After almost a decade of planning and construction, the Japanese Friendship Garden at Kelly Park reopened Sunday following devastating floods in 2017. Renovations included a newly constructed Raiko Bashi bridge and the return of water to the garden’s ponds, which will soon be filled with koi.

The garden signifies the cultural connection with San José’s sister city Okayama, Japan.

“This reopening represents more than just the restoration of a beloved public space, it is a celebration of resilience, cultural heritage, and community spirit,” said Councilmember Bien Doan.

For more information and hours of operation, go to sanjoseca.gov.

The Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)The Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 
Geese float in the water at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Geese float in the water at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 
Vanessa Trinh, left, from San Jose, and Rich Blakely, from Modesto, look at photos while standing on the Taiko Bashi Bridge at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Vanessa Trinh, left, from San Jose, and Rich Blakely, from Modesto, look at photos while standing on the Taiko Bashi Bridge at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 
Signage at the front of the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Signage at the front of the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 
The Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)The Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 
Ducks stand on a rock at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Ducks stand on a rock at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 
Koi swim in the water at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Koi swim in the water at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 
An entrance to the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)An entrance to the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park in San Jose, Calif., on Monday, May 4, 2026. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)