• Cultural & historical sites
    Family-friendly
    Outdoor
      $14.00
      /person normally

    What you'll do

    Head to the Japanese Friendship Garden San Diego in Balboa Park.

    Visit the Japanese Friendship Garden with a Go San Diego pass

    • Pay nothing upon arrival – simply scan your digital pass
    • Explore the zen garden in Balboa Park
    • Access the koi ponds, stepping stones, and landscaped features
    • Pass holders also get free access to many more attractions in California

    Stroll around this peaceful garden in San Diego’s Balboa Park – the nation’s largest urban cultural park.

    The zen design of the Japanese Friendship Garden boasts traditional water and stone elements, two koi ponds, a bonsai collection, and unique attractions such as a cast bronze kannon bosatsu statue from 1735 AD. You'll enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the garden which fuses Japanese aesthetics with southern Californian characteristics.

    The garden was created as a gesture of friendship between the US and Japan and combines water, pastoral and mountain scenes, also known as 'San-Kei-En' - a three-tiered experience. As you explore, you'll learn about all the little landscaped details and what they represent in Japanese culture.

    Each calming element will bring a sense of peace and tranquility to your San Diego trip, so don't miss the chance to take some time out and enjoy this cultural sanctuary.

    Go San Diego passes are the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility when sightseeing in San Diego. Your pass includes Japanese Friendship Garden tickets plus entry to other top attractions.

    Experience Japanese Friendship Garden and many other attractions with the All Inclusive Pass.

    View the All Inclusive Pass

    Know before you go

    Getting In: Just show your Go San Diego pass at the Japanese Friendship Garden ticket booth and you're in – there's no need to purchase individual tickets at any of the San Diego attractions included on your pass. 

    Please Note: Children six and under are free.

    For more information, visit the Japanese Friendship Garden website.

    Japanese Friendship Garden tickets help

    Simply ask our help team if you have any questions.

    FAQs

    Q. What is the Japanese Friendship Garden San Diego?
    A. The Japanese Friendship Garden San Diego is a public garden showcasing Japanese art, culture, and landscape design.

    Q. What are the hours of operation for the Japanese Friendship Garden San Diego?
    A. The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, and closed on Mondays.

    Q. Are there any events held at the Japanese Friendship Garden San Diego?
    A. Yes, the garden hosts various cultural events throughout the year such as the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Tanabata Festival.

    Q. Is there a gift shop on site?
    A. Yes, there is a gift shop at the Japanese Friendship Garden San Diego that offers a variety of Japanese-inspired gifts and souvenirs.

    Q. Is the Japanese Friendship Garden San Diego accessible for people with disabilities?
    A. Yes, the garden is accessible for people with disabilities and provides designated parking spaces, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

    Q. Can I bring my own food into the Japanese Friendship Garden San Diego?
    A. No, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the garden, but there is a café on site that serves Japanese-inspired cuisine and refreshments.

    Where you'll be

    Map of location of attraction

    2215 Pan American Road, Balboa Park, San Diego, US

    Open in Google MapsExternal Link Icon

    Operating hours

    Daily: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
    The last admission is at 5:00PM. 

    Closings & holidays

    May be closed major U.S. holidays.

    Buy with confidence

    Free cancellation

    Plans can change, we get it. All non-activated passes are eligible for a refund within 90 days from your purchase date.

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    Help

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