Upcoming Events
Shoro Nagashi - Floating Lantern Festival
Experience an evening of remembrance and community during our Shōrō Nagashi celebration at the Japanese Friendship Garden. As twilight settles over the Garden, guests may join in Shōrō Nagashi, sending illuminated lanterns across the pond in a serene tribute to loved ones. Traditional Bon Odori dancing, led by the Arizona Buddhist Temple, invites everyone to move together in a circle of gratitude and connection. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the Garden, take part in lantern‑ or fan‑making activities, and savor Japanese‑inspired refreshments from our Gift Shop. This heartfelt gathering offers a beautiful way to honor the past while coming together beneath the desert sky. Last admission is 7:30pm; the Garden closes at 8:30pm.
Moon Meditation
Step into the serene beauty of the Japanese Friendship Garden for an evening of guided meditation and healing sound under the light of the full moon. Rooted in ancient tradition, the full moon marks the completion of a cycle — a powerful time to release what no longer serves you and embrace peace, clarity, and abundance. Christina Muruato, RYT, will guide you through a grounding moon meditation while Timothy O'Brien fills the night air with the ethereal tones of the handpan. Jude Luth of Biophilia weaves calming instruments including chimes, ocean drums, and rain sticks throughout the evening to deepen your experience. All attendees will take home a Biophilia gift bag with simple instructions for mindful self-care. Please wear comfortable clothing, bring water, and a yoga mat or blanket to lie down and feel the earth beneath you. This is an evening of stillness, surrender, and restoration not to be missed.
Children's Day - Kokeshi Festival 2026
Celebrate Children’s Day! Celebrate the season of renewal with a joyful day filled with vibrant cultural experiences for all ages! Join us for a spring celebration honoring children, creativity, and cultural connection. Explore the timeless charm of Kokeshi dolls — handcrafted with care and painted with wishes for health, happiness, and protection. Enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, cultural displays, and interactive experiences for the whole family. We are also thrilled to welcome special guest Willie Ito, legendary American animator whose career spans more than 60 years at iconic studios including Walt Disney, Warner Bros., and Hanna-Barbera. Ito will offer an Artist Talk, followed by a screening of Hello Maggie! — an animated short film rooted in World War II Japanese American history. This event is perfect for families and cultural lovers alike. Come be inspired, learn, create, and celebrate spring together!
Chanoyu - Experience the Way of the Tea
Chanoyu – The Way of Tea Also known as chado, chanoyu is often referred to in English as the Japanese tea ceremony. This contemplative and communal art form has been cultivated over centuries, refining both the physical movements and mental discipline required for each tea gathering. The word chanoyu means “hot water for tea,” but it represents much more. As beautifully described by the Urasenke school: “...the Way of Tea concerns the creation of the proper setting for that moment of enjoyment of a perfect bowl of tea. Everything that goes into that serving of tea, even the quality of the air and the space where it is served, becomes a part of its flavor. The perfect tea must therefore capture the 'flavor' of the moment — the spirit of the season, of the occasion, of the time, and of the place. The event called chaji — that is, a full tea gathering — is where this takes place, and where the Way of Tea unfolds as an exquisite, singular moment in time shared by the participants.” – Urasenke Konnichian A key concept in chanoyu is the phrase ichigo-ichie (一期一会), meaning “one time, one meeting.” This expresses the deep awareness that each moment is unique and will never occur again in the same way. Every tea gathering is, therefore, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As the current Grand Master (Iemoto) of Urasenke, Sen Soshitsu XVI, explains: "Ichigo-ichie is simply a matter of taking in everything we encounter, touch, hear, see, and feel around us, moment to moment, without pretense." This spirit encourages participants to approach the tea gathering with sincerity, mindfulness, and gratitude, whether they are seasoned practitioners or first-time guests. At the Japanese Friendship Garden, we welcome all to experience chanoyu with an open heart, embracing each moment as a treasured encounter.
Brushes and Blooms
Join us at the Japanese Friendship Garden for a special exhibition featuring exceptional artists—Robert Johnson, Wei Tai, Martin Galbut, Bruce Feldman, and several other artists—each presenting their unique interpretations of nature, culture, and emotion through their respective mediums. This exhibition offers a harmonious blend of painting, photography, and sculpture, set within the serene and timeless beauty of a Japanese garden. Included with General Admission
Annual Bonsai & Pottery Exhibit 2026
Explore the Art of Bonsai & Pottery The word Bonsai (盆栽) means "planted in a container", referring to the practice of cultivating miniature trees through careful pruning and shaping. Alongside the bonsai displays, visitors can admire a variety of handcrafted pottery, each piece reflecting the skill and creativity of local artists. Guests will also have the opportunity to attend live demonstrations, lectures, and exhibits that provide insight into bonsai care, suiseki (the art of stone appreciation), and pottery-making techniques. Whether you are familiar with these art forms or new to them, this exhibit offers a chance to learn and appreciate their history and craftsmanship in a relaxing atmosphere.