Balboa Park Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego

Balboa Park is renowned for the lush landscaping and lovely gardens on its 1,200 acres, offering a magnificent backdrop for the cultural attractions. The Park was ranked among the Best Parks in the World by the Project for Public Places in 2003 (13 out of 24) for its mixture of horticulture and art and culture.

There are more than eight gardens in the Park, which include the lovely Alcazar Garden, the award-winning rose garden, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the desert garden and the historic Botanical Building. The City of San Diego's Park and Recreation Department manages and maintains the grounds of this spectacular public resource.

Japanese Friendship Garden
The Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and now lies on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Along the Garden’s winding paths are a Zen garden for meditation, an exhibit house, koi pond, bonsai exhibit, ceremonial gate, and a Fujidana (wisteria arbor). Weekend classes are offered in sushi making, bonsai, calligraphy, and conversational Japanese.

Our admission hours are 10am-4:30pm (with last entry at 3:30pm) Monday-Sunday. Our admission prices are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors/students/military and children 6 and under are free.