The Japanese Garden in San Fernando Valley – A Quick History
The Japanese Garden in San Fernando Valley is a beautiful and serene place that is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The garden was originally built in 1972 and was designed by a Japanese architect who wanted to create a space that would be both aesthetically pleasing and relaxing.
The garden is situated on 3.5 acres of land and features a koi pond, a bonsai collection, and a tea house. There are also several walking paths and bridges that crisscross the property, making it the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the scenery. In addition to being a beautiful spot for taking photos, the Japanese Garden is also popular for weddings and other special events.
Getting There
The Japanese Garden is located in Van Nuys at 6100 Woodley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91406. For those coming from out of town, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the closest airport. From there, it is about a 30-minute drive to the garden depending on traffic conditions.
For those who are driving, there is free parking available onsite. The garden is open every day from 9am to 5pm except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission for adults is $9 while children aged 6-12 can enter for $6. seniors aged 65+ can enter for $7, and students with valid ID can enter for $8.
Things to Do
There are plenty of activities to keep visitors of all ages occupied at the Japanese Garden. For those who want to learn more about the history and culture of Japan, there are docent-led tours available several times throughout the week. These tours typically last about an hour and provide visitors with an up-close look at the different plants and trees that are native to Japan.
The koi pond is another popular spot in the garden as it is home to over 200 brightly colored fish. Visitors can purchase food pellets to feed the koi which can be found at the entrance of the pond. Fishing is not allowed in the pond so as not to disturb the resident koi population.
Those looking for a more relaxing experience can enjoy traditional Japanese tea ceremonies which are held daily in the tea house. These ceremonies typically last around 30 minutes and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about this important aspect of Japanese culture.
Reservations are required for groups of 6 or more people interested in attending a ceremony.
Private ceremonies can also be arranged for an additional fee.
The next time you’re looking for something fun and unique to do near Los Angeles, consider paying a visit to the Japanese Garden in San Fernando Valley! With its tranquil setting and abundance of activities, there’s something for everyone at this hidden gem just outside LA.