Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego

Phone: (619) 232-2721 Fax: (619) 232-0917 Email: jfgsd@niwa.org

History | Garden Map | Tour | Tea Pavilion

New Koi

"The Koi, the Koi" exclaimed a visitor to the Japanese Friendship Garden who immediately pulled out her camera to capture the exotic fish swimming in the pond.

Last October, 22 Koi were killed by chlorine poisoning after the filtration system failed and allowed untreated tap water to flow into the pond burning their gills. A gardener discovered the fish floating at the surface. Only one Koi managed to survive.

The Garden, located near the Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park, and its visitors were devastated. The collection had been acquired over the years and each Koi was valued at $800 to $3500.

The prize collection featured one fish that was 15 years old. What's unique is that the fish don't just swim around; each one "had its own distinct personality and character. The friendlier ones like to be rubbed and petted" according to Luanne Kanzawa, executive director of the Garden.

But now the Koi are back. A recent fundraiser managed to raise enough funds to purchase 16 new Koi which experts say are even better quality than the others. They are 2 to 4 years old.

"It was really heart warming to be shown the affection, concern, and care from the community and people from all over", said the Garden's Teruaki Murashige.

Garden Activities

July & August Class Schedule at

Japanese Friendship Garden

Sogetsu-style Ikebana Class

Jul 1, 8, 15, 22 Wed, 1:00pm – 3pm; Aug 5, 12, 19 Wed, 10:00am – 12:00pm

$15 One session, $40 Three sessions

Summer Camp

Jul 6 – 10 (1-2 graders), Jul 13 – 17 (3-4 graders), Jul 20 – 24 (5-8 graders)

$75 Members, $85 Non-members

Kirie – Paper cutting craft (16 years old and up)

Jul 11 Sat, 10:00am – 12:00pm

$18 Members, $22 Non-members

Koi Lecture

Jul 21, Aug 18 Tue, 10:00am – 3:00pm

Free w/ admission

Craft Club

Aug 3 Mon, 10:00am – 12:00pm

$5 Members & Non-members

Sashiko T-shirt Making

Aug 29 Sat, 10:00am – 1:00pm

$6 Members, $8 Non-members

*Please wash a 100% cotton only blue or dark navy T-shirt and bring it to the class.

July & August Events Schedule at

Japanese Friendship Garden

Tea Ceremony

Jul 7 & Aug 4 Tue, 11:30am & 12:30am

Free w/ admission

Koto Performance

Jul 11, Aug 8 Sat, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Free w/ admission

August Moon

Aug 15 Sat, 5:00pm – 9:00pm

$55 Members, $60 Non-members (per person)

*Please make RSVP by Aug 7

General Information

Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego

2215 Pan American Road. E,
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: (619) 232-2721
Fax: (619) 232-0917
eMail: jfgsd@niwa.org

Mailing Address

Japanese Friendship Garden
Balboa Park Administration Building
2125 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101

Regular Hours

Tuesday - Sunday: 10am-4pm
(last admission at 3:30pm)

From Memorial Day to Labor Day Hours

Monday - Friday: 10am-5pm (last admission at 4:30pm)
Saturday - Sunday: 10am-4pm (last admission at 3:30pm)

Entrance Fees

$4.00 / Adult
$2.50 / Senior (65+) / Student and Military w/ ID
Free for children of 6 and under