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Japanese Tea Garden: A Tranquil Oasis in Golden Gate Park

Discover tranquility and beauty in Golden Gate Park's Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S.

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Escape the urban bustle 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, featuring meticulously pruned plants, tranquil koi ponds, and traditional Japanese architecture.

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 in bloom.
  • Take advantage of free admission from 9 am to 10 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
  • Explore the garden's highlights, including the Drum Bridge, pagoda, koi ponds, and Zen garden.
  • Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds.
  • Stop by the Tea House for authentic Japanese refreshments.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Several Muni bus lines and streetcars provide access to 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. The 5 Fulton bus stops at 8th Avenue, from which you can walk into the park and turn right onto JFK Drive. A single ride on Muni costs $3.

  • Walking

    From nearby attractions like the California Academy of Sciences or the de Young Museum, the Japanese Tea Garden is easily accessible by foot. Follow signs within Golden Gate Park towards the Music Concourse, then continue along Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes.

  • Car

    Enter Golden Gate Park via 9th Avenue or Fulton Street. Limited street parking is available within the park on streets like Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Stow Lake Drive. Alternatively, use the Music Concourse Garage underneath the de Young Museum. The garage costs $3.25 per hour on weekends and $2.25 per hour on weekdays.

Unlock the Best of Japanese Tea Garden

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Discover more about Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture and serene natural beauty. Originally created as a Japanese Village exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, it has evolved into a beloved San Francisco attraction. After the exposition, Japanese landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara was tasked with maintaining the garden, which became his life's passion. He expanded the garden to nearly five acres, adding sculptures, structures, and plants. Some of the garden's trees are over a century old. The Hagiwara family cared for the garden until 1942 when they were unjustly interned during World War II. The garden features classic elements of Japanese garden design, including an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, and carefully arranged plants. Visitors can wander along winding paths, admire koi ponds and a Zen garden, and relax in the tea house. Highlights include the five-story pagoda, the Lantern of Peace, and a bronze Buddha statue cast in 1790. Spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit, with cherry blossoms, azaleas, and magnolias in full bloom.

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