Many waterfalls require strenuous, all-day hikes to reach, but Arizona is home to quite a few that are hiding in plain sight. What if we told you one of the best waterfalls in Arizona was also the most easily accessible? That's right - tucked away in the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, this 12-foot waterfall doesn't involve any hiking.
A joint project between the Sister Cities of Phoenix and Himeji, Japan, the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix offers an escape from the stress of the modern world.
Despite being located in the heart of downtown, the garden is anything but noisy or chaotic. It's a quiet place of meditation, contemplation, and relaxation.
As you stroll along the meandering paths and admire the lush greenery, you can't help but feel an overarching sense of peace.
Spanning 3.5 acres, the garden features more than 50 different types of plants, plus dozens of artifacts donated by the city of Himeji.
One of the most popular attractions in the garden is the pond, which is stocked with over 300 Koi fish.
It's almost therapeutic to watch them swim around, unhurried, with no destination or agenda. That's how life should be!
Also in the pond is a 12-foot waterfall that cascades majestically down into the jade-green waters.
Hiding in plain sight, it's quite possibly the most easy-to-access waterfall in Arizona. No hiking required!
Many people visit the garden just to see the waterfall, while others don't even know it exists.
No matter which camp you belong to, this urban wonder is truly a sight to behold.
Perhaps you'll want to sit down for a while and listen to the rushing water.
Like a wave crashing into the shore, the sound is steady and powerful - the perfect background noise for meditation.
There are several other waterfalls in the garden, although they are noticeably smaller than the main one.
Even still, each cascade only adds to the ever-present tranquility, and before long, you'll find yourself in a state of transcendence.
If you'd like to experience the garden in an even more immersive way, workshops and classes are held throughout the year.
You can also participate in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, a sacred practice that dates back hundreds of years.
The garden is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday-Sunday. Visit the official website or Facebook page for more information, such as ticket pricing.
Have you ever seen the waterfall at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix? If so, we'd love to hear your thoughts! Tell us in the comments. For more of the best waterfalls in Arizona, check out our previous article.
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