Japan’s Imperial Highness Princess Takamado visited the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s Japanese Garden on June 15, touring the grounds with local officials and members of a Japanese delegation. The visit occurred during her trip to Texas, where she serves as the Honorary Patron of the Japan Football Association.
The Princess explored the 7.5-acre landscape alongside Patrick Newman, president and chief executive officer of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and Harvey Yamagata, president of the Fort Worth Japanese Society. Garden staff and volunteer docents also accompanied the group. The tour highlighted the garden’s winding pathways, koi-filled ponds, traditional bridges, and cultivated plantings.
Several distinguished guests joined the delegation. His Excellency Shigeo Yamada, the Ambassador of Japan to the United States, was present. Also attending were Takeshi Koyama, the Consul-General of Japan in Houston, and his spouse, Rie Koyama. Kazuyuki Yukawa, General Secretary of the Japan Football Association, was also part of the group.
Designed as a traditional strolling garden, the space has welcomed visitors since 1973. It features cherry trees, Japanese maples, magnolias, and bamboo, creating a landscape intended to reflect Japanese horticulture and design in North Texas. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden described the stop as an honor, providing a peaceful setting for reflection during the Princess’s time in the state.
The garden has received recognition for its tranquility. In 2024, the environmental sound platform earth.fm ranked it the most peaceful place in Texas and the seventh quietest destination in the United States. The ranking cited low ambient noise levels and positive visitor reviews. The shaded paths and flowing water offer visitors a quiet environment, particularly during the hotter months in the region.
