japanese friendship garden

So I came here on a whim since I had a day off and really wanted to see and do something new. I didn't realize it is located next to the Happy Hollow zoo in San Jose. It's somewhat hidden and you can't really see it passing by in a vehicle as the garden is fenced in. Nonetheless, it was definitely a nice way to spend a couple hours in the nice weather. I say "couple of hours" because it isn't a very big park, it probably takes 1 to 2 hours at most to venture around the whole garden, so don't expect this to be an all day thing. As for the place itself, it is very pretty and well maintained. For a small garden it definitely had quite a bit of tranquil scenery, and of course made for good opportunities for some photography. You can see some big Koi fish in the pond and the cute geese and ducks are always a welcome site. I think the neatest thing about it is how quiet and relaxing it is. When I went, there weren't very many others there so I felt like I had the whole area to myself. It is free of charge (except for the parking which was 6 bucks) and has bathroom facilities. I also believe there is Tea house but it wasn't open or active during my visit, so I can't review it at this time. It's hard to complain about something that is free, but I will say to watch out for the geese poop that is frequently on the path which I had the bad luck of stepping on a few times.

This place is located near San Jose, and in the midst of Kelley Park. It's difficult to locate the Japanese Tea Garden, but once you get it to it, it is quite serene. The trees are very nicely manicured and the garden has traditional Japanese bridges over pond. There is a nice Tea House which can be traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonies. It would be good to have some activity there for visitors as well though.

Headed to this garden to spend some time in peace. its quite small and peaceful. Nice afternoon break.

I took my daughter and granddaughter several times. The garden is well maintained and easy to walk around. We found several great photo opportunities. It was very peaceful and relaxing. I would go back again and again.

This beautiful garden has been around for so long but the gardeners do a great job of keeping it lovely and quaint. The koi in the large ponds, the herons and ducks all add to the beauty of the wonderfully maintained foliage and trees. A must for visiting if you are a local and want to show off to your out of town guests. Yes this is San Jose and Japan at the same time.

Whenever I come to SJC, I visit the Japanese Friendshio Garden to calm down and to forget the time. It has been one of the few things that have stayed the same for the last 40 years since my first visit,

I have been here a number of times and always enjoyed myself. great place for a picnic near the Koi pond or to marvel at the Japanese woodworking skills shown in the conference room hand built by Japanese craftsmen. Very serene, but bring whatever you need with you. No amenities

One of the most exquisite places in the area. Peaceful and so well-maintained. Not a leaf out of place. The koi garden, the waterfall, the bridge, the wooded walks and the tea house - everything is in its place. Yes, it is small and has a ticket. You can cover it it all within 30 minutes - including a short rest. But the purity and the peace - is simply worth it.

The park itself was very beautiful and quiet. It was a nice place to stroll and reflect, and had a great potential for photography. I enjoyed quietly meandering and taking pictures. Although the park is open to the public, there is a $6 parking fee. The parking lot I used felt seedy, with many suspicious folk loitering around, but nothing happened to me or my car, so I don't know what that was about.I studied Japanese in college and found this park to be very nice and enjoyable.

The small beautiful Japanese friendship garden in Kelly Park is a very nice park. There is a Japanese tea house there for events; there is a Japanese style garden bridge. I saw koi fish in the pond there. I enjoyed walking on the paths. There are nice places to sit and enjoy the garden views, pond views, and waterfall view.I took photos and I saw lots of people there to take pictures. People like it as a place to take wedding pictures and with the Japanese tea house being able to be rented, it would be a nice place for a wedding reception.I parked in the fee parking lot for $6. There is a self service parking machine to pay the parking admittance. The park itself is free to visit.The park is also a park highlighting the “Sister City” relationship between Okayama, Japan and San José.

Absolutely surprised to see such a well-maintained, breathtakingly beautiful Japanese garden in a commercialized city. The bridges, the berms, the pond, the flowers, the trees, and the ducks and fish all gave us a sense of cleansing of the soul and let us return to the purity and peace. It's a window to understand the Asian culture.

Having been to Korakuen Park in Okayama, Japan, one of the top three gardens in Japan, I can appreciate the efforts used to recreate a little bit of that beauty here in San Jose. Though its is not as grand or majestic, no castle in background for instance, or not as large, 6 acres compared to over 30 acres, San Jose has managed to capture in selected angles the serenity and beauty of that great park.. Little waterfalls, ponds with lots of koi, stone sculptures, an arched bridge, small garden spots, cherry blossom trees and other plants, all contribute to a rare urban park that offers a place of beauty and calm. One can easily walk through the small park in 30 minutes to an hour, though some spots deserve more leisurely attention. Admission is free, but parking is not - $10 in a nearby lot. However, there is ample street parking except when the San Jose Giants are playing across the street in the old, i mean really old, San Jose Municipal Park - itself worth a walkthrough .

Having lived in San Jose for more than a decade, I just discovered this beautiful garden recently. It's a nice place for a relaxing weekened afternoon and it's free. If you have kid, this is the place you want to bring your kid to visit. There are ducks, birds, and lots of different types of plants.

We took our nephew and niece during Spring one year. In the middle of a very congested, noisy and busy city, this is a bit of a hidden gem. Very beautiful during the Spring when the flowers are all in bloom. Great to stroll around in, enjoy the quiet and take in the view. The kids liked walking the trails and watching the ducks.

A gem of a place in the city. Pack a picnic and enjoy the surroundings…ponds with ducks and fish, waterfalls, bridges, sculptures and gardens…very serene. It's large enough and not popular enough that you can find a quiet place to sit and spend as much or as little time as you want. It probably only takes 15 minutes to walk through it if you don't stop. But take your time and enjoy it…it's a pleasant surprise.