San Jose Japanese Friendship Garden

 

Situated in the middle of San Jose, in the Kelley Park area, is the Japanese Friendship Garden Regional Park, celebrating the sister city relationship between San Jose and Okayama, Japan.

Gracing its 5.5 acres is a multitude of serenity, beautiful verdant trees and plants, peaceful ponds and waterways, and traditional Japanese ornamental structures. It’s patterned after Okayama’s famous Korakuen Gardens.

The ponds are home to ornamental carp (koi) sent in 1966 by the City of Okayama. Ducks and geese have made their home there as well, and are visitor-friendly, especially when you purchase some of the food pellets near the arch bridge.

Paved walkways take you to the different levels. The wife and I wandered there for an hour or so, stepping off the path often to view some of the blossoms and greenery close-up.

If you’re in the San Jose area and are looking for some serenity and peace, this is the place to visit. Check out some of the pictures I took. I think you’d agree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on Picture for Panoramic View

The Japanese Friendship Garden is located at 1650 Senter Road in San Jose. Parking is available, and once the fee is paid, you can extend your trip and visit the adjoining History Park. The only problem with visiting the History Park is that you have to walk the length of that section to get to its entrance. The Japanese park is much closer and an infinitely better place to visit.

Via another parking area at Kelley Park, you can visit Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, which I’ve written about before (do a Wandering blog search up there in the upper right-hand corner for “Happy Hollow Park & Zoo”).