Garden Tours
Experience the peace and beauty of Ro Ho En! Enjoy serene landscapes and unique views at every turn of the path. Your visit to the garden will be a refreshing and rewarding escape from the busy city.
Walk-In Tours
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 and at 1:00 pm for an additional $3.00 to general admission prices (ex. G.A. $10 + $3 Walk-In Tour = $13 total).
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 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 a wonderful journey at the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Private Tour Fee
Fee: $12.00 for adults $10.00 for Seniors
School Tour Fee
Fee: $7.00 per student, chaperone, and teachers attending.
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:
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10AM and 11AM.
Please fill out the form below and pay the $20 deposit to arrange a tour with one of our knowledgeable docents. Your docent will lead you through the garden, pointing out its many features, interesting history, and answer any questions you may have. A minimum of 7 people is required to book a tour. One month advance notice is required.
Japanese Friendship Garden Tour Policies
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.
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.
If your group is larger than 15 people, it will be necessary to separate the large group into smaller sub-groups. Please designate groups/chaperones before your arrival to the garden.
Tours are subject to docent and availability.
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 OK but must be enclosed, i.e., in a water bottle. If guests have sacked lunches or beverages, we ask that they keep it in the 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 — groups who do not show up to the tour without notification must forfeit their deposit and reservation. 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.
Self-Guided Tours
Enhance your visit with a self-guided tour. You will receive our guided tour map upon paying general admission. The guided tour map includes information about the gardens history, horticulture, views, and features that are unique to Japanese garden design. Please use it as you stroll through to create your own self-guided tour.
General Admission:
Garden Hours: 10 a.m - 4 p.m
Days Open: Tuesday - Sunday
*Please recycle the map at the end of your visit if you do not wish to take home as a souvenir.
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.