Rohoen, the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
Simply beautiful
Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
A lovely and peaceful urban oasis, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a joint creation between the sister cities of Phoenix, Arizona and Himeji, Japan — a beautiful way to highlight the special relationship.
Sign at entrance of Rohoen, the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
From Japanese Friendship Garden website:
The devoted and friendly relationship between the Sister Cities of Phoenix and Himeji, Japan is reflected in the name chosen by its creators.
鷺 Ro – Japanese word for Heron, a symbol of Himeji City. Shira Sagi Jou, or the White Heron, is the name of the famous Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
鳳 Ho – Japanese word for the mythical Phoenix bird.
園 En – Japanese word for Garden.
Feeling content at Japanese Friendship Garden
Although you can certainly spend as much time as you like, it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to stroll the loop trail and admire the garden’s features. Several benches along the way give you a chance to sit and relax as you take in the peacefulness and beauty of the garden.
Koi pond
In the 3.5 acre garden, there are four symbolic areas representing Japanese landscapes — grasslands, woodlands, forested mountains, and pebble beaches — each featuring beautiful flora, the koi pond, a waterfall, bridges, sculptures, and lovely spaces.
Waterfall at the koi pond
It is recommended that you walk the loop in a clockwise direction, but you can certainly do the reverse — as we did!
Mr. TWS walking along the path in the Japanese Friendship Garden
Some of the plants and trees you’ll find in the garden include Twisted Myrtle, Water Iris, Virginia Creeper, Aleppo Pine, and Chinese Pistache, Vitex, Juniper, Purple Leaf Plum, Brazilian Pepper Tree, and Water Lily.
Lily pads on the koi pond
Look for distinctive Japanese stone sculptures are you walk along the path.
Kasuga stone lantern sculpture at Japanese Friendship Garden
Yukimi Lantern
Sculpture of Shachi — a mythical fish with face of a tiger at Japanese Friendship Garden
Tasoto Pagoda
Garden Tips:
Roji Garden and tea house
- There is a roji garden and tea house on the grounds that is accessible by signing up for one of the monthly “chanoyu experiences” on tea tours that include a serving of matcha.
- Be sure to take the free guide with map at the ticket office to explain points of interest as you stroll. There are no informational signs on the grounds to take away from the simple beauty of the garden.
- You can opt to take a docent-guided tour of 30-40 minutes to get in-depth perspectives and detailed information about the garden’s design, art, flora, and symbolism.
- Stop into the gift shop at the garden entrance where you will find a nice selection of authentic Japanese gift and food items.
For more information: Rohoen Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
1125 N. 3rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 274-8700
info@jfgphx.org
