The Japanese Friendship Garden located in Kelley Park is a great place to take an easy stroll, feed ducks and fish, and take in the beautiful surroundings.

The garden is modeled after Korakuen Garden in one of San Jose’s sister cities Okayama, Japan.

There are three ponds stocked with Koi fish that gets the most attention. Bring your quarters, as there are at least two fish food dispensers. It was fun watching the kids feeding the ducks and Koi.

From the entrance of the park you come upon the upper pond, going to your left there is a there is a beautiful, tranquil area. Unfortunately, it is next to Senter Road and passing trucks and buses soon disrupts your tranquility. The sounds of the road are soon replaced by the sound of the stream that connects to the lower elevation ponds. Nearby is a traditional Japanese teahouse, not open.

Along with the pathways, ponds, and streams there are fountains, a waterfall, rock settings, bridges, shrubs and various types of trees.

Not on par with the Hakone Gardens, I still highly recommend a visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden.

There are only benches, no picnic tables; however there are picnic tables outside the gardens, including tables “next door” at History San Jose.

The garden is open daily 10:00am to sundown. Admission is free. Parking is $6.00 weekends and most weekdays.

Location map here.
Parking info via Happy Hollow Park here (PDF).

Related posts:

1. San Jose Blossoms
2. Kids Free Fishing Days
3. If You’re Young at Heart
4. Remembering Frontier Village Picnic
5. History San Jose