The Kohan Reflection Garden commemorates the Japanese Canadian citizens who were interned in the region.
The Kohan Reflection Garden in New Denver, British Columbia, is a horticultural gem situated on the southern portion of the historic World War II Japanese Canadian internment lands and serves as a beautiful lakeside contemplative site for visitors and regional residents. The serene Japanese-style public garden was established in 1989 as a lasting tribute to the Japanese Canadians who were forcibly uprooted and interned in the area. Many of those families were relocated to the nearby Orchard internment camp, and the garden now stands as a place of remembrance, healing, and cultural exchange.
Created by the Slocan Lake Garden Society, the “strolling garden” was designed to invite movement and contemplation. For more than 30 years, it has been lovingly maintained by Master Gardener Ray Nikkel, whose careful stewardship has allowed the space to flourish.
Along winding pathways, visitors encounter features such as the historic Teahouse constructed around 1943, a wooden bridge, stone lanterns, a bachi basin, a ceremonial bell, and the last two remaining flowering cherry trees originally planted by the Fujinkai (women’s club) Society. Lily ponds, a dry stream bed, and a cascading waterfall add to the sense of serenity. The horticultural design includes 12 varieties of Japanese maples, four varieties of iris, Itoh peonies, bamboo, azaleas, rhododendrons, and ornamental grasses, creating a landscape that shifts with the seasons. These elements not only highlight the artistry of Japanese garden design but also educate the public about Japanese Canadian heritage. Informational plaques throughout the grounds deepen this connection, and many internee families find comfort and solace here while reflecting on the difficult experiences of their ancestors. In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, the Kohan was designated a site of significance for Japanese Canadian history by Heritage BC in 2017.
Beyond its role as a memorial, the Kohan Reflection Garden is a vital community space. It is open year-round as a no-fee public park, supported by visitor donations, and welcomes a wide range of activities: meditation, reflection, birdwatching, photography, and horticultural education. It also serves as a venue for weddings, memorials, art exhibitions, and cultural performances, bringing people together in a setting that bridges history and the present.
More than simply a garden, Kohan is a living expression of resilience and cultural appreciation. It stands as both a reminder of the hardships endured by Japanese Canadians and a symbol of renewal, offering peace and inspiration to all who visit.
