Kari A.
Yelp
Did you know that one of Glendale's sister cities is Higoshiosaka, Japan? In 1972, Glendale established this Japanese tea house and garden as an enduring symbol of friendship between the two cities.
It's a small yet beautiful slice of Japan in our own backyard. The tea house is austere yet gorgeous, surrounded by a charming pond with koi fish, turtles, and dragonflies swimming and fluttering about. A beautiful bridge is nearby, and along with a small man-made waterfall and stone pagodas, add to the serene ambiance.
The garden is open only during select hours and the tea house is almost always closed except for special events. I had the good fortune of attending a special event recently, in which guests were invited to try on a summer kimono (yukata), walk around the garden, and drink green tea. I've never worn a kimono before and it was such a special opportunity to learn how to properly wear one. It's an art form in and of itself!
If you've seen the Japanese gardens at the Huntington in San Marino, just know that this one is on a much, much smaller scale. But what I like is that it's easier to access than the Huntington and it's free to see. There's plenty of parking and the tea house is a hop, skip, and jump away from the parking lot. It's a great place to visit for some quiet time and reflection or for a leisurely stroll with a special someone.
Bonus: the Brand Library is located in the same park. Its architecture is a sharp contrast from the tea house (think Istanbul/Moorish) but it's striking in its own right.