Background

The Huntington Japanese Garden: A Century of Harmony

Discover a serene escape at The Huntington Japanese Garden: koi ponds, bonsai, and cultural harmony await in this iconic landscape.

4.9

The Huntington Japanese Garden, a serene nine-acre landscape in San Marino, California, has enchanted visitors for over a century with its iconic moon bridge, koi-filled ponds, meticulously crafted bonsai, and historic Japanese house. It offers a captivating glimpse into American interpretations of Japanese art and culture.

A brief summary to The Huntington Japanese Garden

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid peak pricing and larger crowds.
  • Check the Huntington's website for closures before visiting.
  • Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for walking around the garden.
  • Reservations are required on weekends, holidays, and peak seasons.
  • Consider visiting on the first Thursday of the month for free admission, but book tickets in advance.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Los Angeles, the Metro Bus line 487/489 travels directly to San Gabriel / Coleridge. From there, transfer to the Metro bus line 179 to Huntington/San Marino bus stop. The Huntington is located in a residential area, and the nearest bus stops are approximately 1 mile away. The total cost is around $2.

  • Ride Sharing

    From Pasadena, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient way to reach The Huntington. The drop-off point is located near Admissions. A ride from Pasadena Convention Center will cost approximately $15-$25, depending on traffic.

  • Driving

    The Huntington is located at 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108. From the 210 Freeway, exit on Allen Avenue and head south. Allen Drive will lead directly to the Huntington parking lot. Parking is free. There is only one legal bus and truck route to The Huntington from the north; the address for GPS is 1800 Orlando Road.

Unlock the Best of The Huntington Japanese Garden

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The Huntington Japanese Garden

The Huntington Japanese Garden, established in the early 1900s, stands as one of the oldest and most cherished landscapes at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. This nine-acre garden has evolved from a private estate display to a vibrant representation of American interpretations of Japanese garden-making. Key features include the iconic Moon Bridge (Taiko-bashi), a wooden drum bridge constructed in 1913, koi ponds, a Zen garden, and a meticulously curated bonsai collection. The garden also features a historic Japanese House, a five-room structure showcasing late 19th to early 20th-century architecture. In recent years, the garden has been enhanced with the addition of the Shōya House, a restored 18th-century Japanese residential compound offering a glimpse into rural Japanese life. Visitors can explore the house and surrounding landscape, including agricultural plots and an irrigation canal. The garden also includes the Seifu-an teahouse, set within a traditional tea garden. This ceremonial teahouse was originally built in Kyoto in 1964 and was donated to The Huntington by the Pasadena Buddhist Temple. The Japanese Garden has undergone significant transformations throughout its history, including a period of neglect during World War II and a subsequent revival in the 1950s. Today, it remains one of the most photographed spots in Southern California, inviting visitors to explore American interpretations of Japanese art and culture.

Popular Experiences near The Huntington Japanese Garden

Popular Hotels near The Huntington Japanese Garden

Select Currency