Japanese Friendship Garden

A serene six-acre walled garden in Kelley Park, modeled on Okayama's famous Korakuen and gifted through San Jose's sister-city ties with Okayama, Japan — koi ponds, arched bridges, waterfalls, free admission. One of the city's best quiet escapes. Only cost is Kelley Park's $6 parking; note the koi ponds have had periodic maintenance issues, so manage expectations.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Are there koi in the Japanese Friendship Garden ponds?

The koi ponds are the garden's heart, though populations and pond conditions have fluctuated over the years with maintenance and water-quality work. Even in leaner koi times, the ponds, waterfalls, and bridges carry the visit.

How long does a visit take?

It's six acres, so 45 minutes covers it at a stroll and 90 minutes if you settle onto a bench and let it work on you. That's the right size — this is a decompression stop, not a day trip, which is why pairing it with Kelley Park's other attractions works so well.

Can I feed the koi?

Don't bring your own food for them — outside food harms water quality. When fish food is available on site, use that; otherwise, watching is the game. And no, there's no fishing, however tempting the big ones look.

Is the garden good for photos?

It's one of San Jose's favorite photo spots — quinceañeras, weddings, grad portraits — thanks to the arched bridges and maple backdrops. Casual photography is free; organized shoots with equipment may need a city permit, so check ahead for professional sessions.

What are the Japanese Friendship Garden's hours?

Generally daily from 10am to 4pm, with hours sometimes extended seasonally. It's a city-run garden and schedules have shifted over the years, so a quick check of the San Jose parks page before a special trip is smart.

What's the history of the Japanese Friendship Garden?

It opened in 1965 as a symbol of San Jose's sister-city relationship with Okayama, Japan, and is patterned after Okayama's Korakuen — one of Japan's three most celebrated gardens. The layout, bridges, and lanterns follow the original's spirit on six acres.

Is the Japanese Friendship Garden free?

Yes, admission is free — the only cost is Kelley Park's $6 parking fee. That makes it one of the best free outings in San Jose, especially paired with History Park next door.

What else is at Kelley Park with the garden?

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and History Park are both in the same park — one parking fee covers all three. Zoo for the kids, garden for the adults' sanity, History Park for free wandering: that's the full Kelley Park day.

Nearby in Ask San Jose

• History Park at Kelley ParkMuseum0.3 km · 4 min walk
• Kelley ParkPark0.41 km · 5 min walk
• History Park San JoseAttraction0.46 km · 6 min walk
• Happy Hollow Park & ZooAttraction0.48 km · 6 min walk
• Little Saigon (Story Road)Neighborhood0.54 km · 7 min walk