Japanese Garden in Van Nuys, California

japanese garden in van nuys

The Japanese Garden in Los Angeles: A Hidden Oasis Gem

Let's escape the chaos of the city without actually leaving it. We've discovered an oasis of serenity right in the heart of San Fernando Valley. The Japanese Garden in Van Nuys, California, serves as a beautiful reminder that peace can be found even in the most surprising locations. Let’s go! 


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Travel Tips
  • For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
  • For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.


japanese garden in van nuys

How to get there

The Japanese Garden
  • Address: 6100 Woodley Ave, Lake Balboa, CA 91406
  • Located in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area


Hours
  • Monday - Thursday: 9:30am – 12:00pm
  • Afternoon - 1:00pm – 3:30pm
  • Closed between 12:00pm – 1:00pm
  • Closed from Friday through Sunday; Federal & City of Los Angeles Holidays 
  • Closed within 24 hours of rain


Admission
  • Self-guided tours are 5 USD per person and 3 USD for Seniors and children under 10


japanese garden in van nuys

The Garden

Inside the Japanese garden, there are three  sections: 
  • A dry Zen meditation garden
  • A "wet-strolling" garden
  • A tea garden


japanese garden in van nuys
A card for you Mama, wish you were here! 

The last time we visited was in 2019, and it feels quite nostalgic to return. We’re here to celebrate my mum’s birthday along with Mother’s Day. We selected the Japanese Garden because my mum loved plants, flowers, and everything that flourishes in nature. While it’s heartbreaking to be here without her, being surrounded by nature brings me comfort and makes me feel her presence. This is the difficult part of losing someone you love; you never truly move on. Instead, you learn to live with the pain of their absence and cherish the joyful memories to help you navigate life without them.  


japanese garden in van nuys

Admission is free right now!

Admission to the Japanese Garden is currently free and does not require reservations due to system maintenance. Visitors can enjoy the garden on a walk-in basis for up to 2.5 hours. Reservations will be available again in the future but are not needed at this time.


japanese garden in van nuys

Star Trek Film Location 

We noticed a sign proudly announcing that Star Trek was filmed in the Japanese garden.
This garden is a well-known filming spot, specifically for the TV series Star Trek, where the Starfleet administration building is situated within the garden. The Starfleet Academy might be more recognizable and familiar to sci-fi movie enthusiasts.


japanese garden in van nuys

Walking around the Garden

It can become quite warm when walking around, as the trees do not offer much shade. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid visiting during the summer, as the heat can be quite intense, with the only cool refuge being the Japanese house.


japanese garden in van nuys
As you stroll through or sit quietly in the garden, the harmonious arrangement of elements invites you to reflect on the balance and impermanence of nature.


japanese garden in van nuys
It’s a serene sanctuary designed to promote contemplation and peace.


japanese garden in van nuys
They said each component in a Japanese Garden has been thoughtfully placed to embody simplicity and natural beauty, encouraging a meditative state of mind.


japanese garden in van nuys
It’s a great and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.


japanese garden in van nuys
The little one found a friend!


japanese garden in van nuys
"A mother's love is unconditional and only grows stronger over a lifetime"


Numerous individuals have asked about the dress I'm sporting—my charming white dress is from Amazon. This dress is ideal for masking any tummy concerns, featuring a flowy and lightweight design with an additional layer of fabric to prevent it from being see-through. As I don't usually purchase many clothes, I enjoy pairing this piece with jackets, chic blazers, polarized sunglasses, and an assortment of shoes and sandals to create a trendy and stylish look.


japanese garden in van nuys
We found our favorite spot!


japanese garden in van nuys

Gazebo by the Lake 

There’s a gazebo by the lake where you can unwind and enjoy the scenery. We spent our time there until closing time.


japanese garden in van nuys

I'm curious to see the renovations and hope they include an expanded garden. I look forward to more activities and additional shaded areas where we can unwind more and escape the scorching heat of the sun.


japanese garden in van nuys

We wrapped up the day with a deliciously refreshing Boba milk tea because my mum was a reigning Boba queen! Her love for those chewy pearls is absolutely off the charts! A special shoutout to Flying Starfish Studios for the Boba queen notebook—be sure to explore their unique collection of notebooks and journals!

Have fun and be safe ^__^

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