Nestled in the heart of the San Fernando Valley is a peaceful oasis where the balance of positive and negative forces, Yin & Yang, are ever present. The Japanese Garden showcases the skillful blending of traditional Japanese landscaping with modern Occidental architecture. The Japanese concept of “WA” or harmony is used to unite the desires of the human spirit with our more mundane requirements—the exquisite beauty of a Japanese garden with the need for an abundant supply of fresh water.
Visit the garden to walk, to sit, and to contemplate your surroundings. To do so is to experience absolute tranquility, it is to enrich one’s spirit, to achieve a state of grace so elusive in our busy modern world. It is to emulate Lord Buddha who, three thousand years ago, seated in the shade of a tree in silent contemplation of the human condition, achieved spiritual enlightenment.
Suiho En the garden of water and fragrance is a 6½ acre authentic Japanese garden fashioned after “stroll gardens” constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries for Japanese Feudal lords. The facility is unique in that it incorporates three classical designs: a dry karensansui, a wet garden with promenade chisen, and an authentic tea ceremony garden incorporating a 4.5 tatami mat tea room. The garden also features a waterfall.
The garden is a cultural show place of Los Angeles. It was created by world-renowned garden designer Dr. Koichi Kawana. In designing, Dr. Kawana balanced the positive and negative forces with skillful blending of traditional Japanese garden design and modern Western architecture.
The Gift Shop at The Japanese Garden features a wide array of well-priced items from Japan and other countries in Asia and the Pacific. Ceramics, books, dolls, jewelry, Buddha Boards, origami paper, parasols, handmade greeting cards, to name just a few… you’re sure to find the perfect gift for yourself, family or friends.
WHAT: The Japanese Garden
WHEN: The Garden is available for self-guided tours Monday – Thursday from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. The Garden is closed to the public on Friday and Saturday. They also offer docent-led walking tours, by advance reservation only, on Monday – Thursday mornings. Each tour lasts approximately 1-¼ hours and includes an overview of the water reclamation process.
WHERE: 6100 Woodley Avenue | Van Nuys, California, 91406
DETAILS: Admission to the Garden for docent-led or self-guided tours is $3.00 per person, $2.00 for Seniors 62 and over, and for children under 10 years old.
CONTACT INFO: (818) 756-8166 or betty.ethridge@lacity.org
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