You’ll Feel Like You’re Uncovering A Hidden Oasis When You Visit This Arizona Garden
By Monica Spencer|Published April 12, 2017
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Finding a bit of serenity in the city can be tough. Constant noise emanates from all around: from cars, businesses, and the millions of people that live here. If you’re looking for a chance to relax and enjoy a stroll through a park-like setting, then you’ll want to check out this little garden sitting right in the middle of Phoenix.
Ro Ho En, the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, is a tucked away location in central Phoenix that feels something like a hidden oasis. In fact, for a moment you might even forget that you're in the middle of a bustling city!
In fact, it’s so well-hidden that this sign on 3rd Avenue is the only real indicator that the garden exists! Unless you’re looking for it, chances are you’ve driven right past it.
Lush and green, this garden is filled with a variety of classic Japanese garden elements arranged in an aesthetically pleasing scene. It gives you the opportunity to slow down, relax, and enjoy the beauty around you.
Stone lanterns, water basins with bamboo pipes, bridges, and carefully arranged stones all provide moments for quiet contemplation.
Koi in a splash of colors and migrating birds breathe another kind of life into the garden, making this place seem like a natural spot for life to exist.
If you want, you can purchase a small bag of food to feed the koi when walking along the pond. You’ll get to see them rush to the surface much like this.
If you have the opportunity, don’t forget to check out the tea house! Sitting in one area of the garden, it creates a peaceful setting with a garden and waterfall nearby.
Inside, you can participate in a traditional tea ceremony where you can watch the preparation of serving Japanese matcha, a green tea. You’ll also get to learn about the tea garden and the tea house.
The Japanese Friendship Garden also hosts a variety of cultural events, workshops, and classes that give you the opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture.
Some events include the Otsukimi Full Moon-viewing festival in October, the Arizona Matsuri Festival in February, and sake tastings.
If you plan to visit, expect to spend at least an hour strolling through the garden. Also, be sure to read up on the etiquette of visiting a Japanese garden, since the experience is not quite the same as visiting an American park.
Ro Ho En is located at 1125 North 3rd Avenue in Phoenix and is open annually October through May. You can find details about hours, admission, and events on their website or Facebook page.
Did this inspire you to explore more Arizona gardens? There’s another fabulous one in the Phoenix area that’s worth a visit and it too is a hidden gem! Read more in The Secret Garden In Arizona You’re Guaranteed To Love.
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