Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of a Japanese garden in San Diego’s historical Balboa Park. Here, you will find aesthetically pleasing features such as a zen rock garden, koi pond, traditional Japanese art, water features as well as special events held throughout the year. Download a visitor’s guide here.
The Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum (JFGM) is named San Kei En (three scene garden – water, pastoral, and mountain) which expresses the ties between the people of San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. JFG blends the two cultures to create a unique and immersive experience that anyone will enjoy. JFG represents a new stage in the development of the Japanese garden outside of Japan. The design of the San-Kei-En is guided by the original principles of the Japanese garden (people, natural environment, and culture) while incorporating the local regional landscape and climate.
The life of JFGM continues to blossom and is committed to upholding its mission of educating, engaging, and inspiring present and future generations of diverse backgrounds about Japanese culture and community legacy.
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
May 19 / World Bee Day
World Bee Day is held in recognition of the role bees play in sustaining a healthy ecosystem, ensuring our food supply and ultimately the future of humanity. The purpose of our event is to raise awareness of the vital importance of bees and all pollinators, the threats they face and actions every individual can take to protect them. Read more…
July 7 / Tanabata Festival
Originating from Chinese folklore, Tanabata is a holiday that celebrates the meeting of Orihime and Hikoboshi! Separated by the Milky Way, the stars Orihime and Hikoboshi are able to meet once per year on the seventh day of the seventh month. Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy the summer sun and partake in the Tanabata celebration. This year’s festival will be full of kid-friendly fun, such as games, performances, crafts and food! Read more…
Visit Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum
Address:
2215 Pan American Road E
San Diego, CA
92101
Phone:
(619) 232-2721
Hours:
Open Daily: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (last admission 5 p.m.)
Early closures may vary due to private events.
Website:
2215 Pan American Road East, San Diego, CA
