The Japanese Friendship Garden — Attraction in Lawrence

The Sister Cities Friendship Garden (commonly referred to as "The Japanese Friendship Garden") is one of the smallest outdoor public spaces in Lawrence, KS, but it is definitely one of the best. There is a quaint circular path, rock garden, coniferous trees, a pagoda, various art installations, and a bench with an awning. There is no outdoor heater at this park, so it's not the greatest place to be in the winter unless you're bundled up. In the spring, summer, and fall, this park is so cute!

This park is a great place to sit when you have a few minutes before meeting a friend downtown. It's located just south of Papa Keno's, north of the museum on 11th and Mass. The entrance is handicap accessible and features a long ramp with a smooth path. The park is officially open from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

This park commemorates the relationship between Hiratsuka, Japan and Lawrence, KS. It was dedicated on October 26, 2000. Fun fact: The city of Hiratsuka has almost three times as many people as Lawrence does while only having three-fourths as much space.

The inscription dedicating the park reads, "The sisterhood of cities leads to the...

It's very calm and peaceful place. I loved most of it. The reason I'm only rating it 4 stars instead of 5 is because there were 2 homeless people camping out in the park and 1 of them had even put up a hammock and was asleep in it. Which I think is wrong. And second they had a radio blaring rap music sitting back in the bushes. I think the police department needs to patrol the park more often considering that it is next to the museum and keep these people from camping in there all...

Love this place!!!! Every time I go there I find something new. Even though it is right downtown it is a very peaceful place to go. I did learn the hard way not to take my small grandchild there. Zen wasn't there that day. You will find people reading or laying down napping But this garden inspires this. Just go with the...