Exploring Shinzen Friendship Garden at Woodward Park 🌿
Catherine Sawatsky | October 8, 2025
Woodward Park
Catherine Sawatsky | October 8, 2025
Woodward Park
Tucked away in Woodward Park, Fresno, the Shinzen Friendship Garden is a serene oasis celebrating peace, nature, and cultural beauty. If you’re looking for a quiet escape, a place for reflection, or just a scenic walk, this Japanese stroll garden offers plenty to love. In 2025, it remains one of Fresno’s hidden gems—perfect for locals, newcomers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
Design & Heritage: The garden is a 5-acre Japanese Friendship Garden, created to honor Fresno’s sister city, Kochi, Japan. It was designed by Paul Saito with support from master teahouse designer Shiro Nakagawa.
Four Seasons Layout: The garden is organized into sections based on the seasons. Spring brings blooming cherry, crabapple, and plum trees; summer highlights water features like the koi ponds; autumn offers vivid fall foliage; winter brings a calm, evergreen landscape. Pathways, waterfalls, stream beds, and stone bridges tie it all together.
Special Features:
Authentic thatched‐roof teahouse (built in Japan, assembled in Fresno)
Clark Bonsai Collection with rotating exhibits of miniature trees and culturally significant specimens.
Ume Grove of Japanese apricot trees, peaceful koi ponds, footbridges, waterfalls. Perfect for strolls and photography.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Shinzen Friendship Garden is inside Woodward Park. Address: 114 W Audubon Dr, Fresno, CA. |
| Hours | Open Wed-Sun from ~10:00 AM to 5:00 PM generally. Closed Mon & Tue. |
| Admission | Adults 15–55: ~$5; Seniors 62+ & children under 14: lower cost. Family rates available. Parking fees apply. |
| Best Times to Visit | Spring for blossoms; autumn for fall color; early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds. The gardens are especially photogenic during soft light (sunrise or just before sunset). |
Source: www.shinzenjapanesegarden.org
Take a guided tour (available by reservation) to learn about garden design, flora, and history.
Enjoy the natural features: koi viewing, listening to water features, meandering through seasonal flower displays.
Visit the teahouse for a moment of calm. Bring a camera—bridges, stone lanterns, ponds are popular photo spots.
Check for scheduled events: the Fresno Koi Show, workshops (bonsai, pruning, photography), cultural events.
A strong sense of peace and retreat without leaving the city—Shinzen offers a break from urban noise.
Cultural education: design, horticulture, and Japanese artistry make it both beautiful and enriching.
Great for families, couples, photographers, and those who want a picnic or quiet walk.
Enhances local quality of life—adds value to Woodward Park area lifestyle and can be a highlight for those considering moving nearby.
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