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Japanese Tea Garden: A Tranquil Oasis in Golden Gate Park

Discover tranquility and beauty in San Francisco's Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S.

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The Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, offering a serene escape with meticulously pruned plants, tranquil ponds, and traditional Japanese architecture. Originally created as a Japanese Village exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, it has evolved into a beloved cultural landmark.

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 during the spring (mid-March to April) to see the cherry blossoms, azaleas, and magnolias in full bloom.
  • Take advantage of the free admission hours (9-10 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) to save on entry fees.
  • 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.
  • Check the San Francisco City Guides schedule for free walking tours of the Japanese Tea Garden to learn more about its history and features.
  • Be aware that parking can be challenging, especially on weekends, so consider using public transportation or the free Golden Gate Park Shuttle.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Japanese Tea Garden is accessible via several public transit routes. The 44-O'Shaughnessy bus stops directly at the Tea Garden. Alternatively, take the N-Judah streetcar or the 5 or 7 bus to nearby stops and walk a short distance to the garden. From downtown San Francisco, take the N Judah streetcar. Single fares for Muni buses and streetcars are typically around $3.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Golden Gate Park, follow the signs to the Japanese Tea Garden. It is located near the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum. From the Music Concourse, it is a short walk to the garden's entrance. Enjoy the scenery as you approach this tranquil oasis.

  • Free Shuttle

    The free Golden Gate Park Shuttle provides access to the Japanese Tea Garden and the eastern half of the park. The shuttle stops along JFK Drive and at the Music Concourse, a short walk from the garden's entrance. The shuttle operates seven days a week, with varying hours depending on the day.

  • Driving

    If driving, enter Golden Gate Park via 9th Avenue or Fulton Street and 10th Avenue. Parking is available in the Music Concourse Garage, with entrances from Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive or Fulton Street at 10th Avenue. Street parking is also available on Golden Gate Park streets, including MLK Drive and Stow Lake Drive, but can be limited, especially on weekends. Parking in the Music Concourse Garage costs $2.25 per hour on weekdays and $3.25 per hour on weekends. Free parking can be found at 3650 Fulton Street, San Francisco.

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Discover more about Japanese Tea Garden

Nestled within Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Garden offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture and tranquility. Established in 1894 as part of the Midwinter International Exposition, the garden has a rich history, initially conceived as a "Japanese Village". After the exposition, Japanese landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara transformed the temporary exhibit into a permanent garden, expanding it to nearly five acres. The garden features classic elements of Japanese garden design, including an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, and meticulously arranged plants and trees. Serene koi ponds and a Zen garden add to the peaceful atmosphere. Key highlights include the Tea House, a traditional structure that has been rebuilt several times since its original construction in 1894. The five-story pagoda, originally built for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition, is another prominent feature. The garden also houses a 9,000-pound bronze Lantern of Peace, a gift symbolizing friendship between the United States and Japan after World War II. Throughout its history, the garden has faced challenges, including the forced removal of the Hagiwara family during World War II and the renaming of the garden to the "Oriental Tea Garden". However, the garden's original name was restored in 1952, and the Hagiwara family's contributions were later recognized. Today, the Japanese Tea Garden is part of the Gardens of Golden Gate Park, along with the San Francisco Botanical Garden and the Conservatory of Flowers. Visitors can explore the garden's winding paths, admire the carefully sculpted plants, and experience the tranquility of this unique cultural landmark. The garden is open daily, with varying hours depending on the season. Admission fees apply, but San Francisco residents with valid ID, active military and veterans, and children under 4 can enter for free. Free admission is also offered to everyone from 9 am to 10 am every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

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