Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum

The Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego is a tranquil oasis with a rich history that adds depth to its beauty. Located in Balboa Park, this garden was established in 1991 as a symbol of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. The design reflects traditional Japanese landscaping, with winding pathways, koi ponds, a tea house, and meticulously pruned plants. Every corner feels thoughtfully crafted, inviting visitors to slow down and appreciate the harmony of nature. The garden also houses a museum that offers insights into Japanese culture through rotating exhibits, workshops, and special events. Walking through, you’ll feel a sense of peace as you admire the cherry blossoms in spring or listen to the soothing sound of water features. Whether you’re exploring the cultural exhibits, attending a tea ceremony, or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a beautiful space that celebrates the enduring bond between two cultures. A must-visit for locals and tourists alike!

I took my grandma to the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, and she LOVED IT!!! ✨ The atmosphere was incredibly peaceful, both the staff and the visitors were so friendly, making our visit even more enjoyable. We chose to go on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, which is perfect for San Diego residents since they get in for free! The architecture and statues throughout were beautifully curated. It’s such a stunning spot—I can easily see it being used for photoshoots and special occasions. Highly recommend visiting this gem! 💎

The Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park in San Diego is a wonder to visit. Filled with different types of flowers and trees, was just mesmerizing. What took me out of this world were all the bonsai trees in the garden. Every corner I turned there were at least 2 bonsai trees trimmed and grown beautifully. All the stone work done in the garden was just absolutely magnificent and astounding.

This place is beautiful! Decent price for the size. There are many things to look at and learn. Honestly, my favorite part was the giant you ponds. The walk is easy. The cleanest bathrooms in the whole area. Parking is not great. Had to park about 2 blocks away when we went around 1:00pm.

A beautiful garden, located inside Balboa Park, on 2 levels. Enter at the top level, then down to the bottom level where most of the garden is located. Entrance fee of $16 for adults. The bonsai collection was closed, but I managed to take photos through the widely spaced bamboo fence.

What a relaxing place. The landscape design is so meticulously executed. Several examples of Japanese wood joinery on the bridges through out ( wood joints only, no screws). The plantings are beautiful and well manicured. The koi in the ponds are huge! There's a lovely exhibit with bonsai trees as well. We spent about 2 hours slowly walking the paths, that seemed a good place for us. I highly recommend visiting if you find yourself near Balboa park.

Wonderful garden with many waterfalls and ponds. Do not miss the gift shop at the bottom of the hill. The Urushi exhibit was great. Free parking at the organ parking lot. Park at the north end and walk through the organ pavilion.

At $16 per person, it felt a bit pricey, but overall it was a great experience. Visiting in December, there weren’t many flowers, but the garden was still lush with green and colorful vegetation. The entire garden is built on steep slopes, so expect winding paths and lots of elevation changes. It was somewhat crowded during my visit. Highlights for me were the koi pond and waterfall at the Inamori Pavilion, which sits at the bottom of the slope. I also enjoyed the dry stone garden, which is viewable through the small exhibit hall. Would definitely recommend if you're checking out Balboa park!