Asian Attractions in Seattle
The Chinatown-International District spans some 44-blocks south of downtown Seattle, bound by Yesler Way and Dearborn Street on the north and south, and Interstate-5 and Fourth Avenue on the east and west and is full of attractions.
Seattle Chinese Gardens
The 4.6-acre Seattle Chinese Garden will be one of the largest
Chinese gardens outside of China, showcasing not only plants, but also stone,
architecture and water elements that are customary to Chinese gardens. It offers
a beautiful, natural escape from the city. Within the garden, many architectural
elements are in place, including the pavilion, and the plants are filling in.
Dense and complex, it will change dramatically with each season. The Seattle
Chinese Garden, will reveal commanding views of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay
and the Cascade Mountains. The Garden will also feature 12 buildings, including
an education center and a banquet hall with special event seating for up to 200
people. The Garden’s 85-foot Floating Clouds Pavilion will soar over the Garden,
placed on an axis with the Space Needle. Free guided tours on the first
Saturdays at 1 p.m., meet at the Horticulture Building at South Seattle
Community College, 6000 16th Ave. S.W., north parking lot entrance. Call
206-282-8040 for more info.
Wing Luke Asian Museum, Seattle
The
only pan-Asian American museum in the United States devoted to the collection,
preservation and display of Asian Pacific American culture, history and art with
projects inspired and created by community members. Located in the heart of
Seattle's International District 407 7th Avenue South. Seattle, WA. 98104. Call
206.623.5124 for more info.
Kobe Terrace, Seattle
This terraced hillside on the northeast edge of Seattle International District
is adorned with Mt. Fuji cherry trees and laced with ground vines and pathways
winding alongside the freeway. The trees and a four-ton, 200-year-old Yukimidoro
stone lantern on the hilltop were gifts from the people of Seattle's sister
city, Kobe, Japan. Park hours: 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Location: 221 6th Ave S. Chinese Gate Restaurant, Seattle
Built
in 1924 and originally a Chinese opera house, this restaurant eventually became
one of Seattle's most popular night clubs, often featuring African-American jazz
musicians. 516 7th Ave S
Seattle, WA 98104. Phone: 206-624-1730.
Uwajimaya, Seattle
Originally a fish market (built in 1928), this store has
become one
the largest Asian grocery and gift stores in the Pacific Northwest. Since the beginning Uwajimaya has evolved beyond providing basic
grocery staples and become known as a tourist and destination store.
Location: 600 5th Avenue South. Seattle, WA 98104. Call
206- 624-6248 for more info.
Danny Woo International District Community Garden
Nearly
100 garden plots and seventy fruit trees, situated on a sunny terraced slope
overlooking the neighborhood, continue to be tended by elderly, low-income
residents of the International District with the help of community volunteers.
Most of the gardeners live in small apartments or single room occupancy hotel
rooms. Consequently, the garden provides gardeners a cherished opportunity to
work with the earth, a source of purpose and pride, an enjoyable and productive
activity, fresh vegetables, and a social network. The garden provides a venue
for community events and environmental education. Together with Kobe Terrace
Park, the hillside is the sole green space for the International District’s
3,000 residents. Location: 620 South Main Street, one block north of Jackson in
Seattle’s International District.
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Admission to the Seattle Asian Art
Museum
is free on the first Thursday and
first Saturday of each month. 1400
East Prospect Street, Volunteer Park. Seattle, WA 98112. Call 206-654-3100 for
more info. Monday: Closed Tuesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m.-9
p.m.
Higo Variety Store (Historic Establishment)
This store, started in the early 1900s, is one of the few pre-World War II establishments left. 602-608 South Jackson Street, Seattle.