Shinzen Friendship Garden Inc. - Fresno, California

D M

Beautiful gardens.

There are entry fees for this park, but they are reasonable, and there is a charge for parking.

Lots of inclines, including the picturesque bridge. Toddlers, elderly, and disabled may need assistance on some paths. I personally avoided certain paths for this reason.

Some of the wildlife you may spot are peafowl, ducks, geese, koi, and even a little black cat was seen roaming the shaded paths. Lot's of photo opportunities, benches and alcoves to escape into, and bridges and streams to venture over.

Definitely worth checking out!

briantravelman

We added this place to our itinerary last minute, and based on the pictures I'd seen, I wasn't expecting too much, but the place exceeded all expectations, and ended up being the best attraction we saw in Fresno, and also one of the best Japanese gardens we've seen anywhere.
The peacock was the highlight.
Prices are VERY reasonable, considering what the place has to offer, and they're open late. Though I don't understand why they charge extra for the bonsai gargen. There isn't a whole lot to see, and you can literally peak over the wall and see it for free, even after closing time.
The only annoying thing is that the gardens are located within a city park, and you have to pay an additional parking fee for the park, even though you're already paying to visit the garden.

Adrian Gonzalez

Most beautiful place in Fresno! The only downside is that it can be noisy due to the fact that it lies between Friant Rd and the 41. Takes only 30 minutes to walk around because it is small. Friendly staff, clean restrooms, and plenty of benches to sit under the shade and relax with the family.

DeWitt Senter

Beautiful and serene part of Woodward Park, featuring a life-size Japanese tea house, several soothing waterworks, a beautiful walk-over bridge, and an extensive bonzai tree exhibit. Highly recommend!

Dha

What an awesome place in Fresno
A very beautiful Japanese garden with a large koi pond. Clean, beautifully landscaped, and so many picture moments. It costs $5 per person. Today's weather was perfect. This place is definitely a must place to visit if you are in Fresno.

Mary Schluter

Always so serene and comforting. Go there to see the fish, turtles and peacocks at play, or sit under a tree and listen to a babbling brook. Flowers are abundant mostly in springtime. Learn about bonsai . . .

Daniel Barragan

Such a peaceful place to be. Even in the summer it feels fresh. The bonsai garden is beautiful and the people are so dedicated.

Toon Tran

The Shinzen Friendship Garden, nestled in Fresno at 114 W Audubon Dr, offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This beautifully maintained Japanese garden, designed to promote cultural understanding and friendship between Fresno and its sister city, Kochi in Japan, is a serene sanctuary that impresses with its traditional landscaping and thematic elements.

Pros:

Scenic Landscaping: The garden features authentic Japanese garden elements like koi ponds, a tea house, stone lanterns, and beautifully pruned trees which create a serene and picturesque environment.
Educational Opportunities: The garden hosts various cultural events and workshops that provide insights into Japanese culture and gardening techniques.
Wildlife Viewing: The presence of koi, turtles, and numerous bird species offers delightful wildlife viewing opportunities.
Accessibility: Easy to navigate paths and clear signage make the garden accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Cons:

Limited Hours: The garden's opening hours are somewhat restricted, particularly outside of the peak spring and summer months, so checking the schedule before planning a visit is advisable.
Entrance Fee: There is a small entrance fee, but it contributes to the maintenance and development of the garden, which is well worth the cost for the upkeep of such a beautiful space.
Experience:
Entering the Shinzen Friendship Garden transports you to a different world. The meticulous attention to detail in the layout and maintenance of the garden paths, bridges, and water features allows for an immersive experience. Each season offers a new canvas; spring blossoms, especially the cherry blossoms, are a highlight, while autumn brings a fiery display of maples.

The calmness of the garden encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the quieter moments. Benches strategically placed throughout the garden provide spots to sit and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The staff and volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share stories or details about the garden's features and flora.

Final Thoughts:
The Shinzen Friendship Garden is a beautiful testament to Fresno's cultural richness and commitment to fostering international friendship. It is an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, or anyone seeking a moment of peace. Whether you're looking to meditate, enjoy a quiet walk, or explore cultural beauty, the Shinzen Friendship Garden offers a unique and enriching experience that feels worlds away from the surrounding city. This hidden gem is definitely worth a visit for anyone in or traveling through Fresno.