Okayama, Japan (Population: 660,000) is San Jose’s first and oldest sister city. Okayama is famous for its 400 year old Okayama Castle and 300 year old Korakuen Gardens after which San Jose’s Japanese friendship garden, located in Kelly Park, is modeled.

 

    We celebrated our 50th anniversary with Okayama this year. The Mayor and more than 300 citizens of Okayama traveled to San Jose. San Jose's leadership and citizens will reciprocate and travel to Okayama to celebrate our relationship during March of 2008. If you would like to make the trip with us details can be found on the San Jose-Okayama homepage: http://www.sj-okayama.org/

Please enjoy a memory with us of San Jose and Okayama's celebration in San Jose.

Gloria Stern, Pacific Neighbors 2007