Japanese Tea Garden

Neighborhood: Golden Gate Park

Description

After the successful 1894 Midwinter 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…

Please see notes for important admission information.

Next Tours

  • Monday, May 25 at 1:00 pm (No Tour Today)
  • Tuesday, May 26 at 1:00 pm given by Hope K.Sign Up
  • Wednesday, May 27 at 9:30 am given by Eric F.Sign Up
  • Wednesday, May 27 at 1:00 pm given by Linda H.Sign Up
  • Thursday, May 28 at 1:00 pm (No Tour Today)
  • Friday, May 29 at 9:30 am given by Ellen R.Sign Up
  • Friday, May 29 at 1:00 pm given by Marjory K.Sign Up
  • Saturday, May 30 at 1:00 pm given by Eric F.Sign Up
  • Sunday, May 31 at 1:00 pm given by Marjory K.Sign Up
  • Monday, June 1 at 9:30 am given by Ellen R.Sign Up
View Calendar
StairsStairsFee InvolvedFee Involved

Notes

Tour Length: Approximately 1 hour.

All visitors to the Japanese Tea Garden must reserve timed tickets in advance. Admission is free for San Francisco residents, Gardens of Golden Gate Park members, veterans, and additional eligible groups — see the ticketing page for the full list. 

Because tickets are timed, careful planning is essential for a smooth visit.

If you are joining our 9:30 AM City Guides tour, please reserve tickets for the 9:00 AM entry. 

If you are joining our 1:00 PM City Guides tour, please reserve tickets for the 12:00 PM entry.

You can purchase tickets online here: Tickets – Gardens of Golden Gate Park
This tour ends at the Japanese Tea Garden.

 

Location

Meet just inside the entrance to the garden.

Click the map to view full version on Google Maps
View Transit Directions on Google Maps >>

Please note: Private group tours required for groups of 7 or more.