The tranquil and stunning Japanese Friendship Garden has its origins in the Japanese Tea Pavilion built in 1915 for the Panama-California World Exposition. After the Exposition, it continued to operate for thirty years, cared for by volunteers. In 1950, San Diego established a sister city relationship with Yokohama, which grew into a sense of shared ideals and purpose until the 1990s when it was the impetus for the Japanese Friendship Garden.
The garden was built on two acres east of the Spreckles Organ Pavilion, and has expanded over time to include not only Japanese-style landscaped gardens, but also a tea pavilion with sushi bar, a koi pond, the Japanese Friendship Gates from San Diego’s sister city of Yokohama, a Fujidana (wisteria arbor), and many examples of the traditional art of bonsai. An exhibit hall includes objects of Japanese cultural arts.
Weekend classes are offered in sushi making, bonsai, calligraphy, and conversational Japanese.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Tuesday through Sunday: 10am to 4pm
- Monday: Closed
- Admission:
- Free
- Contact:
- Address: 2215 Pan American Road San Diego, CA
- Phone: 619-232-2721
- Website: www.niwa.org
