Amid the San Fernando Valley lies an oasis – a 6.5-acre garden featuring three gardens in one. First, the Japanese Garden has a dry Zen meditation garden containing Tortoise Island, a three-buddha arrangement of stones, and a wisteria arbor at the end of the Plover Path. Next along the path is an expansive Chisen or “wet-strolling” garden with waterfalls, lakes and streams, abundant greenery, and stone lanterns, which were hand-carved by artisans in Japan. At the end of this path is the Shoin Building, which has an authentic tatami-mat teahouse and an adjacent tea garden.
Reservation is required; tickets are available on the website.