The garden is built on the site of a former landfill and utilizes highly treated reclaimed water for all its aquatic features.
It was specifically designed to demonstrate the compatibility of industrial water treatment facilities with public environmental education.
The garden is a prime example of the 'strolling garden' style, historically reserved for feudal lords in Japan.
The design incorporates 4,000 tons of granite boulders transported from the Sierra Nevada mountains.
It serves as a habitat for local wildlife, including egrets and herons, drawn to the continuous water flow.
The Japanese Garden, also known as SuihoEn (Garden of Water and Fragrance), is a 6.5-acre oasis located within the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant in Lake Balboa. Designed by Dr. Koichi Kawana, the garden utilizes reclaimed water to sustain its ponds, streams, and waterfalls. It follows the wet and dry strolling garden style, featuring traditional elements such as stone lanterns, bridges, and meticulously pruned plants. The site includes a dry Zen meditation garden and an authentic Shoin-style tea house. Because it functions as a public education center, the garden showcases ecological water purification alongside Japanese horticultural aesthetics. The grounds are situated in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding industrial water treatment infrastructure.
The arched wooden bridge overlooking the main koi pond, which captures the reflection of the surrounding trees.
Bring a hat and sunscreen as there is very limited shade on the walking paths.
Check the official website before visiting, as the garden occasionally closes for private events or film shoots.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the paths consist of uneven gravel and stone.
Do not attempt to walk across the water features or touch the delicate moss and rock arrangements.
Closed on major holidays and occasionally for private filming; always verify accessibility online before arrival.
Remain on designated paths, avoid loud noises, and do not feed the koi or local wildlife.
