Japanese Gardens at Lake Balboa

JAPANESE GARDENS AT LAKE BALBOA

In the midst of the busy San Fernando Valley lies an oasis – a 6 1/2 acre garden, which features three gardens in one. As one enters The Japanese Garden, designed by Doctor Koichi Kawana, there is a dry Zen meditation garden (karesansui) containing Tortoise Island, a three-Buddha arrangement of stones, and a wisteria arbor across a Plover Path. Next along the path is an expansive Chisen or “wet-strolling” garden with waterfalls, lakes and streams, abundant greenery, and stone lanterns which were hand-carved by artisans in Japan. At the end of this path is the Shoin Building with an authentic 4 1/2 tatami mat teahouse and adjacent tea garden.

The basic style of the garden is known as Chisen-Kaiyushiki, or “wet garden with promenade”, and is fashioned after those strolling gardens which were built during the 18th and 19th centuries for Japanese feudal lords on their vast estates. Due to the immensity of such gardens, lawns were used extensively, giving these gardens a rather open and bright feeling.

Garden hours are M-Th 11am-4pm and Sun 10am – 4pm
Final Admittance is at 3:15pm
Admission is $5 for Adults and $3 for Seniors 62+ and Children 12 and under
No Food allowed in the Garden, Water ONLY
Garden may briefly close if capacity is reached
Garden may close due to inclement weather please call ahead to check
CLOSED ON ALL CITY OF LOS ANGELES HOLIDAYS

For more information please visit their website:
https://www.thejapanesegarden.com/