Today, we invite you behind the scenes to witness the final piece of the restoration of our Karesansui (枯山水), or Dry Garden.
The Making of a Dry Sea:
To recreate the vastness of the ocean, our dedicated crew carefully placed over 150 tons of gravel.
Protective tarps were first laid down to respectfully prevent weeds from disrupting the space.
Tractors and wheelbarrows were utilized to meticulously move and place the gravel into every corner of the dry garden.
Cultural Harmony in Los Angeles
For hundreds of years in Japan, small stones and gravel have been used to symbolize water in the karesansui tradition. Here in Southern California, this ancient practice beautifully inspires drought-resistant landscaping that respects our local environment and climate.
Sustained by Innovation
Our garden thrives in a deeply harmonious partnership with the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. Conceived by Donald C. Tillman, this space was created to demonstrate the positive use of reclaimed water in a delicate, serene environment. Each day, the plant graciously provides 2.5 million gallons of recycled wastewater to sustain the Japanese Garden, local wildlife lake, and LA River.
We are deeply honored to preserve and share this blend of Japanese tradition and Los Angeles innovation with you.
🔗 thejapanesegarden.com
# 枯山水
The Japanese Garden - Suiho-En
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An urban oasis in the San Fernando Valley, The Japanese Garden is a delightful attraction for people of all ages to visit. Please call for tour times.
"Suiho En" (the garden of water and fragrance) is a 6.5 Acre authentic Japanese garden fashioned after "stroll gardens" constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries for Japanese feudal lords. Our facility is unique because it incorporates three classical designs: a dry karensansui, a wet garden with promenade chisen, and an authentic tea ceremony garden incorporating a 4.5 Tatami mat tea room. T
There's something incredibly calming about watching nature do its thing. 🪿
💦 Let this stunning Canada Goose at The Japanese Garden - Suiho-En be your reminder to take a few deep breaths and ease into the week after the long holiday weekend.
What are you doing to find your center today?
May flowers are officially showing off! 🌸✨
~ Day Lily
~ Indian Hawthorn
~ Fortnight Lily
~ Water Iris
We took a quick stroll through the garden and just had to share the view. This peaceful oasis is actually nourished by the recycled water we treated right next door at Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. It’s a beautiful reminder of what happens when we work together to protect our resources.
We’re sorry for the delay in reopening. Which garden spot do you miss the most?
thejapanesegarden.com
Finding peace in pink azaleas. 🌺
Watch the sunlight dance across the water and reflect on the Shoin Building. Listen to the birds singing and the geese honking.
Take a breath and enjoy this in the heart of the Valley.
✨ Fun Fact: This beauty is nurtured by 100% recycled water from our Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. 💧
🔗 thejapanesegarden.com
The Dry Garden is coming along nicely for our May reopening and we can’t wait to share it with you! Here’s another “behind the scenes” look at the work being done.
thejapanesegarden.com
04/17/2026
It's rare that we leave the tranquility of our Garden. But we couldn't miss the 10th Anniversary of ! Come visit us at Pan Pacific Park between 10am and 2pm. We have some great giveaways and the event itself is just amazing with over 50 exhibitors, local entertainment on the stage, free food from Savage Tacos (while supplies last), and more.
Stop by and say hello! Free tickets are available here:
earthdayla.eventbrite.com
We’re continuing our preparations for reopening to the public. Here’s a quick video of one of our black pine trees carefully being placed back in its home.
What else would you like to see? Comment below! 👇
🔗 thejapanesegarden.com
03/31/2026
Finding balance, one needle at a time.
Did you know that the secret to a healthy Black Pine tree is a process called "needling"? Landscape Architect Patrick Rigney recently led our volunteers through this slow, but necessary process. Additionally, The Japanese Garden incorporates the art of Bonsai, scaled up for our 135+ full-sized landscape trees.
By removing dead needles, we:
✅ Balance the tree’s energy
✅ Promote new "back-budding"
✅ Let light and air reach the interior branches
Our volunteers took on the challenge to rebalance the trees and hopefully found a little inner peace along the way. It’s a deep respect for a craft that has shaped this garden since 1984.
Learn more here:
thejapanesegarden.com/maintaining-suihoen/pine-needling/
Have you ever tried the art of pruning? Let us know in the comments! 👇
11/07/2025
🖌️🎨 Join us this Sunday for another Sunday stroll at The Japanese Garden! Bring your imagination and creativity for painting! And of course, bring friends and family... all are welcome! 👐
6100 Woodley Ave - Van Nuys
Sunday, Nov. 9
9:30am - 3:30pm
thejapanesegarden.com
The weather forecast says hit and sunny, so please consider bringing a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen if you need it.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Location
Contact the business
Telephone
Address
6100 Woodley Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
91406
Opening Hours
| Monday | 11am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 11am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 11am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 11am - 4pm |
| Sunday | 10am - 4pm |