Balboa Park Japanese Gardens


The Japanese Gardens in Balboa park are located just north of the giant outdoor organ (the largest out door organ in the country, by the way). The gardens require a modest fee to enter, and it is worth, but probably only one time. I wish I could say that the gardens are a spectacular place to while away an entire day or afternoon, but the truth is they are only mediocre. They have coy ponds and interesting buildings, but they just lack that special “kabang” that makes you want to return over and over again.

However, in one of the pagoda buildings they have rotating exhibits. These can be anything from uninteresting to quite extraordinary. I saw a beautiful exhibit of Japanese calligraphy there once, fro ma calligraphy master who was there himself speaking about his work. That was a special experience.

Also, they have a nice teashop. It is, again, not the most mind-boggling tea shop. They don’t have the largest selection, not he most peaceful scenery, but it is a nice place for a cup of tea on lazy afternoon in Balboa Park. And if the exhibit in the garden sounds interesting, it’s worth going in again.