5 Unexpected Facts About the Shinzen Friendship Garden in Fresno

Shinzen Friendship Garden is a charming and tranquil oasis often regarded as a hidden gem in Fresno. Nestled in the back of a parking lot within Woodward Park, many passersby might overlook its existence, especially as it is discreetly concealed behind a large wooden gate. Once you step through the entrance, however, the sprawling five-acre Japanese garden reveals itself, offering breathtaking views of lush greenery and a peaceful lake.

The ambiance of the garden is serene, with soothing sounds of birdsong and the gentle burbling of water cascading through stream beds and waterfalls. Despite the bustling city just beyond, the garden provides a restful escape from everyday noise.

Interestingly, while it may seem like a well-kept secret, Shinzen Friendship Garden is actually one of Fresno’s most notable attractions. It frequently appears in lists of must-visit destinations, sharing the spotlight with well-known sites such as the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and Forestiere Underground Gardens.

Visitors can often be seen meandering through Ume Grove or stopping at the wooden footbridge to observe the graceful koi fish swimming in the pond below.

The Mystery of the Stone Lantern

Shinzen Friendship Garden was established as a tribute to Kochi, Fresno’s sister city in Japan, commemorating the significant contributions of early Japanese immigrants to the community. However, this isn’t the first Japanese garden to grace Fresno.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Roeding Park hosted a similar garden featuring cherry trees, an arched bridge, and a picturesque island tea garden adorned with an impressive wooden pagoda and a three-ton stone lantern, a gift symbolizing friendship between the U.S. and Japan.

Unfortunately, this prior garden faced decline following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, leading to its dismantling. The fate of the stone lantern puzzled residents and historians alike for decades. Initially stored away, it was inadvertently relocated by the then-mayor to a local barber’s home, where it remained as a garden feature for years until it was discovered and returned to the city. Today, the restored lantern now resides proudly within Shinzen Friendship Garden.

Measure P Grants Will Benefit the Garden

Shinzen Friendship Garden is managed by a nonprofit organization which recently received grants through Measure P’s Expanded Access to Arts and Culture program. With $9.4 million allotted to 87 local nonprofits, Shinzen’s share exceeds $150,000 for maintenance and community programming.

The garden is primarily maintained by volunteers who dedicate their time to its upkeep. Tasks such as weeding and pruning are common sights at the garden, especially on Wednesday mornings. The volunteers play a crucial role in preserving the garden’s beauty, which is vast and ever-evolving.

With the grant funding, the garden plans to enhance its cultural offerings, including author readings, workshops, and other community events, contributing to its mission of cultural exchange and education.

Koi, Peacocks, and Turtles

While the wildlife may not be the primary attraction at Shinzen, there is an abundance of life. Visitors might see peacocks casually roaming the grounds, their distinctive calls adding to the garden’s charm. Koi fish swim gracefully in the ponds, providing an enchanting spectacle for guests.

However, the presence of wildlife does pose challenges. The peacocks have created issues for the garden’s structures, particularly the thatched roof of the tea house, which had to be replaced due to damage. The koi population has also faced threats, including illegal fishing and several mass die-offs, but has since rebounded.

There are even turtles wandering the garden, occasionally nibbling on the tails of koi. Volunteers often relocate any turtles that find their way into the ponds, ensuring harmony among the creatures in the garden.

The Clark Bonsai Collection and Museum

Since 2015, Shinzen has been home to the renowned Clark Bonsai Collection, featuring over 100 trees. This collection operates as a living museum, where selected specimens rotate on display to showcase the art of bonsai—pruning trees into miniature forms that embody the essence of their larger counterparts.

The collection includes significant trees, such as a Monterey Pine considered a prime example of bonsai artistry. Notably, one of the trees was grown from a seedling salvaged from a tree that survived the bombing of Hiroshima, offering a poignant connection to history.

Entrance to the Clark Collection is free during designated hours, and guided tours are available, allowing visitors to appreciate this intricate art form.

Unfulfilled Dreams of Garden Restaurants

While the garden features many attractions, there is one idea that never saw fruition: the establishment of a restaurant adjacent to the garden. Proposed multiple times since the 1990s, various efforts to bring a dining venue to the garden faced obstacles in garnering public support and city council approval.

Despite interest from local restaurateurs and the community, plans for a restaurant were ultimately abandoned, leaving the garden free of dining facilities but rich in natural beauty.

With its unique history, beautiful landscapes, and cultural significance, Shinzen Friendship Garden remains a beloved landmark in Fresno, drawing visitors for both relaxation and inspiration.