Can you take pictures at the Japanese Garden?


Sharing is Caring


The Garden does not allow portrait photography (e.g., engagement, wedding, graduation, or head shot photos). There is a $10.00/person charge for using a tripod for anyone who is not a Garden Member.

Do you need a permit to take pictures at the Japanese Garden?

A permit is required for those wishing to use the Gardens as the background for portraits, landscape photography or for any commercial purposes. Groups with scheduled wedding ceremonies are welcome to take photographs during their special use admission time at no additional fee.

Can you get married at the Japanese Garden?

The Japanese Friendship Garden is an accredited museum by the American Alliance of Museums. Hidden in San Diego’s historic Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden offers a unique and beautiful venue for weddings and corporate events.

Can you take pictures at the Japanese Friendship Garden?

General admission guests may take pictures to capture memories of your visit! However, if you are visiting the Garden with the intent of using the Garden as a backdrop for your photos for any occasion, with any type of camera including smartphones, you must book a photoshoot after hours in advance.

How long do people spend at Morikami?

Q: How long does it take to experience the museum and Japanese gardens? A: While everyone’s pace is different, we suggest giving yourself about three hours to see everything.

How long does it take to get through the Portland Japanese Garden?

Depending on your pace, it usually takes most visitors one and a half to two hours to tour Portland Japanese Garden. The Garden is also a place to linger, reflect, and meditate, so we encourage you to take your time and enjoy.

Can you bring food to Morikami?

Can I bring my own food and beverages? We do not allow any outside food or coolers on the festival grounds. However, we have plenty of food and beverage vendors on festival grounds.

How long is the walk in Morikami?

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are predominately ADA accessible in all areas of the Museum and areas closest to the Main Museum. The garden path consists of compacted natural material and may not be suitable for every visitors’ ability to navigate the 7/8 mile in its entirety.

Can you bring food into the Japanese Tea Garden?

Yes, you can bring food and there are benches you can use.

Can you get married in Balboa Park?

San Diego Regional Parks issues permits a year in advance for designated wedding ceremony sites in Balboa Park and the Shoreline Parks and Beaches. The opening day for permits is the first working Monday of each month, with all dates available for that month.

When was the Japanese Friendship Garden built?

JFG opened to the public in 1991 and is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. The garden is inspired from centuries-old Japanese design and techniques that showcase JFG’s living exhibition comprised of plants and florae native to Japan and San Diego.

How long do people spend at the Japanese Friendship Garden San Diego?

You’ll need an hour or two to fully explore the exhibits and take a docent tour (when available).

How long does it take to go through the Japanese Friendship Garden San Diego?

You can complete the tour in 30 minutes.

Why is it called a friendship garden?

The name of San Diego’s Japanese Friendship Garden is San-Kei-En, which means “three-scene garden” in Japanese. It is named after the three scenic landscapes celebrated in Japanese culture: water, pastoral and mountain. You will see representations of all three in the garden’s canyon.

How long does it take to walk through Morikami Gardens?

At least 2 to 3 hours for maximum enjoyment.

How much is it to walk the Japanese Tea Garden?

over a year ago. If you just want to walk around to see the garden, this can be done in 45 minutes or so. It is not terribly large. If you have tea, as well, about an hour and 15 minutes.

Does Morikami allow dogs?

Pet Policy Please note that, for health and safety reasons, pets are not allowed, on or off a leash, within the grounds of Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens as posted in the park. We comply with all ADA requirements and accept service animals as defined by the ADA.

Do you have to pay for the Japanese Garden?

Admission is free and by reservation only. The reservation allows for a one (1) hour time slot each day.

Why is the Japanese Garden closed?

The Portland Japanese Garden first closed its doors March 18, as the coronavirus pandemic bore down on Oregon. The organization had to lay off more than 100 employees as revenue fell to zero, a move that left only 15 staff including four gardeners to sustain it.

How much is the Japanese gardens?

General: $14 | Student: $12* | Senior (65+): $12* | Military: $12* Admission tickets purchased online do not have a specified date or time reservation, does not have an expiration date, and can be used whenever you plan on visiting JFG.

Can you picnic at Morikami Gardens?

Outside, there is a huge grassy field right next to the parking lot where you can have a picnic.

Is Morikami wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility and Special Assistance Morikami is wheelchair accessible (but wheelchairs are not provided) in accordance with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

How large is Morikami Gardens?

The principal museum building opened in 1993. Construction of the Roji-en gardens began in 1993. The Morikami Park, which includes the museum, is 188.5 acres (76.3 ha). There is one picnic pavilion and six smaller picnic shelters and a playground.

Who designed Morikami Gardens?

According to the garden designer, Hoichi Kurisu, each garden is intended to express the character and ideas of a unique counterpart in Japan without attempting to duplicate those gardens, and seamlessly flow together as one garden.

Is there free parking at the Japanese Tea Garden?

Where can I find free parking near Japanese Tea Garden? Vehicles are restricted on certain streets and areas inside the Golden Gate Park, but free parking could be available outside these areas.

Craving More Content?

Erin Respan