Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden: Largest Japanese Garden in Asia and a hidden paradise to visit with family
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape in Pune, the Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden, also known as Pu La Deshpande Udyan, is a place you must plan to visit with family, especially children. Spread across 10 acres on Sinhagad Road, this is the largest Japanese-style garden in Asia outside Japan and a true symbol of cultural friendship between Pune and its sister city, Okayama.
Inspired by Japan’s Koraku-en Garden
The garden is designed after the famous 300-year-old Koraku-en Garden in Okayama, Japan. Every corner has been designed to reflect the calm and harmony of a traditional Japanese garden. Flowing streams, lush lawns, wooden pergolas, pagodas, and koi fish in serene ponds create an authentic Japanese atmosphere right in Pune.
Honouring Pu La Deshpande
The garden is named after Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, fondly known as Pu La Deshpande, one of Maharashtra’s most loved Marathi writers. His name adds a cultural touch to this Indo-Japanese collaboration.
A Walk Through Tranquility
The layout of the garden makes every walk a different experience. As you stroll on the pathways, the scenery changes with streams, waterfalls, artificial hills, red-orange fish in ponds, and shady spots to sit and relax. Walking on the lawns is not allowed, but the thoughtfully designed paths ensure you enjoy the views without disturbing the greenery.
Main Attractions
- Japanese Garden Theme – The only Japanese-style garden of its kind in India.
- Water Elements – Flowing streams, waterfalls, and a large pond filled with colorful fish.
- Six Pagodas – Traditional wooden structures that add to the cultural setting.
- Flora and Fauna – A mix of indigenous and exotic trees, along with birds and insects.
- Photography Spots – Scenic corners and bridges perfect for capturing memories.
Phase II: The Mughal Garden
The second phase of the garden is smaller replica of the Mughal Garden at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. It adds another attraction to the park’s beauty with formal landscaping, fountains, and symmetry typical of Mughal-era gardens. In 2017, statues depicting Surya Namaskar were also inaugurated here, adding a cultural and fitness element to the space.
Timings and Entry Fees
The garden is open all week with the following timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee:
- Adults: ₹10
- Children: ₹5
- Foreign Nationals: ₹50
- Monthly Pass: ₹100
Location
Address: Sr. No. 537, Sinhagad Road, Pune, Maharashtra
A Hidden Gem for Pune Residents
Whether you want a morning walk, a family outing, or just some quiet time, the Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden is one of the city’s finest green escapes. Its unique design brings together Japanese simplicity and Indian warmth, making it not just a tourist spot but also a place where Punekars feel at home. For nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking peace, this garden is a must-visit.
