Our volunteer program offers a variety of opportunities to serve the Garden and its mission and volunteers can contribute in more than one capacity:
DOCENTS: Our docents provide guided tours of the Garden to inform the public about its history, culture and symbolism and offer an overview of the water reclamation process.
GIFT SHOP: Volunteers staff the gift shop, processing payments for admission, selling merchandise, and relaying information to Garden visitors.
TEA SERVICE: Volunteers provide tea service and Japanese-style snacks to visitors on selected Sundays.
SPECIAL EVENTS: Volunteers assist at various cultural and outside special events throughout the year.
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406, US
To demonstrate the positive use of reclaimed water and celebrate, educate about Japanese culture.
In the midst of the busy San Fernando Valley lies an oasis - a 6 1/2 acre garden, which features three gardens in one. As one enters The Japanese Garden, designed by Doctor Koichi Kawana, there is a dry Zen meditation garden (karesansui) containing Tortoise Island, a three-Buddha arrangement of stones, and a wisteria arbor across a 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 with an authentic 4 1/2 tatami mat teahouse and adjacent tea garden.
The idea of having a Japanese Garden adjacent to a water reclamation plant was conceived by Donald C. Tillman. The garden’s purpose was to demonstrate a positive use of reclaimed water in what is generally agreed to be a delicate environment, a Japanese Garden.
The uniqueness of this garden is that it is authentic in every detail. At the same time, every effort has been made to make it compatible with the contemporary buildings nearby, as well as with the San Fernando Valley environment.
The basic style of the garden is known as Chisen-Kaiyushiki, or "wet garden with promenade".
The Garden offers a diverse array of cultural programming for all-ages throughout the year from an origami festival, to Japanese Tea Ceremony and more!
6100 Woodley AveVan Nuys, CA 91406
August 15, 2024
