Beautiful in All Seasons
Kariya Park is a tranquil place in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. It is a peaceful Japanese garden that honors Mississauga's twinned sister city, Kariya City in Japan. Kariya Park is centrally located near the Square One Mall, the biggest shopping center in the area. However, you would hardly know you were near such a noisy place when you step foot inside this calm and quiet park. One of the focal points is the Japanese-style pavilion with the Friendship Bell in the middle. It was donated by Kariya City to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the twin city relationship. An inscription on the bell reads, "By welcoming the new century this bell is produced as a symbol of everlasting friendship between the City of Mississauga and the City of Kariya." One of my favorite times of year to visit Kariya Park is in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
