Japanese Tea Garden

Japanese Tea Garden showing heritage architecture and a garden
Japanese Tea Garden showing heritage architecture and a park
Japanese Tea Garden featuring landscape views and a garden
Japanese Tea Garden showing landscape views and a park
Japanese Tea Garden featuring autumn colours and a park


A serene and beautiful spot, this is the oldest public Japanese garden in America, tucked away inside Golden Gate Park.

Located to the east of Stow Lake in the heart of Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Garden is an ideal spot to wander, refresh yourself after your busy days spent seeing the sights of San Francisco, and to enjoy a fine cup of Asian tea. Decked out with pagodas and stone lanterns, you can admire the cherry blossom trees and the stone ponds and lose yourself in an oriental paradise.

Spanning 2 acres of grounds, you can explore the stunning scene at leisure by ambling down its walkways and stopping off to take a seat on a bench and admire the plants and trees in all their abundant natural glory.

The garden was founded well over a century ago, back in 1894 when it was intended as a temporary fixture of San Francisco's World's Fair. Designed and developed by landscape gardener Baron Makoto Hagiwara, it was made larger and became a permanent feature of the park when the fair left town, and it was subsequently maintained by his descendants until the beginning of World War II in the States.

Look out for some of the best-loved highlights, among which you'll find the stunning Zen Garden, the water features, and of course the 4,000 kilo bronze Lantern of Peace, which was brought over as a gift to symbolise the spirit of reconciliation after World War II.

In the heart of the garden, you can pay a visit to the Tea House, where Hagiwara first brought the fortune cookie to visitors in the United States a tradition that has since spread afar. If you visit on a Wednesday or Friday morning between March and January, you'll be able to see staff dressed in kimonos performing demonstrations of their age-old rituals to make powdered green tea known as matcha.

Whatever time of year you visit, you're sure to appreciate the captivating beauty of the garden. However, if you come here in the spring, you'll be rewarded with the truly beautiful sight of the thousands of cherry blossom trees coming into bloom. In the autumn meanwhile, the colours of the changing leaves make another spectacular display.

Plan a trip to see Japanese Tea Garden

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Reviews of Japanese Tea Garden

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
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4/5 - Good

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$12 dollars for an adult. Gardens are small but very pretty.

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Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park

Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park

2 out of 5
1471 18th Ave, San Francisco, CA
Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park
Stanyan Park Hotel

Stanyan Park Hotel

3 out of 5
750 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA
Stanyan Park Hotel
My Rosegarden Guest Rooms

My Rosegarden Guest Rooms

2 out of 5
75 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA
My Rosegarden Guest Rooms
The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt

The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt

3 out of 5
444 Presidio Ave, San Francisco, CA
The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt
Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast

Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast

3 out of 5
600 Presidio Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast
The Metro Hotel

The Metro Hotel

2.5 out of 5
319 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA
The Metro Hotel
The Hotel Castro San Francisco

The Hotel Castro San Francisco

2.5 out of 5
4230 18th St, San Francisco, CA
The Hotel Castro San Francisco
Casa Loma Hotel

Casa Loma Hotel

2 out of 5
610 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA
Casa Loma Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco offers a serene escape with activities such as free tours, where you can explore stunning bonsai trees and engage in a geo quiz. Nearby, fascinating museums add to the cultural experience, while the picturesque surroundings provide perfect spots for art appreciation and watching sunsets. A delightful blend of nature and culture awaits you in this enchanting garden.

Shopping

At the Japanese Tea Garden, you can explore nearby Ghirardelli Square, offering a lively shopping experience just 6.4km away. Don't miss the Winery Collective and Boudin Bakery, both also 6.4km away, where you can find unique gifts and delicious treats for your loved ones.

Recreation

At Oracle Park, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of a sports event, while the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium offers a vibrant music experience. For a serene outdoor retreat, enjoy a round of golf at the Presidio Golf Course, surrounded by stunning landscapes and fresh air.

Adventure

The Coastal Trail offers a thrilling hiking experience with stunning scenery, located 3.2km from the Japanese Tea Garden. For a unique skating adventure, visit the Union Square Ice Rink, situated 6.4km away. Explore the Perimeter Road, 9.7km distant, for outdoor activities amidst beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Japanese Tea Garden with a visit to the Orpheum Theatre, offering a cultural escape, or enjoy the cosmic wonders at the Morrison Planetarium. For a romantic film night, the Castro Theatre provides an enchanting cinematic experience, all within a short distance.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Japanese Tea Garden

When visiting the Japanese Tea Garden, you'll find an array of attractions that cater to culture enthusiasts and families alike, including urban parks, stunning beaches, and historic colleges and universities. This vibrant area offers a delightful blend of city experiences and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable visit filled with diverse activities and sights.

  • Golden Gate Park: This expansive urban park, located 805m from the Japanese Tea Garden, offers a family-friendly atmosphere with lush greenery, charming gardens, and recreational activities. It's a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature within the city.
  • Golden Gate Bridge: A historic marvel situated 4.8km away, the Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic symbol of San Francisco. Its stunning architecture and panoramic views make it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts and photographers alike.
  • Ocean Beach: Just 3.2km from the Japanese Tea Garden, Ocean Beach boasts a beautiful sandy coastline ideal for a leisurely stroll, with the soothing sounds of the ocean providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation.

Best time to go to Japanese Tea Garden

The best time to visit Japanese Tea Garden is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Japanese Tea Garden

For a budget-friendly visit to the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco, consider travelling in February or November to December when accommodation prices are lower. Fridays tend to offer the best rates, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to filter for eco-certified hotels and arrange your stay with flights and activities for potential savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and rely on public transport to keep costs down. Always check for the best prices and any additional fees when booking to ensure a cost-effective trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Japanese Tea Garden are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Japanese Tea Garden is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Japanese Tea Garden is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel stay at the Japanese Tea Garden with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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