Matsuri Festival 2012

This year's Matsuri at Heritage & Science Park was an amazing collage of people, entertainment, the flavors of Japanese cuisine, culture, and great fun! We welcomed honored guests, felt the familiar rhythm of taiko, appreciated the beauty of ikebana and bonsai, viewed gorgeous kimonos, learned about tea ceremony, found treasures to purchase, watched (with curiosity) interesting costumes as they paraded by...and more! Each day brought fun, fantasy, and friends to share all the excitement!

See more photos from the event here.

Third Annual Ikebana Exhibit

The Garden held a treasure trove of beautiful Ikebana arrangements all weekend. The comment, "the Garden has slipped on some amazing jewelry again this year" fits the show perfectly. Ping Wei's Garden Lecture on Sunday was even more meaningful as he presented it from the Tea House. Artists and guests alike were awed by the addition of these gorgeous, from-the-heart artistic arrangements along the path.

See more photos from the event here.

Anime Night at Ro Ho En

The gigantic screen was fabulous...Japanese treats were delicious...and the anime movie was a classic! Friday night's showtime was terrific as you can see here! We look forward to seeing everyone again at the end of March!

See more photos from the event here.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! The Japanese traditional New Year's decoration is called "kadomatsu" and is usually placed in front of homes to welcome ancestral spirits or "kami" of the harvest. Our creative staff, with City staff assistance, designed and assembled the beautiful kadomatsu you will see as you enter the gate or the Gift Shop. The bamboo and pine represent longevity and prosperity...our wish for you! Please enjoy these beautiful additions before January 15 (when they are traditionally burned to appease the "kami.")

See more photos here.

Wedding in the Garden

Jennifer and Tyler tie the knot at the Garden with Channel 12 News filming! The weather was, let's see...a bit of a challenge (overcast and rainy). But right at 2:00 p.m. it stopped raining and the sky brightened over the couple! It was a beautiful ceremony and everyone enjoyed the day in the Garden. Congratulations to the very happy couple!

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December in the Garden

It was a beautiful December morning and here in Phoenix, there was a feeling of fall in the air. The trees take on new hues and the Garden appears new and vibrant (no matter how many visits you have enjoyed!). The sun's rays are soft and warm and a fuzzy sweater feels good to ward off any chill. With the holidays fast approaching, you might like to plan to bring your family and friends by to spend some quiet time in the Garden. And memberships are a truly thoughtful (and welcome!) gift; just ask at the Gift Shop.

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Early Morning in the Garden

Morning at the Japanese Friendship Garden is so beautiful! Just a few shots to share this beauty with everyone...the gorgeous shades of green all around and the lush new lawn all lend to the feelings of serenity you experience as you stroll the path.

See more photos here.