SHINZEN GARDEN
Shinzen Friendship Garden is an independent 501(c) 3 charitable organization and relies on contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations to cover the cost of its operations. Your contributions allow us to deliver on our mission to create and grow a North American Japanese Garden that engages and inspires it’s community.
Events happening at Shinzen Garden!
Kintsugi: The Art of Golden Repair
Discover the beauty of imperfection through Kintsugi, the centuries-old Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. Rather than hiding cracks and flaws, Kintsugi embraces them, transforming damaged objects into something even more beautiful by highlighting their history and restoration.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the philosophy behind Kintsugi and explore how the practice reflects the Japanese concepts of resilience, renewal, and finding beauty in imperfection. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll use modern Kintsugi techniques to repair a ceramic piece, creating a unique work of art that celebrates its journey rather than concealing it.
More than a craft, Kintsugi offers a thoughtful reminder that brokenness and repair are natural parts of life, and that our experiences often add value and character rather than diminish it.
Pre-registration is required.
very photograph tells a story, and the way we choose to frame a scene can transform an ordinary image into something extraordinary. Join us for Perspectives, a photography workshop designed to help photographers of all skill levels discover creative ways to see and capture the world around them.
Set within the beautiful landscapes of Shinzen Friendship Garden, this hands-on class will explore how perspective influences composition, mood, and visual impact. Participants will learn techniques for finding unique viewpoints, working with depth and scale, and using the Garden’s architecture, pathways, water features, and seasonal plantings to create compelling images.
Whether you photograph with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, you’ll gain practical skills that can immediately improve your photography and help you approach familiar subjects with fresh eyes.
Pre-registration required
Garden Hours:
OPEN: Wed – Sun: 10am – 5pm*
CLOSED: Monday and Tuesday
*Last entry at 4:45 pm
Garden Admission*
Under 4yrs: Free
4-14yrs: $1/ea.
15yrs-Adult: $5/ea.
Seniors 62+: $1/ea.
Students: $1/ea.
Family: $7 (2-5 people)
*Woodward Park Parking: $5; $3 for Seniors; $7 during National Holidays. Credit Cards are accepted.
Clark Bonsai Museum Hours
Open Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm*
*When temperatures exceed 95 degrees, the bonsai collection hours are 10am -1pm Wednesday – Sunday. Unfortunately, the bonsai museum will be closed during heavy rains or when air quality is deemed unhealthy for all groups.
Please Clark Bonsai Museum to confirm the museum hours or request an appointment to tour the museum outside of the posted hours.
UPCOMING EVENTS & CLASSES AT THE GARDEN
Become a Member of the Garden
Members are the heart of Shinzen Friendship Garden, sharing their talents, gifts, and energy to support this historic landmark and unique environment in Fresno.
A membership to Shinzen Friendship Garden supports the 5-acre garden with its unique landscape and architectural features, the exquisite Clark Bonsai Collection, and programs and festivals promoting Japanese art and culture in the Central Valley.
8 Japanese Gardens to Visit Across the West
See other beautiful and serene gardens!
Garden Design
Learn more about Shinzen Friendship Garden and Clark Bonsai Collection with our Education Modules!
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
