The Sequoia Park Japanese Garden is located within the much larger Sequoia Park Recreation Area in Monterey Park, California. Built in the early 1970s, the garden and its pagoda were intended to serve as the focal point for the local community's annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which was later relocated to Barnes Park.
The garden is sparsely planted, containing only several large, well-established clusters of pine trees and shrubs.
A pagoda and an azumaya (viewing pavilion) are situated along a sloping hillside overlooking much of the recreation area. As a result, the garden effectively employs the Japanese design principle of borrowed scenery (shakkei). Nearby cherry trees further enhance the view during the spring.
The garden is relatively small, and its plantings are limited, but it does function well as an extension of the surrounding recreation area. Seeing the large, established plantings is one of the highlights of the garden. However, it would benefit from additional plantings and other improvements as a standalone Japanese garden. If possible, plan your visit during cherry blossom season.
An interesting note: as you drive through the nearby neighborhood, you will find excellent examples of Japanese-style pines and other shrubs dotting the front yards of many of the homes, all of which are worth admiring.
