It was a way to promote communications while reducing conflict between nations after the end of World War II.

Today, having a sister city provides opportunities for unique cultural and educational exchanges, as well as enhancing our City’s global reputation and trade.

To celebrate the 11th anniversary of this friendship, Kariya Park in Mississauga officially opened its gates in July of 1992.

Because Japanese gardens pay close attention to aesthetics and balance, the city of Mississauga collaborated closely with Japanese planners on the park’s design.

This ensured that the finished park would be authentically Japanese in both its character and appearance.

Mississauga Park

On the flip side, Japan is also home to a very special garden.

Mississauga Park can be found in the city of Kariya, which is located fifteen kilometres southwest of Nagoya, between Kyoto and Tokyo.

Mississauga Park in Kariya was opened in 2001 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the sister city’s relationship with us.

The park is home to a small version of the Mississauga City Hall as the centrepiece (including a working clock tower!), a large maple leaf structure, and a log cabin.

Also located in Mississauga Park is “The Water Road” sculpture.

Created by the artist John McEwen, the sculpture presents a bear in a canoe, a symbol of Canadian history and culture carried from the past to the future.

What Makes Kariya Park in Mississauga so Special?

As soon as you arrive at Kariya Park, you know that you are in for a treat.

From the gorgeous foliage to the bamboo fencing, it is definitely one of the most welcoming and peaceful parks in Mississauga.

You will find many plants and trees of Japanese origin both at the entrance as well as throughout the park. Ginkgo, Redbud, Sweetgum, Peonies, rhododendrons, Japanese Maples, Magnolias, and of course, Sakuras, adorn the pathways and help to create a serene Zen atmosphere.

🌸 Fun Fact: The Sakura, or Cherry Blossom, is Japan’s official national flower.

But as you meander your way through the park, there are several details to keep your eye out for:

1. The Incredible Mando Matsuri

Near the front entrance of the park, there is an incredible piece of artwork that from afar, depicts the Japanese festival in Kariya, Mando Matsuri.

Celebrated for more than 230 years, Mando Matsuri is a festival held at the Akiba Shrine in Kariya City and involves large and colourful paper lanterns.

Mando Matsuri is a festival not only to ward off accidents involving fire, but to keep the city safe, and also to pray for rain.

🌸 Fun Fact: Mando are paper lantern dolls in the shape of warriors. These can reach up to 5 meters in height and can weigh up to 60 kilograms.

However, upon closer inspection of the artwork, you will notice a photo mosaic of more than 6000 pictures. I couldn’t stop staring at it! It was truly amazing!

These pictures show the friendship and special connection between the people of Kariya and Mississauga.

2. The Bridge and Large Pond

As you pass the Mando Matsuri, you will see the large pond and bridge.

This incredible pond is home to Canadian geese, ducks, koi fish, and even several turtles.

The bridge is a popular spot for photography. So don’t be surprised to see a happy bride and groom smiling for their wedding portraits.

Unfortunately, it also means that getting the perfect photo here can be difficult.

3. The Statue of Friendship

After crossing the bridge, you’ll come across the statue of friendship.

Although you will find plenty of beautiful stone carvings in Kariya Park, this statue seems to attract the most tourists. We found that there was always someone admiring this lovely piece of art.

The sculpture depicts a boy and a girl sitting side by side. The statue of friendship is meant to represent the relationship between the sister cities.

4. The Japanese Pavilion and Friendship Bell

The main focal point of the park, however, is the Pavilion.

This Japanese-style building was designed in two sections, each side representing Mississauga and Kariya.

In the middle of the Pavilion, uniting the two sections is the Friendship Bell.

The bronze bell was created in Japan and donated by Kariya City in the year 2001 to honour the 20th anniversary of the sister city relationship.

Today, it is rung on ceremonial occasions.

If you take a closer look at the bell, you will notice that it is not only adorned with iris flowers but also the symbols of Kariya City – a wild goose (Kari) about to take flight and a figure 8 (Ya).

In addition to the symbols, you will also find an inscription on the bell.

It reads: “By welcoming the new century this bell is produced as a symbol of everlasting friendship between the City of Mississauga and the City of Kariya”.

5. The South Pond

Cross the zig-zag wooden boardwalk by the waterfall and make your way over the marsh containing Japanese irises and other water-loving plants.

You will then come to the south pond, where you will find a few well-placed benches surrounded by large trees.

