Photo courtesy of Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
The Japanese Friendship Garden, named Rohoen (鷺鳳園), is a joint project of the City of Phoenix and our Sister City Himeji, Japan. Himeji Mayor, Matsuji Totani proposed the garden in 1987 to cement the bonds of friendship between Japan and the United States and particularly between the peoples of Himeji and Phoenix.
The Himeji Gardening and Construction Contractors Association was formed for the specific purpose of designing and constructing the garden. In the ensuing years, the group has made dozens of visits to select the site, investigate soil and climactic conditions, determine suitable plantings, select rock, and oversee construction details.
The teahouse and surrounding tea garden were completed in November 1996, the 20th anniversary of our Sister City relationship. The project features a stroll garden, tea garden, and a dry garden. All the decorative features that you see in the garden and the thousands of hours required to design and guide its construction are gifts from the City of Himeji and its citizens.Curious about the four distinct landscapes of our garden, our sister city Himeji, or the unique story behind RoHoEn's creation?
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, Rohoen, is an authentic 3.5 acre Japanese Stroll Garden with a tea garden and a tea house. This tranquil and beautiful setting features more than 1,500 tons of hand-picked rock, stone foot bridges, lanterns and more than 85 varieties of plants. As you stroll the path, you will enjoy flowing streams, a 14-foot waterfall, and a koi pond with over 300 colorful Koi fish.
Please do not walk on the grass or sit on the stones. Japanese gardens are not like parks which serve as recreational play areas but instead are meant for the guest to slowly observe and enjoy.
Your leader will be Roy M. Information will be provided on your email confirmation.
Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store
