The Tidal Basin in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Gift of Friendship
Japanese Pagoda
— National Mall & Memorial Parks, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
This 3,800 pound, 17th century Japanese Pagoda arrived in the Nation’s Capital in 1957 as a gift from Mayor Ryozo Hiranuma of Yokohama, Japan. Its parts packed in five shipping crates with no assembly instructions, the pagoda required the staff of the Library of Congress to determine how to reconstruct it accurately. Former District of Columbia Commissioner Renah Camalier arranged for its placement here among the flowering cherry trees Japan donated in 1912.
On April 18, 1958, the pagoda was dedicated in continuing recognition of the centennial of the peaceful relations established between the United States and Japan at Yokohama on March 31, 1854 as a special gift from Japan to the United States. That landmark event also is honored by a Washington Monument commemorative stone, a United States Navy Memorial bronze bas-relief, and the Japanese Lantern across the Tidal Basin.
Pagodas originated in India as stupas, or burial tombs, which represented birth, creation, and the center of the universe. Buddhism transformed the stupa into the more spiritual pagoda found atop mountains or along ancient roads as a symbol of reverence for natural elements. Consider how this pagoda remains symbolic of a Japanese garden, which traditionally emphasizes balance among the elements of water, stone, and vegetation.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Peace. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1841.
Location. 38° 52.942′ N, 77° 2.469′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The Tidal Basin. Marker can be reached from Ohio Drive Southwest south of West Basin Drive Southwest, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located near the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington DC 20418, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Yoshino (within shouting distance of this marker); The United Nations (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "He Died in Harness" (about 400 feet away); River Bottom to Parkland (about 500 feet away); Wartime President (about 500 feet away); I Hate War (about 600 feet away); Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (about 700 feet away); Combatting Economic Depression (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.
More about this marker.
[An image on the marker is a rendering of the gift pagoda, delineating the elements: "Sky", "Wind", "Fire", and "Water"]
Graphics provided by the National Park Service
Regarding The Gift of Friendship. This marker replaced the original "pagoda" marker at this location - see the "Related Marker" listed below.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,192 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on December 16, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 20, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 16, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.