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.
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
- 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 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
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