specifically to see the new developments at the Japanese Friendship Garden...
Plus, I had that coupon burning a hole in my wallet, so it was finally put to use!
We hadn't been here in about five or so years and even then, I didn't blog that visit...
The Japanese Friendship Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition and is located near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. The gardens cover about two acres and recently expanded into the canyon below.
Along the Garden’s winding paths are a Zen garden for meditation, an exhibit house, koi pond, bonsai exhibit, ceremonial gate, and a Fujidana, or wisteria harbor (seen below).
The new paths to the canyon below are quite gentle and even wheelchair accessible...
Bonsai trees on display:
Those trees always remind me of Mr. Miyagi from "The Karate Kid".
The ceremonial gate which leads down to the canyon expansion...
Although the canyon's landscaping isn't fully grown in yet, I am expecting it to look spectacular and lush once all the plants are more mature.
It was beautiful to see many of the cherry trees in bloom along the paths...
It was pretty warm out that particular day. You can see where some of the construction is taking place. There are plans for an ampitheatre and a tea house down in the canyon.
More trees in bloom...
This is at the eastern end of the path. At the top of the hill is the original grounds of the Japanese gardens. While this is not quite on par just yet with the Japanese gardens in Portland or Victoria, BC, it is nice to know that San Diego will soon have a beautiful park to share with locals and visitors alike.
A bonsai tree in the hillside...
There was also a nice flowing water feature with stepping stones...
View from the northern end of the hill:
View from the top of the path:
Afterwards, we had a little snack at the Tea Pavilion at the top...
We were going to be having lunch in Point Loma later so this was just a small snack to tide us over...
For TC's benefit, I got a small tray of California roll. The price wasn't marked and when I brought it to the cashier (a young guy), he said it was $10. I think I must have blanched considerable and was even thinking of chucking it at his face but he said, "Just kidding, it's six dollars". Why the hell he even did that was beyond me. Maybe he thought he was being funny, but I was not in the mood for price changing bullshit.
There ya go, overpriced $6 Cali rolls...
If you're ever in the area, I would highly suggest checking out the garden while the cherry trees are still in bloom, just don't get their sushi, haha.
The Japanese Friendship Garden
2125 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-2721
www.niwa.org
Up next - a quick look to another place we hadn't visited in awhile...
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