L.A. Oasis

Who would have thought that in the middle of a busy city--only a stone’s throw from the usually congested 405 freeway--lies serenity in a setting that includes waterfalls and lush gardens?

And this paradise is in Van Nuys, not exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of escaping or relaxing.

But right off traffic-stricken Woodley Avenue is the Japanese Garden, seemingly a world away from its surrounding hectic thoroughfares. The garden, adjacent to the D.C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, was actually created to demonstrate a positive use for reclaimed water.

What makes it so interesting and inviting is that it’s so neatly tucked away. You may have driven past it a hundred times with absolutely no idea it was there.

“It’s the best-kept secret in the Valley,” said Japanese Garden manager Gene Greene.

You’ll see why as soon as you enter through the tall, wooden gate. Behind it is an elaborate 6.5-acre garden that includes magnolias, ginkgo trees, azaleas and plenty of hand-carved stone lanterns.

There is also a stream, a lake with ducks floating about, plenty of golden bamboo and a weeping peach tree imported from Japan.

The area was designed to look like those Japanese strolling gardens built during the 18th and 19th centuries on vast estates.

In Van Nuys, 6.5 acres was divided into three gardens. The first is a Zen meditation garden with a Buddha arrangement of rocks, a wisteria arbor and a tortoise island, which is a large grass-covered mound that symbolizes longevity.

Along the path is a wet strolling garden with waterfalls, lakes, streams and lanterns carved by Japanese artisans.

The third area includes an authentic, tatami mat teahouse with a quaint garden and adjacent three-tier waterfall.

So authentic is the Japanese Garden that it’s a hot film site, booked almost once a week. It has been used as backdrop scenery in car commercials, instructional videos and adult movies, among other projects.

And it’s not just what you see but what you hear that makes it so great. A chorus of chirping birds and the rush of running water from the nearby stream can be heard distinctly in each of the three gardens.

Benches are scattered throughout, where you can watch ducks on the lake and see the large fish below them.

“It’s so serene,” said garden visitor Judy Wright of North Hollywood. “It’s a great place to come and gather yourself. I’ve seen the sign so many times and I’m glad I finally came.”

The idea of creating the garden was conceived by retired city engineer Donald C. Tillman. He figured it would put reclaimed waste water to a positive use.

It also turned out to be a great way to introduce Japanese culture to Angelenos, since there’s lots of history within the garden, which was designed by Koichi Kawana in 1985.

One of its highlights is the view from the Heavenly Floating Bridge, a re-creation of a scenic Japanese landmark that overlooks the Sea of Japan.

“Everything in the garden has a meaning,” Greene said. “It took four years to construct and there’s a lot of detail.”

The lake is an expression of the sea, and the Japanese black pines in the middle symbolize the immortality of the spirit. There are also a variety of lanterns with special meanings.

You can stroll through the garden on your own from Monday through Thursday, noon-4 p.m., or take a docent-led tour at 9:30 a.m. or noon.

A detailed information guidebook is included in the $3 admission fee, and there’s a cute little gift shop that sells books, postcards, Geisha Girl paper wallets and tea kettles.

Greene reminds us that although the Japanese Garden is a great place to escape hectic city life, its real purpose is to demonstrate how reclaimed water is put to good use.

“Remember, the garden uses only recycled water,” he said.

BE THERE

Japanese Garden, 6100 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys. Open noon-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Docent-led tours are offered at 9:30 a.m. and noon Monday through Thursday. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children under 10. Information: 756-8166.