Activity Overview
The Japanese Friendship Garden is a popular attraction located in Kelley Park in San Jose. It is a beautiful 6-acre garden that is designed to resemble the famous Korakuen Garden in Okayama, Japan, a sister city of San Jose. Since the mid-1960s, visitors have been able to explore the serene garden and enjoy the views of its beautiful streams and ponds which are home to koi fish that were sent from Okayama. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy nature on a sunny day.
Things to Do
- Go for a leisurely stroll alongside the three large ponds filled with colorful koi fish that delight young visitors.
- Bring along a camera to take photos of the beautiful flowers, bridges, ducks and fish that you'll find in the park.
- Spend some time feeding the fish and ducks in the pond - there are machines near the pond where you can purchase food for a quarter.
Japanese Friendship Garden Insider Tips
- Picnics aren't allowed within the Japanese Friendship Garden, but there are several other nearby picnic areas in other parts of Kelley Park that you are welcome to use.
- While the garden itself is free, parking does cost $6 per vehicle if you park in the lot next to the garden, or $10 per vehicle elsewhere in the park.
- Check out the rest of Kelley Park when you're finished exploring the garden - other attractions include a zoo and an open-air history museum.
