Japanese Friendship Garden

The Japanese Friendship Garden of San Jose is a 5.5-acre traditional Japanese garden located inside Kelley Park in east San Jose, California. Established as a symbol of friendship between San Jose and its Japanese sister city, the garden is one of the most serene and photogenic public spaces in Silicon Valley — and it's completely free.

For families, the garden's centerpiece is the large koi pond, home to dozens of massive, colorful koi that drift to the surface when visitors approach. Young children are absolutely transfixed by the fish — leaning over the banks, reaching out, and watching them glide through the clear water. The iconic bright-red arched bridge spanning the pond is a photography magnet and a landmark kids will remember.

The garden also features traditional stone lanterns, a tea house area, carefully raked gravel patterns, and manicured bonsai-style plantings throughout.

The real bonus for families is the adjacent Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, which sits directly next door. Combining the Japanese Friendship Garden with a few hours at Happy Hollow makes for a full day of free (or very low-cost) family activities in San Jose. Paths through the garden are stroller-accessible, making this a comfortable visit even with very young children.

Spring visits during cherry blossom season are especially magical.