Discover Serenity at the Japanese Friendship Garden
Explore the serene beauty of the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego, a cultural gem showcasing traditional Japanese horticulture and design.
Nestled in the heart of Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden offers tourists a tranquil escape filled with lush landscapes, serene koi ponds, and the beauty of Japanese horticulture. A cultural gem, it showcases traditional Japanese design and invites visitors to immerse themselves in its peace and harmony.
A brief summary to Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum
- 2215 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, Balboa Park, California, 92101, US
- +1619-232-2721
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and beautiful morning light.
- Check the garden's calendar for seasonal events and cultural workshops.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and unique architectural features.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the garden's paths and exploring its many features.
- Don't miss the tea house, where you can enjoy traditional Japanese tea and snacks.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From downtown Chula Vista, walk to the Chula Vista Transit Center located at 6th Avenue and E Street. Catch the MTS bus route 701 towards San Diego. After approximately a 30-minute ride, get off at the stop at Balboa Park. From there, follow the signs to the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is a short 10-minute walk through the park.
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Bicycle
Rent a bike from one of the local bike rental shops in Chula Vista. Head north on 3rd Avenue towards E Street, then turn left on E Street and continue until you reach the San Diego Bay. Follow the waterfront bike path towards Balboa Park. Once you arrive at the park, follow the signs to the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is located at 2215 Pan American E Rd.
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Walking
If you're starting from the Chula Vista Marina, walk north along the marina path until you reach the intersection with 3rd Avenue. Turn right on 3rd Avenue and continue until you reach E Street. Turn left on E Street, then continue walking until you reach the bus stop for MTS bus route 701. Take the bus towards San Diego, and get off at Balboa Park. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the Japanese Friendship Garden.
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Rideshare
Use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. Enter 'Japanese Friendship Garden' or the address '2215 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, CA 92101' as your destination. The driver will take you directly to the entrance of the garden. Make sure to check for the best pickup location based on where you are in Chula Vista.
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