Seattle: Bainbridge Island: Bloedel Reserve Japanese Garden

Today I want to spotlight a hidden gem on Bainbridge Island, a resort island that is an easy 35 minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. We took the 1:10 ferry, spent a few hours exploring Bloedel Reserve and the main street shopping area for an ice cream, and then rode the ferry and were back in Seattle by 6.  This is a glorious way to spend a Sunday afternoon. 

Riding the ferry takes a little planning, visit the ferry schedule website, arrive 30 minutes (at least) before departure, buy your ticket and get your car in line.  If you car doesn't make the ferry, they just cue you up for the next ferry. They depart every hour.

Okay, I will write about the g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s Bloedel Reserve estate tomorrow, but for now I will woo you with their Japanese Garden.

You can see the serene rock garden (above) - the stones have been raked in patterns and you could quite easily sit and let your mind wander.

There was live music being played on a traditional Japanese instrument. It was lovely to hear the ping-ping wafting through the woods as we approached on the foot path.

The view from the deck on the Japanese house was unbelievable.  I'm not sure if you can see the depth, but it is a large sunken garden with trees, plantings and footpaths. Can you see the gourd bird house hanging (above) from a branch? It fit the scene so well, I hope someone lives there. Can you imagine a bird inside listening to the music?