Japanese Friendship Garden

Japanese Friendship Garden is a Japanese garden in downtown Phoenix featuring stone bridges, traditional lanterns, and flowing water throughout its grounds. The site includes a substantial waterfall and a large koi pond as its focal points.

The garden began through a partnership between Phoenix and Himeji, Japan in 1976, which led to its construction overseen by Japanese landscape architects. This connection reflected a formal relationship between the two cities.

The tea house hosts regular gatherings where visitors can watch or participate in traditional ceremonies and observe how Japanese aesthetics shape everyday moments. These practices reveal how nature and human activity are woven together in Japanese culture.

The garden is typically open on most days of the week, though hours may vary by season and special events. Checking ahead ensures you can plan your visit around any ceremonies or temporary closures.

The koi pond holds hundreds of colorful Japanese carp that have adapted to Arizona's hot desert climate. Many visitors focus on the garden's landscape features and overlook this thriving aquatic population.