If you are craving tranquility amidst the urban sprawl of Los Angeles, you will find it at the Van Nuys Japanese Garden. It is located off Woodley Avenue in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. The area is also known as Lake Balboa. It’s adjacent to the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Center, which is a huge green area that features a gorgeous lake, golf course, soccer fields, dog parks, historical sites, and much more.
Watch my video walk-through of the garden on YouTube
Water reclamation plant turned garden
The idea of turning the grounds of the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant into a Japanese Garden was conceived by Donald C. Tilman. The plant treats and reclaims wastewater, removing it from the sewer system and reducing the need for large sewer pipes downstream from the plant. That may not sound attractive, but through creativity and foresight, the plant has demonstrated how reclaimed water can be used positively.
The garden was dedicated in 1984, and I’ve seen it evolve.
Urban Oasis
The peaceful sanctuary of the Japanese Garden consists of 6 ½ acres with three types of gardens designed by Doctor Koichi Kawana. There is a dry Zen meditation garden that includes Tortoise Island, a three Buddha arrangement of stones, and a wisteria arbor.
You can walk past a wet-strolling garden with waterfalls, lakes, streams, bridges, and hand-carved stone lanterns made by Japanese artisans.
A tea garden with an authentic tatami mat teahouse sits at the far end of the garden.
Enjoy the natural world in a Southeast Asian environment
The Japanese-inspired foliage in the garden is artfully designed to be peaceful and serene. It is planted so that visitors can enjoy it during each season. There are azaleas, cherry trees, magnolias, wisteria, lotus, bamboo, and other Southeast Asian varieties.
I especially love watching various species of birds blissfully playing in the Japanese garden’s protected habitat. There are plenty of ducks, geese, and even a striking white crane or two.
Visiting the Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden in Van Nuys is currently open Monday – Thursday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Walk-ins are welcome, and admission is free.
Note: Construction is taking place from January 2025 through January 2026, so check the website for closures.
It is located at 6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, California 91406
You can visit its website here.
Where to stay
Click on the map below.
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