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Shinzen Japanese Garden
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Shinzen Japanese Garden

See all things to do
See all things to do
Shinzen Japanese Garden
4.5
150
#4 of 44 things to do in Fresno
Gardens
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Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
The Shinzen Friendship Garden is a traditional northwestern American Japanese Garden. The Garden was constructed to honor Fresno’s Sister City, Kochi, Japan, celebrating the spirit of understanding and promoting educational and cultural awareness. The beauty, grace and serenity of Japanese design is present in the use of varied plant material, rocks and stones, and water throughout the five acre garden. The garden is designed around the four seasons of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter; granite markers identify each section. In the Fall of 2015 we were proud to be chosen to house and display the world-class Clark Bonsai Collection, which is now on permanent display in the garden, offering a seasonal rotation of some of the finest Bonsai in the United States.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
150 reviews
Excellent
99
Very good
40
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Michelle J
Irvine, CA91 contributions
Well designed gardens around a lake
Jul 2022 • Solo
Beautifully maintained gardens based on the four seasons. Includes a spectacular bonsai area with real works of art. Spread out around a lake there is plenty to see over 5 acres. Volunteers take care of the maintenance. Highly recommend viewing. Inside Woodward Park.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kerrie C
Seelands, Australia16 contributions
Japanese garden
Jul 2022
Beautiful and peaceful, after driving 6000 miles around the USA it was very relaxing to walk in the gardens after all the hustle and bustle of the cities we have visited, well done volunteers.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leslie J
Alexandria, VA768 contributions
Wonderful
May 2022 • Couples
Loved this garden. Lots of places to visit and sit and contemplate. Many water sources, a lake and waterfalls. It attracted photography sessions for.special occasions.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jessica Smith
17 contributions
Tranquil Japanese Oasis
Apr 2022 • Family
A must see if you're in town. A great way to spend a few hours to see 100 year old bonsai trees. There was a nice mix of families, couples and folks on photoshoots.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David B
Fresno, CA225 contributions
Fresno's Gem of a Garden
Oct 2021
The Shinzen Friendship Garden in NE Fresno's Woodward Park is as authentic a Japanese-style landscape garden as can be imagined in a semi-desert climate. It's brilliantly designed, with quite a few native plants substituted for Japanese flora that just wouldn't do well in California's Central Valley. Tucked in a corner of Shinzen is a compound housing the Clark Collection, a world-class bonsai (minature trees) museum tended by volunteers. The bonsai collection is open it to the public on weekends and holidays. (To check hours, phone 559-621-2900.)
Written November 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lena K
Fullerton, CA340 contributions
Absolutely beautiful garden
Jul 2021 • Friends
Even in 100+ degree temperature, Shinzen Friendship Garden is a very pleasant place to be. The waterfalls make soothing sounds. The koi fish are colorful. The views of the lake, the concrete lanterns and the stone bridge add to the beautiful atmosphere.
Written July 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen S
3 contributions
Flowers and Bonsai trees are amazing
Oct 2020
Recommend going in the spring or fall when the flowers are at their best. There is some shade but the heat of summer is not the best time to visit unless you go in the morning before it gets too hot.
Written June 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andy R
Upland, CA31 contributions
Garden of eden Asian style
Jun 2021 • Couples
Very beautiful and peaceful gardens. We loved the nature path and birds we saw along the way. Inspiring and quiet. Very reasonably priced too.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jenniealee
Mesa, AZ2,459 contributions
Located inside the Woodward Park
May 2021
It took me about an hour to go through the gardens. It was calm and peaceful. There are many areas you can sit down and soak in the sun, tress, and tranquility. The staff was very friendly and busy caring for their gardens. Wonderful places to take pictures as a family or couple. I could see people getting engagement photos done on the bridge overlooking the lake. Right now during COVID-19 they are limiting how many people going through the gardens at one time to ensure social distancing.
Written May 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kendrick V
8 contributions
Beautiful Themed Subgardens and knowledgeable Docents
Sep 2020
I spent about 2 hours with my sister viewing and photographing rare Japanese Trees and bonsais as well as their unique position by the beautiful cove in North Woodward Regional Park.
Written November 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Shinzen Japanese Garden (Fresno) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Shinzen Japanese Garden
Shinzen Japanese Garden is open:
  • Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM