Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden - Long Beach, California

Kenny L.

With concrete buildings stretched all around the campus and a giant pyramid to boot, it feels ethereal to see a little oasis like the Earl Burns Miller garden located nearby in the CSULB campus. It really does feel like a slice of Japan was transported over to this little part of Los Angeles with all of the amazing greenery, the few koi fish splashing about, as well as the zen environment emitting its aura all around the garden. You can walk inside on one corner and see one style of Japanese bonsai trees and the next, you'll be transported into a bamboo garden that stretches upwards to the gods above.

There's multiple "themes" of the garden if that's the best way to put it and you can tell that the staff are really attentive as well as caring to each of the sections. As others have mentioned, be sure to visit the website before heading over here as you'll need to RSVP it through their web portal as well as to check for availability as this garden does prioritize any events that book this area.

Jovani

The Japanese gardens is a great place to stop by when you're either visiting or for some breather time. You'll need a reservation, but the entry fee is free. The garden consists of a nice scenery for photos, a lot of fish, trees, more fish and more tress. You can also get the chance to make a reservation to feed the fish during your visit. The Japanese Garden is located near the CSULB campus and sales merch at the entrance of the garden and in the bookstore on campus. If you even visit Cal State Long Beach, don't miss out on visiting the garden during your visit or your duration as a student.

Charles ?. D.

Wonderful, peaceful place for a walk and reflection. Be aware you'll need an appointment to visit but it's easy to go to the website and get one. It's not very large but has a beauty to it that is relaxing. I could sit and watch the koi all day.

Hung D.

Reservation is required for entrance. Free entrance but must pay metered parking lot across from garden ($6 for 1 hour). It’s a small garden with all the necessary elements. The tea house was off limit due to renovation. The small garden has a beautiful collection of bonsais. The pond has colorful koi fishes, large size and even small ones almost like goldfish. They feed the fishes in the afternoon, check their website but I think she said between 2:30 and 4 pm. It also has a couple water features, 1 bridge, and the main pond. Beautiful small Japanese garden. No outside foods or drinks.

Albert B.

Its great place to forget the business of LA tucked in the CSULB campus. You have to rsvp a hour time slot which is free. Nice japanese garden with plenty of koi fish stocked in the pond.

Alexandra F.

I went on a Sunday when they opened. What a pretty spot! It is very small so it's definitely not a day trip thing...more of a nice walk or spot to sit and read. Things of note:
- on my visit a few paths and the tea house were closed
- you must pay for parking and it starts at $6.95 for the first hour. Not bad, but be prepared.
- the day I went there were volunteers sitting in all the shaded areas. I'm not sure if it was intentionally to keep visitors from lingering or if they were simply oblivious. It would have been nice to sit in the shade and enjoy for a bit, but felt weird to literally sit next to them. Anyway, the day was still lovely it was just an odd blip.

Shawn S.

Absolutely beautiful Japanese garden. It is a decent size but very well maintained and offers absolute serenity and peace. Perfect for a chill stroll on a nice day. Admission is free but requires a reservation. However parking is quick expensive and how they get you, $6 for an hour. Overall though very nice experience.

Yvette C.

Make a reservation before you go. They are required. We tried to go 3 days in a row. The lady running the place had a lot of excuses as to why they weren't open. Looks like a beautiful place. They seem more interested in hosting events. Parking is hard to find while school is in session.