One of the most important sites in the U.S. reflecting American-Japanese relations has its roots in the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The Garden of the Phoenix on the Wooded Island in the heart of Jackson Park, is located at the site of the original Ho-o-den pavilion (Phoenix Hall). After this gift to the city of Chicago was destroyed by fire, a Japanese garden rose from the ashes.
As the “2020” Tokyo Olympics open, WGN-TV explores this symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States.
I had a wonderful time exploring the Garden of the Phoenix. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and the garden was even more stunning than I expected.