Japanese Tea Garden Tours

Japanese Tea Garden showing a park and heritage architecture
Japanese Tea Garden which includes a park and heritage architecture
Japanese Tea Garden featuring a park and landscape views
Japanese Tea Garden showing landscape views and a park
Japanese Tea Garden showing autumn leaves and a park


The oldest public Japanese garden in the United States is a place of peace and beauty nestled in Golden Gate Park.

Refresh your senses with a saunter through the Japanese Tea Garden, at the east side of Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park. This peaceful respite is dotted with miniature pagodas, stone lanterns, koi ponds and cherry blossom trees. You’ll easily find your own private spot among the five acres (two hectares) of benches and walkways. Enjoy views of plants, trees and the sky, while contemplating the beauty and harmony of nature.

Established in 1894 as a temporary exhibit for the World’s Fair in San Francisco, the garden was conceived and developed by landscape gardener Baron Makoto Hagiwara. When the fair closed, Hagiwara turned it into a permanent feature and expanded its size. His family and descendants maintained the garden until shortly after the United States entered World War II.

Some of the highlights of the garden include the meditative Zen Garden, the many water features and the Lantern of Peace, a 9,000 pound (4,082 kilogram) bronze lantern which was presented as a gift of reconciliation after World War II.

The Japanese Tea Garden is a glorious sight year-round, but perhaps the best time to visit is in the spring when thousands of cherry blossom trees are in bloom. The fall is also a treat, when the changing leaves present a colorful display.

In the middle of the garden and overlooking its beautiful landscapes and south-facing pond is the impressive Tea House. It’s here that Hagiwara introduced the fortune cookie to the United States, serving them to visitors, a tradition that continues to this day. Every Wednesday and Friday morning, from mid-March to January, kimono-wearing staff members perform tea ceremony demonstrations with centuries-old rituals and practices that present the matcha, a powdered green tea.

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Best Lodging Options Near Japanese Tea Garden

Absolutely Private President's Suite, Computer, Wi-Fi, Laundry, Pub. Parking

Absolutely Private President's Suite, Computer, Wi-Fi, Laundry, Pub. Parking

San Francisco
Absolutely Private President's Suite, Computer, Wi-Fi, Laundry, Pub. Parking
Stanyan Park Hotel

Stanyan Park Hotel

3 out of 5
750 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA
Stanyan Park Hotel
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
Golden Gate Park Escape | 4BR + Garage + Metro

Golden Gate Park Escape | 4BR + Garage + Metro

San Francisco
Golden Gate Park Escape | 4BR + Garage + Metro
Quiet Garden Apt., geographic center of The City

Quiet Garden Apt., geographic center of The City

San Francisco
Quiet Garden Apt., geographic center of The City
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
BRAND NEW - ENTIRE FLOOR w/ OCEAN Beach View and PARKING!

BRAND NEW - ENTIRE FLOOR w/ OCEAN Beach View and PARKING!

San Francisco
BRAND NEW - ENTIRE FLOOR w/ OCEAN Beach View and PARKING!
My Rosegarden Guest Rooms

My Rosegarden Guest Rooms

2 out of 5
75 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA
My Rosegarden Guest Rooms
Cozy Sunset suite

Cozy Sunset suite

San Francisco
Cozy Sunset suite
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

At the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco, enjoy a serene stroll through beautifully landscaped paths while soaking in stunning sunset views. Explore various activities, including tea ceremonies and shopping nearby. For those looking to venture further, a short walk can lead you to Sausalito, where you can experience more of the area's charm. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the garden and its surrounding attractions.

Food and drinks

While visiting the Japanese Tea Garden, consider dining at Cliff House for stunning views and a romantic atmosphere. For a unique experience, try Anchor Brewing Company, known for its craft beers. Don’t miss See's Candies for delightful sweets, perfect for families and food lovers alike.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Ghirardelli Square, only 4 miles away, offering family-friendly shops and delightful treats. Additionally, the Winery Collective, also 4 miles away, features unique wines. If you're up for a drive, Main Street, located 7 miles away, offers a charming shopping area with local vibes.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Chase Center, just 5 miles away, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a relaxing day outdoors, visit Harding Park Golf Course, 3 miles away, or the Olympic Club, 4 miles away, both offering beautiful landscapes and recreational activities for golf lovers.

Adventure

Explore the Coastal Trail, a scenic hiking trail located 2 miles away, offering breathtaking views and adventure vibes. For winter fun, visit Union Square Ice Rink, located 4 miles away, perfect for ice skating with friends and family. Don't miss the Cable Car Turntable, also 4 miles away, for a classic San Francisco experience.

Nightlife

As night falls near the Japanese Tea Garden, catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre for a romantic evening, or enjoy a classic film at the nearby Castro Theatre. For a family-friendly outing, visit the Morrison Planetarium and marvel at the stars in an entertaining atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Japanese Tea Garden

While visiting the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco, explore nearby attractions like Golden Gate Park and historic colleges. This beautiful urban park offers a cultural experience perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the serene beauty of the Japanese tea gardens and other local tourist attractions that showcase the area's rich heritage and natural charm.

  • Golden Gate Park: Just a short 0.5-mile stroll from the Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park offers a vast urban oasis filled with gardens, lakes, and museums. Enjoy family-friendly activities, outdoor sports, and vibrant city vibes as you explore this lush landscape.
  • Pier 39: Located 4 miles away, Pier 39 is a bustling jetty filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Experience urban scenery while watching sea lions basking in the sun, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere and artistic displays.
  • Golden Gate Bridge: A mere 3 miles from the garden, the Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic symbol of San Francisco's culture. Walk or bike across this historic bridge for breathtaking views and a deeper appreciation of its architectural significance.

Best time to go to Japanese Tea Garden

Visitor numbers around Japanese Tea Garden is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Japanese Tea Garden can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Japanese Tea Garden falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Japanese Tea Garden falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Japanese Tea Garden

To save money during your visit to the Japanese Tea Garden, consider traveling in the off-peak months of February and November to December for lower hotel rates. Use Expedia to find affordable accommodations, and check for last-minute deals. Explore nearby free attractions like Golden Gate Park and Pier 39. Consider booking a package deal that combines your hotel with flights and activities for extra savings. Lastly, join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and the chance to earn cash back on future hotel stays.

  • 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 July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Japanese Tea Garden is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort the results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotel options that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Japanese Tea Garden with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.