Japanese Friendship Garden
The basics
Centrally located in the park, the garden is easy to visit during a day of park activities. Perhaps visit in between museum stops when you need a quiet break. In keeping with the tradition of Japanese gardens, the features are arranged to highlight the natural and calming energy of the stones, water, trees, and plants.
If you’re planning to visit other attractions, consider purchasing a sightseeing pass like the Go San Diego Card to save time and money on admissions. Or, book a private tour and choose the garden as one of your customized stops to make sure you don’t miss it.
Things to know before you go
- The park is ideal for horticulturists or those interested in learning a bit about Japanese culture.
- Unlike some of the other gardens in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden does require a fee to enter.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as Balboa Park is large and there’s a lot to see.
How to get there
The garden is located off Pan American Road East. It’s easy to access via city bus: the number 7 line runs along Park Boulevard, while lines 15 and 20 also enter the park.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The garden is open daily. Weekends often feature classes such as meditation or calligraphy. Every March, the Cherry Blossom Festival takes place, drawing both locals and visitors to see the blooming trees.
Other Gardens in Balboa Park
For garden lovers, a variety of additional gardens are waiting to be admired in Balboa Park, including the Desert Garden, Australian Garden, California Native Plant Garden, Rose Garden, and Veterans Memorial Garden.
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- San Diego Model Railroad Museum (SDMRM)
- Museum of Photographic Arts
- Mingei International Museum
- El Prado
- San Diego History Center
- San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA)
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- San Diego Museum of Man (SDMM)
- San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
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