Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum - San Diego, California

Address: 2215 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, CA 92101.
Phone: 92322721.
Website: niwa.org.
Specialties: Garden, Cultural center, Historical landmark, Non-profit organization, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: Onsite services, Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Hiking, Public restroom, LGBTQ+ friendly, Transgender safespace, Good for kids, Kid-friendly hikes, Free parking lot.
Opinions: This company has 8954 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.6/5.

Location of Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum

92322721

The Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in gardens, cultural centers, historical landmarks, and non-profit organizations. Located at Address: 2215 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, CA 92101, this tourist attraction offers a variety of onsite services, including wheelchair accessible entrances and parking lots, hiking trails, public restrooms, and more.

The Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum has received rave reviews from visitors, with 8954 reviews on Google My Business and an impressive average opinion: 4.6/5. This rating reflects the garden's commitment to providing a high-quality experience for all visitors, including those in the LGBTQ+ community and families with children.

The garden is good for kids and offers kid-friendly hikes, making it an ideal destination for families looking for a fun and educational outing. The garden is also LGBTQ+ friendly and provides a transgender safe space, ensuring that all visitors feel welcome and comfortable.

One of the standout features of the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum is its beautiful and peaceful garden, which showcases the natural beauty of Japan. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, admiring the stunning scenery and taking in the tranquil atmosphere.

The garden also offers a variety of cultural and educational programs, including workshops, classes, and special events. These programs provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and history, making the garden an ideal destination for those interested in learning more about this fascinating country.

If you're looking for a unique and memorable experience, the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum is the perfect destination. With its stunning gardens, cultural programs, and welcoming atmosphere, this non-profit organization is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the beauty and richness of Japanese culture.

To learn more about the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, be sure to visit their website at niwa.org. Here, you can find more information about the garden's hours, location, and upcoming events. You can also contact the garden directly by calling 92322721 to make reservations or ask any questions you may have.

Reviews of Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum - San Diego, California

Kytka

5/5

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!

Jared Bender

5/5

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! ?

Tony Lin

4/5

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!

Karen Schuetze

5/5

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.

Hung Do

5/5

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.

Summer Sandberg Bonaker

5/5

We came here for my birthday to Balboa Park and this Japanese friendship garden was beautiful. Expertly manicured with lots of walking and beautiful pictures to be taken. It wasn't crowded and everything was just gorgeous! The person working the front office / ticket booth was less than thrilled to be there... But it's all good We had a good time haha

Gary Standke

4/5

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.

Sarah F

5/5

Spent a magical afternoon at the Japanese Friendship Garden with my love, surrounded by the vibrant hues of autumn. This place is perfect for everyone. The whole garden is a beautiful artwork. We spent an hour walking through admiring the balance of nature and man-made. Everyone was respectful of the culture and art, which I really appreciate. The artful balance of nature and design always inspires me. This place holds so many memories; I used to come here nearly nine years ago for photography inspiration. Every moment here brings peace and nostalgia. This time, there were stands selling food, jewelry, kokedama, and more. I picked up a kokedama for mom. It's truly my favorite spot in San Diego!