Japanese Friendship Garden, San Jose: Photos, Reviews & Location

Covering 5.5 acres, this serene Japanese garden features a koi pond & a quaint red arch bridge.

At a glance

#22 of 24 Tourist attractions in San Jose

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.11

3.0 km from the center of San Jose

Rating breakdown

5 ★50%
4 ★23%
3 ★15%
2 ★6%
1 ★6%

1300 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112

sanjoseca.gov

(408) 794-7275

Photos of Japanese Friendship Garden (56)

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Japanese Friendship Garden, San Jose – photo 1

Japanese Friendship Garden, San Jose – photo 2

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Japanese Friendship Garden, San Jose – photo 5

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Japanese Friendship Garden, San Jose – photo 11

Japanese Friendship Garden, San Jose – photo 12

Quick facts

What is the rating of Japanese Friendship Garden?: Japanese Friendship Garden is rated 4.1 out of 5 based on 1,985 reviews.
How does Japanese Friendship Garden rank in San Jose?: Japanese Friendship Garden is #22 of 24 Tourist attractions in San Jose by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Japanese Friendship Garden located?: 1300 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112 — 3.0 km from the center of San Jose.
How can I contact Japanese Friendship Garden?: Phone: (408) 794-7275 · Website: sanjoseca.gov

Reviews (8)

Lheanne Alop 2024 Jul 27

3 stars because it was kind of disappointing to see how dull and dry the parked looked like when we visited there. Like the pond was really dirty and muddy, half of the park is almost like covered in bird poop and trash. Hoping someone could do something to save the park. It’s such a beautiful place to visit to, let us all come together and save it. LOL

Sharath Babu Pendyala 2024 Jun 24

Beautiful place for some fun with the families or friends. Large area with beautiful trees, benches and ponds for parties and outdoor fun. The place doesn’t feel safe after dark and not well maintained in my opinion. Go in groups and be careful. Has limited parking place and is paid. Restrooms were closed at one place and had hard time finding another one
Must visit the pond area to see some colorful 🐟 fish and 🦆 ducks.

Eunice Colin 2024 Apr 22

It made me sad to see all those fish in that dirty water full of mold and garbage, they have a box for fish food and it is empty, very neglected. Each of the photos shows the current state, the trees are beautiful, the place is big and calm, for some reason they do not have water, it is a place that I was so excited to visiting and I returned sad to see those fish like that.

Ahmed Fahmi 2024 Apr 21

The Japanese Friendship Garden is a serene oasis boasting lush trees, enchanting gardens, serene ponds, and picturesque bridges. It's a haven for nature lovers seeking tranquility. However, accessibility for handicapped individuals is limited, though those with electric handicap chairs may navigate more easily. Plus, the absence of park fees is a bonus, but the $6 parking fee may be a minor inconvenience. Overall, it's a stunning escape worth exploring, with just a few considerations for accessibility.

Mario Marik 2024 Mar 18

Nice place to visit but all the ponds were dry and no fish subsequently. Additionally, one could not walk over the bridge, access was blocked by plywood gates. I hope this place does not close and only witnessed improvements that were being made. Still a nice place especially considering the neighboors

Gargi Gupta 2024 Mar 17

Quite Japanese Vibes!
Small for strolling, can’t do a picnic here but picturesque place!
Some event was going on when we visited, people dressed up in different costumes.
They charge $6 for parking for entire day.
No entrance fee though.

Ms. Deonne Gonzalez 2024 Mar 05

1st time visitor. The biggest pond was drained - looked like it was being cleaned. But I'm not sure. The garden is beautiful ESPECIALLY THE MAGNIFICENT Koi. Be sure to bring a quarter to get Koi food 😀. Garden needs some DONATIONS and some TLC and it will be every more beautiful.
Consider giving a little so we can keep this treasure.

Amalina Ariffin 2023 Sep 30

I could see that it must have been beautiful with a koi pond but since the water was drained it does not look as beautiful. However, all the landscape was well maintained and the trees were lush and beautiful. There's a tea house in the park but it was closed too. I am sure if these facilities were open the park would have been beautiful but now it seems like a ghost of a glorified past. The park is a good size with reasonable incline if people would like to go for a run or bring their kids to explore.