Shinzen Friendship Garden Fall Festival

Shinzen Friendship Garden: One of the best spots in Fresno is hidden inside of Woodward Park.

The beautiful Shinzen Friendship Garden is a “must see” park in Fresno. If you haven’t been before, now’s great time to check it out since the 2016 Shinzen Fall Festival takes place Saturday, November 5th.

When I visit I love to look beautiful plants, ponds and take deep breaths by the swirling waterfalls. As a parent, I think it’s a great place to unwind after a busy day of ignoring laundry and juice spills, but really, everyone needs a quiet moment. When we visit, my kids bring their binoculars and spyglass. They enjoy looking for geese and colorful koi fish. A tranquil retreat in the middle of town, it’s especially lovely this time of year, when the trees in the autumn section are beginning to change color.

 

The Clark Bonsai Collection is one of my favorite areas. It’s a rare, leafy gem; Fresno is one of only three locations to have a public collection from the Golden State Bonsai Federation. In this collection, there are over 100 significant bonsai on seasonal rotation in the hide and seek garden. Currently the autumn exhibit is up, with maples and a pretty purple budded rosemary in bloom. If you attend the festival you can also visit bonsai vendors, learn more about the art of bonsai, and take home your own tiny tree.

 

The Fall Festival starts at 10 a.m. but be sure to stay for lunch! At 11:30, Sashimi Express will be serving bento boxes and rice bowls. Delicious food needs delicious drinks, and you can wash down all the deliciousness with a beverage from Teazers World Tea Market. Finally, if you haven’t tried Ohh De Lolli Ice Pops, celebrate the fact you live in Fresno in November with a refreshing cold dessert!

 

There will be lots of entertainment, including an authentic tea ceremony in the Tea House and Tea Garden. Be sure to check out the martial arts demonstrations that include a Karate and a Kendo Demonstration. Continue celebrating with a Japanese sword demonstration on the main lawn. Finally, close out the festivities with Koto music and children singing.

Don’t miss it! Tickets are $7 dollars for adult non-members, $3 dollars for kids. If you go as a family of 5+ people, admission is $20. Kids under 3 are free! If you want discounted admission, consider becoming a member of the Shinzen Friendship garden by calling (559) 840-1264.