Japanese Tea Garden: A Tranquil Oasis in Golden Gate Park
Discover tranquility and harmony in the heart of Golden Gate Park at the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S.
Escape the hustle and bustle of San Francisco at the Japanese Tea Garden, a serene five-acre oasis in Golden Gate Park. Established in 1894, it's the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural elements, and tranquil spaces.
A brief summary to Japanese Tea Garden
- 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, California, 94118, US
- +1415-661-1316
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the spring (mid-March to April) to witness the cherry blossoms, azaleas, and magnolias in full bloom.
- Take advantage of the free admission hour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Explore the garden at a slower pace to fully appreciate the meticulously designed plant sculptures and rock arrangements.
- Consider a free walking tour offered by San Francisco City Guides to learn more about the garden's history and features.
- Enjoy traditional Japanese refreshments at the Tea House for a complete cultural experience.
Getting There
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Public Transport
Several Muni bus and light rail lines provide access to Golden Gate Park and the Japanese Tea Garden. The 44 O'Shaughnessy bus stops directly at the Tea Garden. Alternatively, take the N Judah streetcar to 9th Avenue and walk into the park, turning right onto Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. The 5 Fulton bus stops at 8th Avenue and Fulton Street; from there, walk into the park, turn right onto JFK Drive, and continue past the de Young Museum. A single Muni fare is $2.50.
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Walking
From the de Young Museum or the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden is a short walk. Follow signs within Golden Gate Park. The garden is located near the corner of Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive and Martin Luther King Drive.
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Free Shuttle
The free Golden Gate Park Shuttle provides access to the Japanese Tea Garden, with a stop at the Music Concourse, a short walk from the entrance. The shuttle operates seven days a week, with varying hours depending on the day. Check the schedule for the most up-to-date information.
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Driving
Enter Golden Gate Park via 9th Avenue or 8th Avenue onto JFK Drive. Limited street parking is available on Golden Gate Park streets, including MLK Drive and Stow Lake Drive. Paid parking is available at the Music Concourse Garage underneath the de Young Museum. The garage entrances are located off Fulton Street at 10th Avenue and at the west end of the California Academy of Sciences on Concourse Drive. Parking rates are approximately $2.25/hour on weekdays and $3.25/hour on weekends.
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