I found this to be the ideal spot to sit and read a book, enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature, or just do a little quiet contemplation.

Kariya-Park-Cherry-Blossoms-at-south-pond

With its shaded path surrounded by beautiful woodland plants and greenery, the south area of the park tends to be a little less busy making it the perfect place for a stroll.

Where Can I See Cherry Blossoms in Mississauga?

If you are visiting Mississauga in the Spring, make sure to head over to Kariya Park to see the 65 Sakura (cherry) trees.

From late April into early May, you can experience the gorgeous cherry blossoms in full bloom in this incredibly hidden little garden.

Not only will you find several trees outside the gate, but the Kariya Park cherry blossoms also line the paths inside the park.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you stroll through the gardens, which also feature incredible Magnolia trees that bloom around the same time as the Sakuras.

Unfortunately, peak cherry blossom season lasts only for about a week to 10 days.

So you know the park will be pretty crowded, as this is one of the best places in the city to see the Sakuras.

In honour of the 40^th anniversary of the sister-city relationship, the City of Mississauga further enhanced this incredible park by planting six Somei Yoshino Sakura cherry trees, sent as a gift by Kariya’s mayor.

Where is Kariya Park Located?

Kariya Park is actually located right in the heart of downtown Mississauga.

You can find the park across from Square One Shopping Centre, near the intersection of Hurontario Street and Burnhamthorpe Road.

The main entrance can be found at the intersection of Enfield Place and Kariya Drive.

The actual street address of these incredible Mississauga gardens is 3620 Kariya Drive.

How Do You Get to Kariya Park in Mississauga?

The easiest way to get to Kariya Park in Mississauga is by car.

However, if you do not have access to your own vehicle, you can always take a taxi, use a rideshare service, or hop on public transportation.

Kariya Park, as we mentioned, is right across the street from Square One and a major Mississauga Transit hub.

You would have no problem taking a bus to the mall, and then walking the rest of the way to the park.

Looking for somewhere to stay while in Mississauga? Find a complete list of hotel accommodations here.

When is Kariya Park Open?

Kariya Park is open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Although the park is technically open all year round, the garden pathways are not cleared during the winter months.

This means that making your way through the park may not be easy or possible during those times.

Do You Have to Pay to Go to Kariya Park?

No. You do not have to pay for admission to Kariya Park. It is free to use.

Is There Parking at Kariya Park?

No. Unfortunately, Kariya Park does not have its own designated parking lot.

There is, however, metered street parking available on Kariya Drive. Just be aware that street parking is limited, and there is a small parking fee.

We found the metered parking to be quite reasonable, at only $1 per hour on a weekday.

Be sure to display your ticket properly on your windshield, as we noticed several people getting parking tickets when we visited during the busy Sakura season.

The problem is, at peak times (like when the cherry blossoms are in bloom), it may not be easy to find a spot!

Are Dogs Allowed in Kariya Park?

Unfortunately, you cannot bring dogs and other pets into Kariya Park. So it’s best to leave your furry friends at home.

Visiting Kariya Park and Seeing the Cherry Blossoms – FAQs

What months can you see cherry blossoms in Canada?

Called sakura in Japan, the cherry blossom trees in Kariya Park usually bloom from the end of April until early May.

How many cherry blossom trees are there in Kariya Park?

There are currently 65 cherry blossom trees in Kariya Park.

How long do cherry blossoms last in Ontario?

Unfortunately, once the flowers open, they only last from 4-10 days, depending on the weather conditions.

Do cherry blossoms bloom twice a year?

Autumnalis is the only cherry blossom tree known to consistently bloom twice a year. Unfortunately, Kariya Park in Mississauga does not have any of this variety, so you can only see the blooms in spring.

What city has the most cherry blossom trees in the world?

The cherry blossom capital of the world is Macon, Georgia. There, you will find 300,000-350,000 Yoshino cherry blossom trees. The city is so popular in fact, that it holds an annual International Cherry Blossom Festival.

Final Thoughts on Whether Kariya Park in Mississauga is Worth Visiting

Kariya Park in Mississauga is an incredibly peaceful Japanese garden in the midst of a bustling city centre.

If you are visiting Mississauga, we would definitely recommend a quick stop to admire the gorgeous scenery.

Whether you are travelling as a couple or as a family with children, this park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Is Kariya Park in Mississauga Worth Visiting?

Is Kariya Park in Mississauga Worth Visiting?