Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

Loraine Miller Collins donated her land and money to the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. It was dedicated in 1981 in memory of her husband. The gardens started with 1.3 acres of land and took three years of planning for the California State University to finally create the gardens visitors can see today in Long Beach, California. The main architect was Edward Lovell, who decided it was important to bring gardens of Japan to the United States. The gardens are meant to symbolize the University's interest in international education and community.

Admission is free to the garden. It is open Tuesday through Friday 8am to 3:30pm, and Sunday's noon to 4pm. The entry gate is the first area visitors will see Japanese architecture. The gate was inspired by a similar one in Kyoto, Japan. There is a large stone lantern, Kasuga that sets near the entry gate. It was imported from Japan when the gardens were being constructed. The sculpture has a deer with horn and hoof. Though the mid section is a deer like animal, the top has a Giboshi fertility symbol. Lion Dogs which are just inside the gate are two dog like statues standing guard.