You can’t see it from the road, but it’s near two major highways. You could drive right by it, and other than some tiny signs, never know it was there. I’ve lived in LA and I’ve never been, and oddly enough, neither has anyone I know. Yet we’ve all heard of it. Judging by the number of people that were there during my visit, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I’m thinking my friends and I aren’t the only people that have it on their perennial “to-do” list.
The Japanese Garden, or by its Japanese name, SuihoEn, is 6.5 acres of paths, ponds, and peacefulness. A surprisingly quiet spot in the middle of the San Fernando Valley. Here’s what it’s like.
History
SuihoEn means “garden of water and fragrance,” and was built in 1984 as an example of something beautiful that was possible with reclaimed wastewater. No, seriously. The adjacent Tillman Water Reclamation Plant produces 26 million gallons of recycled water, but obviously has a bit of an image problem. I mean, you can call it “water reclamation” but it’s part of the sewer system, so…
But you can’t argue with the result. Designed by Doctor Koichi Kawana, the garden has three main parts. First is a dry Zen meditation garden, then as you continue down the path, you’re surrounded by lush green plants, stone lanterns, and small artificial streams as you wind your way around the lake. At the far end, a small teahouse lets you take refuge from the hot sun.
Walking around
I’ve been to a few gardens in Japan and I have to say, this one is a pretty fair approximation. It has the same calming aspect to it, with the gentle curves, the bubbling of water, and the ducks and geese. There are a lot of geese, but they don’t seem as malcontent as most geese do. Bamboo stalks and arched bridges, perfectly placed stones, all combine together to something quite beautiful.
I made a video with perhaps slightly more exciting music than such a chill place actually needs.
Star Trek
The Administrative Building may look familiar, if you’re a Trekkie that is. The garden and Lumsden-designed building were used multiple times during the run of The Next Generation as part of Starfleet Academy. A matte painting and some compositing placed the real garden in future San Francisco, but such is Hollywood magic.
It was also used in episode 7 of season 1, “Justice,” where Wesley is sentenced to death for stepping on some flowers. Yeah, that first season is rough.
Given its location and cool design, the Garden has been used in a lot of TV shows and movies.
Visit!
Given how quiet it was on a Sunday afternoon, I’m guessing it’s often quite quiet. That’s certainly a bonus for anyone who wants a relaxing visit. Depending how the wind blows, you might get a whiff of the reclamation plant, or maybe the goose droppings, but it’s not too bad.
The hours are sort of odd: 11-4 M-F, 10-4 Sun, but no admittance after 3:15. Adults are $5. Oh, and no food is allowed inside, so you’ll have to go to the park next door if you’re in the mood for a picnic. The entrance is on Woodley, just south of Victory.
