In the heart of downtown Phoenix lies a serene retreat known as the Japanese Friendship Garden, a three-and-a-half-acre haven that transports visitors straight to Japan, "The Japanese gardens in general try to create an environment of seclusion from the worries of the outside world," Ben Schrepf, Executive Director and Curator, told ABC 15.
Conceived during the late 1980s the garden, also referred to as 'Ro Ho En', is a symbol of the bond between Phoenix and its sister city, Himeji, in Japan, designed as a "hide-and-reveal" landscape, it unveils surprises at every turn while providing various types of gardens such as a traditional Japanese garden and a waterfall garden, this green space encapsulates more than 150,000 annual visitors as reported by Lost in Phoenix.
Emphasizing the use of local materials to maintain authenticity and sustainability Schrepf explained, "We use locally sourced materials, so stones, or in this case, the plant life is desert-adapted plant material that we prune or shape to mimic the shapes and plant material that we might see in Japan," as seen during an interview with ABC 15.
Apart from its koi pond that houses over 300 fish, exemplifying good fortune in Japanese culture, the garden features a tea garden, a woodlands stroll, and a growing collection of Bonsai trees the core funding for which was provided by the sister city Himeji and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs while being preserved by the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, the teahouse hosts special events and tea ceremonies adding to the garden's multifaceted appeal, with these assets in place, it's no wonder the site is stamped as a top-tier attraction for Phoenix visitors by Lost in Phoenix.
Admission to the Japanese Friendship Garden located at 1125 N 3rd Ave starts from $10, offering a peaceful intermission from the urban bustle and a cultural immersion reflective of a longstanding international friendship, for a dose of tranquility interspersed with cultural enlightenment make a point to swing by on your next Phoenix itinerary.
