Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix

Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is at 1125 N. 3rd Ave. Japanese landscape architects made some 60 visits from Himeji, Japan, Phoenix's sister city, to build an authentic Japanese garden and teahouse. The 3.5 acres of the gardens—known as Ro Ho En—contain 50 desert-tolerant plants, a gazebo, koi pond, pavilion, decorative bridges and a 12-foot waterfall. The name, Ro Ho En, combines the Japanese words for Heron (Ro), Himeji's symbol; with Ho, for the mythical Phoenix bird; and En for garden.

Guided tours are available.