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Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix: A Tranquil Oasis

Experience tranquility in the desert at this authentic Japanese stroll garden, a unique cultural gem in the heart of Phoenix.

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Escape the desert heat and urban bustle at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, a 3.5-acre oasis showcasing Japanese culture and design. This serene stroll garden, a joint project with Himeji, Japan, features meticulously crafted landscapes, a koi pond, a teahouse, and over 1,500 tons of hand-picked rock.

A brief summary to The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the garden paths.
  • Visit during the cooler months for the most pleasant experience.
  • Check the garden's website for information on cultural events and workshops.
  • Photography for special occasions requires a permit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Japanese Friendship Garden is accessible via the Valley Metro Rail. Exit at the Central/Roosevelt Street station. The garden is located 0.3 miles west of the station, behind the Irish Cultural Center. A single ride on the light rail costs $2.00.

  • Walking

    From the Roosevelt Row Arts District, walk south on Central Avenue, then turn west onto Portland Street. Continue to 3rd Avenue and turn north. The garden entrance will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Driving

    The Japanese Friendship Garden is located at 1125 N 3rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003. The garden has its own free parking lot. Street parking is also available on adjacent streets. Note that 3rd Avenue is a one-way street going north.

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Discover more about The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix

The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, also known as Ro Ho En (鷺鳳園), offers a serene escape into Japanese culture and nature right in the heart of downtown Phoenix. This 3.5-acre garden is a joint project between Phoenix and its sister city, Himeji, Japan, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two cities. Designed by Japanese landscape architects, the garden showcases traditional Japanese design elements. Visitors can stroll along winding paths, discovering meticulously pruned trees, stone lanterns, and flowing water features. The garden features a serene koi pond, home to over 300 colorful koi fish, crossed by arched bridges that offer moments of peaceful reflection. A traditional teahouse, the Shoin Building, serves as a focal point for cultural events and tea ceremonies. The surrounding tea garden features carefully raked gravel patterns, exemplifying the attention to detail found throughout the garden. The Ro Ho En Hill provides panoramic views of the garden, allowing visitors to appreciate the overall design and craftsmanship. Stone and bamboo gardens showcase a variety of stones and bamboo species from both Japan and Arizona. The garden's name, Ro Ho En, is derived from the Japanese words for heron (Ro), the symbol of Himeji City; phoenix (Ho); and garden (En). This name reflects the garden's purpose as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange. Since 2017, the garden has had a sister garden in Himeji called Kōko-en, further strengthening the bond between the two cities.

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