SHINZEN FRIENDSHIP GARDEN

Shinzen Friendship Garden is an independent 501(c) 3 charitable organization and relies on contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations to cover the cost of its operations. Your contributions allow us to deliver on our mission to create and grow a North American Japanese Garden that engages and inspires it’s community. 

Events happening at Shinzen Garden!

karikomi tamamono cloud pruning class at shinzen garden

Cloud Pruning Workshop (Karikomi & Tamamono): Sculpting Organic Forms

Join Certified Aesthetic Pruner, Steve DaSilva for an immersive workshop on Karikomi & Tamamono –  art of cloud pruning, a traditional Japanese technique that shapes shrubs and trees into soft, rounded forms resembling floating clouds. This hands-on workshop will guide participants through the principles of karikomi (mass pruning) and tamamono (individual rounded forms), used to create fluid, harmonious landscapes in Japanese gardens.

$25 for members | $45 for non-members

volunteer saturday april 26 at shinzen garden

Volunteer Saturday

Join us April 26, 2025 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space.

Bring your enthusiasm, comfortable clothing, and a spirit of teamwork! Together, we can ensure Shinzen Garden remains a vibrant sanctuary for all to enjoy.

What to Bring: Closed-toe shoes, gloves, water bottle, and a hat.

Garden Hours:

OPEN: Wed – Sun: 10am – 7pm
CLOSED: Monday and Tuesday

 

 

Garden Admission*

Under 4yrs: Free

4-14yrs: $1/ea.

15yrs-Adult: $5/ea.

Seniors 62+: $1/ea.

Students: $1/ea.

Family: $7 (2-5 people)

*Woodward Park Parking: $5; $3 for Seniors; $7 during National Holidays. Credit Cards are accepted.

Clark Bonsai Hours

Open Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm*.

*When temperatures exceed 95 degrees, the bonsai collection hours are 10am -1pm. Unfortunately, the bonsai museum will be closed when it’s raining, the air quality is considered unhealthy for all groups or when docents are unavailable.

 

Please Contact Us to confirm the museum hours or request an appointment to tour the museum outside of the posted hours.

 

MAY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

world bonsai day at shinzen garden on may 3, 2025

World Bonsai Day

Whether you’re a seasoned bonsai enthusiast or new to the art, World Bonsai Day is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, learn from experts, and celebrate the beauty of miniature trees.Immerse yourself in a day filled with exciting activities, including: An open-air Bonsai Market, Bonsai Demonstration & Lecture by Julian Tsai, Honor Ceremony for Katsumi Kinoshita and more

FREE with Paid Garden Admission.

writing workshop the garden as a story

The Garden as a Story: Writing with Nature’s Wisdom

This workshop will explore storytelling techniques by drawing parallels between the elements of a Japanese garden—stones, water, trees, and pathways—and narrative structures. Attendees will create nature-inspired stories that weave together history, environment, and personal insight.

Pre-registration is required!

$25 for Members | $45 for Non-members

children's day at shinzen garden on may 4 2025

KODOMO NO HII (Children’s Day)

Celebrate Japanese Children’s Day at Shinzen Garden, a fun-filled event honoring the joy and growth of children through traditional arts and crafts!

Experience a day of creativity and cultural discovery in the serene setting of Shinzen Garden. This special event is perfect for families and children of all ages. Come celebrate Children’s Day with us and take home your handmade treasures!

INCLUDED WITH PAID GARDEN ADMISSION.

double your impact donation

Double Your Impact

A generous donor has pledged to match every dollar donated—up to $10,000—to refresh the Front Entrance of Shinzen Garden. That means your gift will go twice as far in helping us create a more beautiful and welcoming entrance for all visitors.

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Garden Design

Learn more about Shinzen Friendship Garden and Clark Bonsai Collection with our Education Modules!

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Shinzen Garden Educational Programs are funded in part by the City of Fresno Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Fund administered by the Fresno Arts Council.
bertha and john garabedian charitable foundation
Kimiko Schock 2024 educational programs Sponsor at Shinzen Garden
kuppa joy coffee house
bonsai collection at shinzen garden