The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
The Japanese Friendship Garden of the Phoenix, Arizona area is an impressive 3.5-acre tea garden designed by Himeji architects. Located in Phoenix, the garden includes a Koi pond with over 300 fish, stone footbridges, lanterns, and a tea house. A sister city relationship was established in 1987, and fifty Japanese architects made at least 60 trips to Phoenix to build the garden. The garden is a point of pride for Phoenix.
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The museum's interactive exhibits are a hit with children. They'll love exploring the hands-on bits and bobs in the museum, which are designed to teach basic concepts. A children's area is available with interactive rooms, cartoon monsters, and comic book characters from the past. The museum is open daily for free, and offers live concerts. The museum also hosts workshops, demonstrations, and talks.
In addition to the beautiful Japanese gardens, visitors to Phoenix can take in the beauty of the Anthem Veterans Memorial. The monument is surrounded by a beautiful cherry tree and other flowers, and is visible for one minute on 11/11/11. There's a unique ceremony where kimono-clad servers make tea for the guests. It's a great way to learn about the history and culture of the United States.
If you're looking for a cultural experience in Phoenix, don't miss the Pioneer Living History Museum. This quirky pioneer town is spread across 90 acres of land in North Phoenix. It's worth a visit if you're a butterfly enthusiast. There's a museum for everything from dinosaur fossils to geodes, including a unique display of Japanese-style artwork. The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona's largest performing arts organization.
If you're visiting the city to explore the parks and attractions, try the South Mountain Park, the largest municipal park in the country. A variety of trails wind their way through the park, providing both natural scenery and urban experiences. For a more active lifestyle, try the Double Butte Loop trail or Elliot Ramada. You can also take in the natural beauty of the surrounding area by taking a hike up the Superstitions or hiking up a nearby hill.
Nearby, you can check out the Heard Museum, which is dedicated to the advancement of Native American art. Located in Phoenix, the museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm and Sundays from noon to 5pm. Admission is $25. The Dolly Steamboat has operated on Canyon Lake since 1983. It can carry 142 passengers. It is an excellent way to get to know the area's indigenous culture and see the Japanese Garden in a new light.
There are many interesting historical sites in Phoenix. The Mystery Castle, built by Boyce Luther Gulley, is one of these historic locations. It was originally a mansion that he built for his wife on her 50th birthday. He died in the year 1945, and the castle remained unfinished until his daughter moved in. The original site was quite far from the city, but the city has expanded over the years and this museum is now in the city center.
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