Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix

The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is a gem of downtown Phoenix — a 3. 5-acre traditional Japanese stroll garden with koi ponds, waterfalls, a tea house, stone lanterns, and the authentic garden design elements that create a completely different sensory environment from the surrounding Arizona desert city. Built as a symbol of the friendship between Phoenix and Himeji, Japan, it's one of the most carefully maintained cultural gardens in the American Southwest.

For families, the garden offers a distinctive type of experience: peaceful, beautiful, educational, and genuinely immersive in a non-Western aesthetic tradition. Young children respond immediately to the koi — large, colorful carp that gather at the water's surface in the main pond. Fish food is available at the entrance for a direct feeding interaction that keeps kids riveted.

The garden's meandering paths, bridges, and multiple water features create a natural exploration environment for children who need to be in motion while experiencing the space.

For older kids and tweens, the garden opens questions about Japanese culture, garden design philosophy, and the history of Phoenix's relationship with its Japanese sister city. The tea house offers traditional tea ceremony experiences that can be booked separately — an excellent cultural enrichment option for families with ages 8 and up.

With nearly 6,000 reviews and very affordable admission ($8-10 adults, $4-6 kids), the Japanese Friendship Garden is one of downtown Phoenix's best-value cultural attractions. The downtown Phoenix location makes it easy to combine with the Children's Museum of Phoenix, Heritage Square, and other nearby attractions for a full downtown cultural day. Closed Mondays.