Japanese Tea Garden

Neighborhood: Golden Gate Park

Description

After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter Exposition San Francisco decided to keep the Japanese Village exhibit. Makoto Hagiwara was hired to be the new manager of the Garden and immediately set about expanding the Garden three-fold to its size today. At over three acres, it is the oldest public Japanese Garden in the United States, and it has a magnificent collection of plants and trees maintained in the Japanese style by a staff of professional gardeners.

An impressive variety of flora greets you as you enter a Japanese inspired wonderland of small scenes created throughout the Garden. The peace and quiet of the Garden encourages one to slow down and be mindful of the surroundings — beautiful botanical masterpieces. Stroll among the koi ponds and enjoy the ever-present skills of the gardeners as they present their carefully designed and shaped plant sculptures and rock arrangements representing real scenes from the outside world. Marvel at the structures of Japanese design — the tea room, gates without fasteners, and the magnificent pagoda, a relic from the 1915 World’s Fair in San Francisco. A perfect walk for those seeking a peaceful afternoon…

Next Tours

  • Monday, December 9 at 1:00 pm given by Patti M.Sign Up
  • Tuesday, December 10 at 1:00 pm given by Akiyo H.Sign Up
  • Wednesday, December 11 at 9:30 am given by Saundra K.Sign Up
  • Wednesday, December 11 at 1:00 pm given by Philip S.Sign Up
  • Thursday, December 12 at 1:00 pm given by Carolyn O.Sign Up
  • Friday, December 13 at 9:30 am given by Ellen R.Sign Up
  • Friday, December 13 at 1:00 pm given by Christine G.Sign Up
  • Saturday, December 14 at 1:00 pm given by Marjory K.Sign Up
  • Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 pm given by Jay S.Sign Up
  • Monday, December 16 at 9:30 am given by Ellen R.Sign Up
View Calendar

Notes

Tour Length: Approximately 1 hour.

A garden admission charge is required, except for San Francisco residents with ID, Gardens of Golden Gate Park members, Veterans, and those eligible for the Museums for All program. Admission is free for everyone before 10 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

 

Location

Meet just inside the entrance to the garden.

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Please note: Private group tours required for groups of 8 or more.