The Japanese Friendship Garden

HTML clipboard   The Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix was created to express the positive bond between the people of the United states and the people of Japan. Phoenix, Arizona has had a sister city relationship with Himeji, Japan since 1976. In 1987 the Mayor of Himeji proposed the garden and representatives from Himeji have been instrumental in the garden's design and development ever since.   The garden is really a combination of several types of Japanese gardens. Whereas gardens in the U.S. tend often focus on flowers, that is not the case with Japanese gardens. While there are some flowers, the garden is designed in a meticulous way to reflect Japanese traditions and culture. Even the rocks are carefully arranged with a purpose of creating an atmosphere of serenity and artistry.   Ro Ho En is a combination of three Japanese words. Ro means Heron, a bird symbol of Himeji City. Ho is the Japanese word for the Phoenix bird. En means garden. Ro Ho En, therefore, is a name symbolizing the friendship between the two cities represented in this garden.   In this picture a tour group stops to learn about the shachi, a mythical fish. Private tours and school programs are available on a reservation basis. A pamphlet with directions and information about the garden is provided at the entrance, making a self-guided tour an easy way to become familiar with the garden. Japanese Friendship Garden factoid: The rock used to the line the stream beds, along the walking paths, on the lake shore and used in the waterfall were all hand picked from quarries near Jerome, Superior, Congress and Florence.   The Koi pond The Koi pond at the Japanese Friendship Garden is about 5/8 acre. The materials you'll receive at the entrance will explain why Koi are important in Japanese culture. At the entrance, you can purchase fish food to feed the Koi. Please don't throw anything else besides that food in the water. That includes bread, coins, and trash.  While we are on the topic of etiquette, keep in mind that this is not a park; it is a Japanese garden designed for meditation and reflection in a tranquil and harmonious environment. Pets are not allowed. Anything that rings or beeps (phones and beepers) should be turned off. No music or picnicking is permitted. Although children are welcome to visit, no bikes, skates or other wheeled recreational devices are allowed.   Tea House The Japanese Tea House is a replica of a traditional tea house in Japan except for substitutions of certain materials used in consideration of our desert environment. It is surrounded by a traditional tea garden. Only guests who have made reservations for a guided tour or for the tea ceremony may visit the Tea House   Events,Location,Hour and prices: The Japanese Friendship Garden is open October through May. The garden is hours for regular visitors are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Group tours are available Tuesdays and Thursdays by reservation only. Ro Ho En is also open to the public on the first Friday of every month between October and May from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in conjunction with the Phoenix First Friday event. General admission is $3. Students/Seniors/Military $2. Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is free. Tea Ceremonies are held on the second Saturday of each month, October through May. Reservations are required, and space is limited. The charge to attend the Tea Ceremony is $20, Senior (60+) $18. The Japanese Friendship Garden is a popular place for wedding ceremonies. Contact them directly for more information about renting the garden.   The Japanese Friendship Garden is located near downtown Phoenix. You wouldn't drive past it on any major street -- it is a hidden treasure! Once you are in the garden, it is difficult to believe that you are in the middle of one of the largest cities in the U.S. The address of the garden is 1125 N. 3rd Avenue in Phoenix.

 

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