Japanese Friendship Garden
Location:
1300 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112
408-277-2757
Located in Kelley Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a living symbol of the
sister city relationship between Okayama, Japan and San Jose, California. The garden,
dedicated in October of 1965, is modeled after the world famous Korakuen Garden in Okayama.
The garden includes three immense ponds that can be used for reflection. These ponds also
hold over 600 koi fish that were originally donated by the Mayor of Okayama. These koi can be fed with food from the dispensers located in the garden.
There are a number of waterfalls and narrow streams that connect the three ponds. Other
highlights include the entrance gate, a fountain, arched and
zig-zagged bridges, rock settings and unusual flowers,
shrubs and trees. In the spring one of the main sights of the garden is the pink peach
blossoms in full bloom.
Located in the Japanese Friendship Garden is a traditional
Japanese tea house that can be rented out for business meetings, retreats and similar
events. It can be rented for approximately $250 a day and box lunches can be provided by a
local Japanese restaurant.
For reservations please call 408-277-4191.
During the beginning of March, in celebration of Girls' Day, traditionally on March 3rd,
weekend docent tours are offered for no charge.
The Japanese Friendship Garden is open from 10 am to sundown, daily.
Further reading:
Staff, "A Flowering of Tradition: Girls' Day Tours at the Japanese Friendship Garden,"
San Jose Mercury News, Thursday, 3 March 1994, Morning Final, Sec. Garden, p. 1D.
Erin Kimura
