Moon Bridge at Kubota Garden

The Moon Bridge at Kubota Garden is a wooden footbridge with a high arch design that crosses a waterway within the garden's grounds. The structure connects different sections and accommodates both pedestrians and bicycle riders.

Founder Fujitaro Kubota integrated this bridge into his garden project in 1927, bringing Japanese architectural elements to Seattle. The design reflected his vision of establishing traditional landscape principles in the Pacific Northwest.

The bridge embodies traditional East Asian design principles where the arch and its reflection form a complete circle in the water below. Visitors can experience this optical effect today by crossing and observing how the curve mirrors itself on the surface.

Access to the bridge is free during daylight hours, and there is no entrance fee for the garden. The structure remains open year-round and is easy to navigate for both walkers and cyclists.

The structure simultaneously functions as a moon bridge and bicycle bridge, merging traditional Japanese garden design with modern utility. This dual purpose makes it a rare example of adapting classical design concepts to contemporary needs.