Private & School Group Tours
Would you like to be led down the garden paths by one of our knowledgeable docents? Learn about the Japanese aesthetics that inspire the design of everything from our tree silhouettes to our bridge shapes and expand your experience with interesting facts as you take in our koi pond, waterfall, “hide and reveal” style strolling paths and mini landscapes. A group tour is a wonderful way to learn how to understand and appreciate the unique beauties and interesting story of our authentic Japanese Friendship Garden, RoHoEn, in the middle of the Sonoran Desert.
The Japanese Friendship Garden is also great place for school field trips. Take your students on a captivating discovery of Japanese culture, art, gardening, and more. Our experienced docent will lead your students on an intriguing journey through the lush, green landscape of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Private Tour Fee
General: $12.00
Seniors: $10.00
School Tour Fee
Students/Chaperones/Teachers: $7.00
*Children 3 and under are free.
For student groups, we require 1 chaperone for every 15 students (students grade 2+). For student groups of K-1st grade, we require one chaperone for every 10 students.
Days & Times:
Wednesday: 10AM & 11AM
Thursday: 10AM & 11AM
Friday: 10AM & 11AM
To Book:
A minimum of 7 people and a one month advance notice are required to book.
Please fill out the form below and pay the refundable $20 deposit to arrange a tour with one of our knowledgeable docents.
*We are not accepting tour requests at this time due to the covid-19 pandemic. Thank you for your understanding.
Didn't have enough time to book in advance?
Walk-In Tours! (Temporarily discontinued due to the Covid-19 pandemic)
Want to take a tour from one of our knowledgeable docents but haven't booked ahead of time? We have Walk-In Tours available each Wednesday & Thursday at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm for an additional $3.00 to general admission prices (ex. G.A. $10 + $3 Walk-In Tour = $13 total).
Japanese Friendship Garden Tour Policies
General:
Please submit a request for a private/school tour at least one month before the requested tour date. The submission of the request form does not guarantee a private/school tour. Tours are subject to docent and availability.
The maximum amount of time allotted for Garden tours is one hour.
The minimum number to book a private tour of the Garden is 7 guests. The maximum number of guests on any tour is 60.
The Japanese Friendship Garden requires a $20 deposit from our guests to reserve their tour. Please pay for your group at the Admission Window of our Garden Gift Shop at the time of the tour. The Deposit will be subtracted from the total and your group will pay the remainder.
Please be aware no outside food or drinks are allowed into the Garden. Water is permitted but must be enclosed, i.e., in a water bottle. If guests have sacked lunches or beverages, we ask that they keep them in their busses or personal vehicles. Margaret T. Hance Park is right next door (on the north side) to the Japanese Friendship Garden. Please contact Kristian Riess, City of Phoenix Margaret T. Hance Park Coordinator, via phone at 602-534-2406 or by email at to picnic at the park.
Cancellation Policy:
Tour groups may request to change or cancel their tour date up to 48 hours before the tour (docent availability not guaranteed) and have their deposit returned. Please note that there is a one-time reschedule policy. No deposit refunds are issued for guests who do not show up at the time of the tour, i.e., without 48-hour prior notification.
Tour Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at 602-274-8700, Tuesday - Friday from 10 am - 4 pm.