Carmel’s Kawachinagano Japanese Garden reopens with ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 3

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR), in partnership with Clay Township, the City of Carmel, and Carmel Sister Cities, invites the community to celebrate the grand reopening of the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held from noon to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden at Carmel City Hall.

The ceremony will include brief remarks from Mayor Sue Finkam, along with representatives from Clay Township, Carmel Sister Cities, and CCPR. The ribbon-cutting will mark the reopening of the redesigned garden and kick off the annual Japan Springfest, a community event celebrating Japanese culture and Carmel’s Sister Cities relationship with Kawachinagano, Japan.

The Kawachinagano Japanese Garden offers a peaceful, immersive space designed to reflect traditional Japanese landscape elements while honoring the long-standing cultural connection between the two cities. Clay Township engaged world-renowned designer Hoichi Kurisu, former landscape director for the Oregon-based Japanese Garden Society, to lead the redesign. Recent updates include refinements to the pond, enhancements to the northern garden area, and improved stormwater capacity to support long-term sustainability.

CCPR is pleased to recognize Chuck Hook and Goldfish Gardens for their continued support and generosity in donating an additional 10 premium-colored koi to the Japanese garden pond, further enhancing its beauty and vibrancy.

Klitzing

“This reopening represents not only an investment in a beautiful community space, but also a continued commitment to cultural connection and international friendship,” CCPR Director and CEO Michael Klitzing said. “We’re proud to help steward a space that brings people together and celebrates the unique relationship between Carmel and Kawachinagano.”

The ceremony and ribbon-cutting will take place at the Sukiya Entrance Gate at the front of the garden. This event is free and open to the public.

Following the ribbon-cutting, guests are encouraged to continue the celebration at Japan SpringFest, taking place from noon to 5 p.m. The festival will feature cultural performances, authentic Japanese food, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to learn more about Carmel Sister Cities.

Click here for more information about Japan SpringFest.