The 77-Log Bridge – Nitobe Memorial Gardens, Vancouver, British Columbia

The Nitobe Garden is considered to be the one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in North America and among the top five Japanese gardens outside of Japan, the Nitobe Garden includes a rare authentic Tea Garden with a ceremonial Tea House. The garden honours Inazo Nitobe (1862-1933). Among many other memorials to him is his portrait on the Japanese 5000 yen banknote.

The Nitobe is a Zen garden meticulously designed down to every leaf and stone. The garden may be interpreted as a symbolic ‘journey through life’ from infancy, childhood, teenage years, marriage, adulthood and on to spiritual growth.

There are six water-crossings in the garden, each with its own significance. The 77-log bridge is a curved, traditional earth bridge built with logs and filled with soil and stones. This bridge is of particular note as it is symbolic of Nitobe’s stated desire to be "a bridge over the Pacific."