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Japanese Tea Garden: A Tranquil Oasis in Golden Gate Park

Discover serenity in Golden Gate Park at the Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S., featuring pagodas, koi ponds, and a historic tea house.

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Escape the urban bustle within Golden Gate Park at the Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States. Wander through meticulously designed landscapes featuring classic elements like pagodas, koi ponds, and a traditional tea house, offering a serene retreat for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Japanese Tea Garden

  • 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 early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons like spring and summer.
  • Take advantage of the free admission hour from 9-10 am every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
  • San Francisco residents with a valid ID, active military, and veterans receive free admission.
  • Explore the other gardens in Golden Gate Park, such as the San Francisco Botanical Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers, and consider purchasing a 3-day Gardens of Golden Gate Park Pass for access to all three.
  • Check the San Francisco City Guides schedule for free walking tours of the Japanese Tea Garden to learn more about its history and features.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, the N-Judah streetcar provides a direct route to Golden Gate Park. Exit at 9th Avenue and Irving Street, then walk north into the park and turn right onto Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. Alternatively, the 44-O'Shaughnessy bus stops directly at the Tea Garden entrance. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, and can be paid via the MuniMobile app or Clipper card.

  • Walking

    If you are already within Golden Gate Park, follow signs towards the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences. The Japanese Tea Garden is located between these landmarks, on Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. Walking from the Music Concourse area takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Driving

    Enter Golden Gate Park via 9th Avenue or Fulton Street and 10th Avenue. Limited street parking is available on Golden Gate Park streets, including Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Nancy Pelosi Drive. Alternatively, paid parking is available at the Music Concourse Garage underneath the de Young Museum, accessible from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive or Fulton Street at 10th Avenue. Parking rates at the garage are $2.25/hour on weekdays and $3.25/hour on weekends. Keep in mind that JFK Drive is closed to cars on Saturdays and Sundays.

Unlock the Best of Japanese Tea Garden

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Discover more about Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden, nestled in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden. Originally created as a "Japanese Village" exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the garden has evolved into one of the park's most beloved attractions. Stroll along winding paths, discover serene koi ponds, and admire the meticulously pruned plants and trees. Key features include the iconic arched Drum Bridge, a five-story pagoda, stone lanterns, and a Zen garden designed to promote contemplation. The garden's design incorporates Buddhist and Shinto influences, creating a calming landscape that encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the present moment. The Tea House, dating back to 1894, is the oldest in the United States. Here, visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese refreshments and tea while overlooking the south-facing pond. The garden also features a bronze Buddha statue cast in 1790, a gift symbolizing friendship between America and Japan after World War II, and various plants like cherry trees, azaleas and wisteria. The garden's history has not been without controversy. During World War II, the Hagiwara family, who had lovingly maintained and expanded the garden for decades, were forcibly interned, and the garden was temporarily renamed the "Oriental Tea Garden". Today, the garden stands as a testament to the resilience of the Japanese-American community and a place of enduring beauty. Visiting during the spring offers the chance to witness the cherry blossoms in full bloom, a spectacle that draws many visitors. However, the garden offers unique beauty throughout the year, with fiery autumn colors and tranquil winter scenes.

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