Find Your Moment of Zen in LA: Asian Gardens, Labyrinths, and More

Zen Court at the Japanese Garden
Photo: The Huntington Library

Now more than ever, it’s important to carve out moments for self-care and tranquility. Los Angeles, known for its urban sprawl, also offers serene sanctuaries where visitors can recharge amidst nature and tradition. From Asian gardens to labyrinths, here are some of the city’s most peaceful retreats where you can find your moment of Zen.

1) The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino 91108
Phone: 626-405-2100 | View Website

Founded in 1919, The Huntington is renowned as a cultural and educational hub. Its 120-acre Botanical Gardens include specialized spaces like the Desert Garden, Rose Garden, and the tranquil Zen Court.

The Japanese Garden, completed in 1912, is a timeless retreat featuring koi ponds, a ceremonial teahouse, and a bonsai collection. Its patterns of raked gravel and symbolic rock formations embody the harmony of Zen philosophy.

The Chinese Garden, or Liu Fang Yuan ("Garden of Flowing Fragrance"), is equally captivating. Expanded in 2020, it offers pavilions, penjing displays, and poetic landscapes inspired by scholars’ gardens of ancient China.

2) Kyoto Gardens at DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown

120 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles 90012
Phone: 213-629-1200 | View Website

Perched atop the DoubleTree by Hilton in Little Tokyo, Kyoto Gardens is a half-acre rooftop oasis. Inspired by an ancient Japanese garden originally built for a 16th-century samurai lord, it features cascading waterfalls and serene ponds—a perfect blend of tradition and urban sophistication.

3) James Irvine Japanese Garden at JACCC

James Irvine Japanese Garden | Photo: JACCC

244 S. San Pedro St., Ste. 505, Los Angeles 90012
Phone: 213-628-2725 | View Website

Tucked within the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Little Tokyo, the James Irvine Japanese Garden (Seiryu-en) is a hidden gem. Designed in the Zen tradition, it boasts a cascading stream, cedar bridges, stone lanterns, and vibrant plant life. This intimate space is ideal for a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

4) Japanese Garden at Descanso Gardens

1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge 91011
Phone: 818-949-4200 | View Website

Descanso Gardens, a 160-acre haven, features a renowned Japanese Garden that blends elements of various traditional styles, including tea gardens and Zen rock gardens. Shaded by oak trees and surrounded by cherry blossoms and Japanese maples, this garden offers a serene environment for meditation and reflection.

5) SuihoEn (“Garden of Water and Fragrance”)

SuihoEn (“Garden of Water and Fragrance”)

Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

6100 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys 91406
Phone: 818-756-8166 | View Website

Designed by Dr. Koichi Kawana, SuihoEn spans 6.5 acres and is a harmonious blend of three garden styles: a dry Zen meditation garden, a wet-strolling garden, and a traditional tea garden. Located in Van Nuys, this peaceful retreat is a testament to Japanese design and culture, offering beauty and relaxation amidst waterfalls, streams, and traditional tea ceremonies.

Plan Your Escape

Whether you’re meditating by a koi pond, strolling through a Zen garden, or reading poetry in a Chinese pavilion, Los Angeles offers countless opportunities to reconnect with your inner peace. These Asian gardens provide a perfect antidote to the bustle of daily life. Reserve your visit today and embrace the serenity of LA’s urban sanctuaries.