The Japanese Friendship Garden Ro Ho En, in Phoenix is a wonderful retreat from the city. It is located adjacent to the Margaret T Hance park, which is located on the top of Interstate 10. Once you enter the gates to the garden, you will forget that the city is just steps away.
Inside the Japanese Friendship Garden
The entire garden is enclosed with lush trees and bamboo. Walking down the wide meandering paths, the first thing you’re likely to notice is the sculpture.
Continue walking to your right and you will cross the first bridge over the pond, here the Koi fish are very active. If you feed them they will all gather here and are very entertaining to watch.

The path winds around the pond and will lead to the first small waterfall. Towards the back there is a Japanese Tea house with a beautiful stream and several small waterfalls. This was my favorite area of the gardens. It is very serene.
There are several small waterfalls throughout the park, and one large waterfall towards the back.

Tip: Don’t forget to purchase some food for the Koi fish!
Phone: (602) 256- 3204
Location: Margaret T Hance Park (above I-10 tunnel) in downtown Phoenix
Address:1125 N 3rd Ave Phoenix,AZ
Directions: Located at the Margaret T Hance Park on top of the I-10 Tunnel in downtown Phoenix
Hours: Closed in the Summer.
Nearby Attractions:
- Heard Museum (1 mile)
- Children’s Museum of Phoenix (1 mile)
- Desert Botanical Garden (9.5 miles)
- Phoenix Zoo (9.5 miles)
- Papago Peak (9.5 miles)