Armchair Travelogues: Special Arizona Places: Japanese Friendship Garden🪴

It’s a sheer delight to visit the Japanese Friendship Garden, a stroll garden sanctuary tucked into a quiet area just north of downtown Phoenix. This “Point Of Pride” for the city is often overlooked by residents and visitors alike, but is a great place to de-stress and relax for an hour or so. The garden was established in 1976 in cooperation between Phoenix and Himeji, Japan when the two places became sister cities. Sites such as this were established to promote continued international goodwill that helps maintain business, cultural, and educational relations between far flung places. The garden opened in two phases between 1996 and 2002, comprising 3.5 acres.

Utilizing the natural landscape in the best way possible, combined with abundant water features are of utmost importance in the creation of these gardens to Japanese architects. The placing of rocks, trees, and shrubs is also carefully planned where all elements have a harmonious effect. Various types of evergreen/pine trees and other greenery are most prominent in these gardens rather than flowering plants. Some Japanese gardens have philosophical or religious influences and may contain shrines to honor Buddha. Gardens like this one in Phoenix will also have a tea house, known in Japanese as a “chasitsu” used for tea ceremonies.

The garden has foot bridges, a large koi pond that the fish share with ducks and some very pleasant, shady spots that visitors will appreciate. After all, this still the desert – so it’s a relief to get out of the sun for a bit! It’s also important to keep in mind that all plants were chosen to withstand the desert climate without compromising the principles and appearance of a Japanese garden. In addition to the koi pond there are streams with footbridges and a waterfall. The rocks used in the garden’s walking path and for decorative purposes were quarried from locations throughout Arizona. This also demonstrates the considerable thought and dedication which went into the construction of the Japanese Friendship Garden.

The garden is available to host all types of events such as wedding receptions and corporate events. For more information about admission hours, fees, special events, and workshops, please check out the following site: http://www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org/

To learn about other Phoenix Points Of Pride, look into this website: http://www.phoenix.gov/pio/points-of-pride