So I was thrilled to visit the garden for free on a First Friday a few months ago. Free is awesome. I really enjoyed the peaceful environment as we sat on the grass, fed ducks and koi fish, and listened to the live music (I do not know what the instrument is called that was played). The experience overall was great.
The garden itself I felt was a little lacking. I expected more plants and more ornaments. It ended up being a lot of open grassy areas. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing, it just wasn't quite what I had hoped to find. I was thinking more like the San Francisco Japanese Tea Garden from my youth (amaze-balls).
So, did I savor my zen moment in Ro Ho En? Yes. Could it have been better? Yes.
Definitely go on a First Friday. I don't know how the events fair, but I have a hard time imagining that the $25 entry fee can really be that worth it, unless some incredible vendors and performers show up.