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Japanese Friendship Garden

Garden

Balboa Park, San Diego

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8.5^/10

184

ratings

"Relax in their meditation garden"(2 Tips)
"Try the Japanese cherry (sakura) tea, it's delicious!"(4 Tips)
"Best view in the garden"(2 Tips)
"Nice casual relaxing walk."(2 Tips)

37 Tips and reviews

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Crystal HarrisonNovember 2, 2015
They participate in a reciprocal program with other botanical gardens. We ended up getting in free. Best view in the garden is from the pavilion at the bottom of the canyon.
Upvoted Mar 8
KristenJanuary 14, 2014
..And the cafe at the Friendship Garden is the only affordable place to eat in all of Balboa Park. Their courtyard is a perfect meeting place as well.
Richard RevillaMay 20, 2015
Nice casual relaxing walk. If your a resident free admission on select Tuesday. If you not $8 admission. Not worth the $8.
Upvoted 1 week ago
Joey HernandezMarch 21, 2018
it's a great walk, but it can get crowded (especially on free museum day)
Ashley PetronsJanuary 29, 2017
Leave plenty of time to walk around-it's on two main levels, but it's quite a walk between them. Beautiful place though.
KristenJanuary 14, 2014
I like the new area, but the upper garden is much more tranquil by comparison.
Rosslyn CarrancoMay 17, 2012
Been here 100+ times
A tip to get the koi to take a picture with you is to put your hand by the water like you're feeding them. They'll swim right up :)
Tim BushnellSeptember 25, 2016
Very serene and peaceful, a wonder place to slow down, take your time, reflect and relax
Kevin RothFebruary 27, 2015
The tea is great. Hanging out at the viewing station while eating pokey is greater than great.
Rj St ThomasAugust 19, 2020
A truly enchanting place!
Tiffany RuppJanuary 29, 2016
Serene. However, I was disappointed. They don't mark any Japanese plants. The grounds are pretty but do need a lil bit better upkeep. It would do them good to look at Seattle.
Liam MayMarch 30, 2016
Amazing, tranquil and breathtaking sights!
Tim BushnellSeptember 25, 2016
Peaceful, serene, its a great place to slow down, take your time, reflect, and relax
Munira SuwailemMay 8, 2016
Just come take a walk and enjoy nature
Sydney BazettMarch 4, 2013
So pretty! Its $4 to get in or $3 for student/military.
Melodie TaoApril 4, 2010
Take photos of their lucky coy pond and relax in their meditation garden. They often offer complimentary entry on Resident Tuesdays Read more
ᴡ ChoyJune 8, 2014
Not so much of a Japanese Garden but good enough. It's a nice place to visit while in Balboa Park
KevlarMarch 18, 2022
Why buy tickets online if you still have to wait in the ticket line to get in?
Nej KutcharianJune 29, 2018
It’s ok not sure if it’s worth the entrance fee, maybe if it was $5 a person.
Paul PanicciaMarch 17, 2018
Tranquil and easy to walk
Duyen FenstonJune 21, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Closes @ 3:30 so get there early! And enjoy some Udon while you're there.
Sam JohnsonMarch 9, 2013
Excellent place to go fishing for koi's!
Deborrah RayJuly 16, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Noodle soups are really good~
Roger MaNovember 24, 2015
Take a stroll and be in zen
Kevin P.June 7, 2010
Try the Japanese cherry (sakura) tea, it's delicious!
Visit San DiegoJuly 24, 2011
The blood orange iced tea is yummy!
Eric HolmesJuly 2, 2014
It's a construction site. Can't believe they have the nerve to charge admission. Utter disgrace. Shameful.
TolgaFebruary 20, 2016
I don't know how it looks like during blossom season but now it has nothing like Japan... Skip it and save your money&time...
Jessica w/ Event StaticNovember 27, 2011
A little fish named Cornelius lives here!
Mister SushiSeptember 15, 2011
Relax in their meditation garden
Jacob RAugust 29, 2010
$4/person to get in, but it's only worth $2/person.
Craig VillamorJuly 19, 2018
Not worth the $10. Maybe $5.
Leslie FishlockNovember 6, 2010
Try to watch the Japanese tea ceremony and find the giant golden koi!
LouiseAugust 24, 2012
Save your money and skip it.
Shawn ChengNovember 23, 2010
Not worth $4. Trust me. Maybe $2
Pablo AlbertoFebruary 10, 2016
Ir escuchando la audio guía mientras se pasea descansando y meditando. Es hermoso. Las que exposiciones temporales se pueden omitir.
Fabrice ElustondoApril 1, 2015
Endroit calme et zen...

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