San Fernando Valley or the valley as locals call it, is not widely known for its beauty, however The Japanese Garden is an exception to the rest of the neighborhood, a true oasis of serenity and loveliness. It is located in Van Nuys, just north of Encino, right next to Woodley Park.
The garden is open five days of the week, Monday to Thursday and Sunday, admission is only $3.00.
Japanese gardens were originally created for the elite as a place of meditation, relaxation and worship; they have only been accessible to the public in the last 100 years or so. The symbolism permeating the design comes largely from Buddhism and ancient Chinese mythology. Japanese monks had started building gardens after the adoption of the Zen doctrine from China.
Tea was introduced to Japan in the 12th century, also from China, and the tea garden was developed a couple of centuries later also incorporating elements of Zen philosophy.
Water is a symbol for the sea and it is represented even in dry gardens by patterned gravel or sand. Pine and bamboo trees stand for longevity, while plum trees are an emblem of vigor and patience.
You will find the main concepts of Zen reflected in the aesthetics of the Japanese garden, shizen-naturalness, avoidance of the artificial; wabi-simplicity, austerity, acceptance of imperfection; sabi– beauty in aging; shibui– unassuming elegance, tastefulness; yugen– achievement of profundity through mystery.
This beautiful garden is a perfect place to relax, hush the mind and meditate solo, enjoy a stroll with a loved one, or, put a very new relationship to the test in its quietude.
