SuihoEn - The Japanese Garden walking virtual tour in 4K.

Tucked away on the sprawling grounds of the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, one of the largest open spaces in the San Fernando Valley, lays the Suihoen Japanese Garden. Situated across six acres, the garden is actually comprised of three smaller gardens that borrow from classic Japanese design. Distinguished by its arrangement of gravel and stone, you’ll encounter the Zen Mediation Garden (“Karesansui”) first before moving onto the Chisen Garden. This region covers the bulk of the property and is fashioned after the “wet strolling” gardens that were fist popularized in pre-twentieth century Japan. Mimicking the large estates that these gardens traditionally resided upon, a bright and open atmosphere is created as the trails in this area meander along various waterways, allowing for unique vantage points throughout the space until it eventually gives way to the garden’s centerpiece; the Shoin Building which includes an authentic teahouse and garden. The Shoin Building is meant to represent the type of dwelling that would’ve housed aristocrats, upper class monks, or samurai during the 14th and 15th century. And while you won’t find any katana-wielding warriors living there today, you can still enjoy tea service in the building every second and fourth Sunday of the month.

This is a lovely place so peaceful and beautiful, an ideal place to spend some time to get away from the hustle of the city. Parking is free as well as admission. They close at 3:30 pm so you will want to make sure you get there with enough time to walk about leisurely. The grounds were very well maintained which was impressive. The only small issue I have is how early the close and I wish they were open on Fridays and Saturdays. Other than that I loved it here.