The Japanese Garden (SuihoEn) Los Angeles
A serene oasis in Los Angeles, SuihoEn Japanese Garden offers tranquil ponds, bridges, and stone arrangements for peaceful reflection and photography.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
The Japanese Garden (SuihoEn) Los Angeles
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene oasis in Los Angeles, SuihoEn Japanese Garden offers tranquil ponds, bridges, and stone arrangements for peaceful reflection and photography.
"A truly peaceful escape, this hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking tranquility in Los Angeles."
Check Reservation Status
System maintenance can mean walk-ins! Always check their website before you go. :ticket:
Respectful Visits
This is a place for peace and meditation. Be mindful of noise and your surroundings. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Ponds & Bridges
Throughout the garden
Meander across charming bridges and admire serene ponds reflecting the lush greenery. A truly peaceful escape.
Stone Arrangements
Various garden sections
Discover meticulously placed stones and raked gravel, embodying the minimalist beauty of Japanese garden design.
Koi Fish Feeding
Main pond
Watch vibrant koi fish glide through the water. Some visitors mention the opportunity to feed them.
Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)
Throughout the garden
During spring, the garden bursts with the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms, creating a magical atmosphere.
Planning Your Visit
Reservations & Hours
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Reservation Status
System maintenance can mean walk-ins! Always check their website before you go. :ticket:
Respectful Visits
This is a place for peace and meditation. Be mindful of noise and your surroundings. :pray:
Limited Hours
Hours can be restrictive, often closing by mid-afternoon on weekdays. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
Photography Friendly
The serene beauty makes it a perfect spot for photography and capturing peaceful moments.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Reservation Status
System maintenance can mean walk-ins! Always check their website before you go. :ticket:
Respectful Visits
This is a place for peace and meditation. Be mindful of noise and your surroundings. :pray:
Limited Hours
Hours can be restrictive, often closing by mid-afternoon on weekdays. Plan accordingly! :clock1:
Photography Friendly
The serene beauty makes it a perfect spot for photography and capturing peaceful moments.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking to explore all the nooks and crannies. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Japanese Garden SuihoEn for its serene beauty and peaceful atmosphere, calling it a hidden gem in Los Angeles. Many appreciate that it's free to enter and offers a tranquil escape. However, some find the limited weekday-only hours and occasional airport noise to be drawbacks.
"So beautiful, and quiet. My friend and I arrived 20 min before closing and wished we had more time. But the tranquil atmosphere, beautiful esthetic and nature appeal was fantastic. Would love to return someday.
Also the staff was super friendly and helpful."
Shayla McKitrick
"This is a lovely place so peaceful and beautiful, an ideal place to spend some time to get away from the hustle of the city. Parking is free as well as admission. They close at 3:30 pm so you will want to make sure you get there with enough time to walk about leisurely. The grounds were very well maintained which was impressive. The only small issue I have is how early the close and I wish they were open on Fridays and Saturdays. Other than that I loved it here."
Margaret M. Keller
"This place has a lovely atmosphere of exploration. It’s only a 30 minute walk around the paths, and they’re fun! There’s many water features like ponds, rivers, even a waterfall. This is also a water reclamation facility!! Which is super cool! It’s a beautiful place with plenty of areas to sit and enjoy the short downtime you have for breaks to mentally reset and tackle the rest of your day!"
Anaiah Moses
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main Japanese Garden, SuihoEn, is located at 6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406, within the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant.
Yes, parking is available. If you're visiting the CSULB campus location, parking fees may apply.
Unfortunately, the Van Nuys location often has limited hours and is typically closed on weekends, which can be a drawback for many visitors.
Information on public transport accessibility can vary. It's best to check local transit routes for the most up-to-date information for the Van Nuys or Long Beach locations.
Some visitors have noted that the proximity to the airport can lead to noise from overhead planes, which might detract from the peaceful experience for some.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the Japanese Garden in Van Nuys is generally free to enter. You may need to sign in at the reception desk. +1
Typically, reservations are required. However, the reservation system has been under maintenance, allowing temporary walk-in access. It's crucial to check their official website for the latest updates.
The garden usually has limited hours, often closing by 3:30 PM on weekdays and is typically not open on weekends. Always verify current hours before your visit.
Generally, pets are not allowed in Japanese gardens to maintain the tranquility and preservation of the grounds. Please check the specific garden's policy.
Yes, the CSULB location offers paid classes like yoga, sound bathing, and forest bathing.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The serene landscapes, water features, and traditional Japanese elements make it a highly photogenic location.
While generally welcoming to photographers, it's always wise to be respectful of other visitors and the garden's peaceful atmosphere. Professional shoots might require permits.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting, ideal for capturing the garden's beauty. Weekdays will also offer fewer people in your shots.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in public parks and gardens to ensure safety and tranquility. It's best to assume this is not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Visitors often capture reflections in the ponds, close-ups of flora, architectural details like bridges and pagodas, and the serene overall landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to teach children about different cultures and the importance of nature. Remember to keep noise levels down and supervise children closely around water features. The limited hours might require careful planning to fit into a family's schedule. 🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Meditators
The garden's design encourages a slower pace, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the calming environment. Weekday visits are recommended for the most undisturbed experience. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 Capture reflections in the ponds, the intricate details of bridges, and the vibrant colors of the flora and fauna. Early mornings or late afternoons often yield the best light for photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Essence of SuihoEn
+1This garden is more than just a collection of plants; it's a carefully curated landscape intended to evoke a sense of peace and contemplation. The sound of trickling water, the rustling of bamboo, and the vibrant colors of the koi fish all contribute to a multi-sensory experience. It's a place where one can practice mindfulness, meditate, or simply enjoy a quiet moment of reflection.
While the Van Nuys location is a standalone gem, it's worth noting that the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) offers a similar serene experience, sometimes with additional programming like yoga and forest bathing.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities
Be aware that the garden's hours can be quite restrictive, often closing by mid-afternoon on weekdays and typically not open on weekends. This can make it challenging for those with standard work schedules to visit.
When you arrive, remember that this is a place of peace. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the environment and other guests. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll want to explore the various paths and scenic spots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit