Japanese Tea Gardens Tours

Japanese Tea Gardens which includes landscape views, a pond and a park
Japanese Tea Gardens
Japanese Tea Gardens showing a waterfall, landscape views and a garden
Japanese Tea Gardens
Japanese Tea Gardens featuring landscape views, a garden and a pond


The perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon. Stroll among exotic plants and enjoy an authentic Japanese tea house.

Step through the Japanese Tea Garden’s front gate – a replica of a traditional Japanese torii gate – and you’ll be transported into another world. This peaceful garden is filled with exotic plants, as well as pagodas, koi (carp) ponds and even a small waterfall. There’s also an authentic Japanese-style cafe that serves Asian food, sandwiches, salads, cakes and beverages.

The garden was built in 1918 on the site of an abandoned quarry adjacent to the city’s Brackenridge Park. It began as a lily pond that eventually was surrounded by plant-lined paths and a stunning Japanese-style pagoda. Located near the entrance to the park, the Pagoda is a large, open-air pavilion featuring stone columns and beautiful views of the lily pond and waterfall. Weddings and other events take place under the shady thatched roof. Right next door is the Jingu House Restaurant, which opened in 2011.

Building this world-class Japanese garden was really an effort of the entire city. Local residents donated bulbs and the City nursery provided exotic plants. The City Public Service donated a lighting system. Improvements have continued throughout the decades. The garden was closed for almost a year in 2007 and reopened in March 2008 with a $1.5 million facelift. The waterfall and ponds were fixed up, new plants added and more walkways built, keeping much of the history but adding new life to the garden.

It’s free to come and wander around. Visit all year, between dawn and dusk. In summer, shaded walkways and lots of trees provide a welcome escape from the Texan heat. Bring a book and find a spot under the Pagoda or by the waterfall for a quiet, relaxing afternoon.

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Ranch Motel

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2.5 out of 5
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Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza

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3 out of 5
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Prime Location, Walk to All Best Known Attractions

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Riverwalk Plaza

Riverwalk Plaza

4 out of 5
100 Villita Street, Dwyer/Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX
Riverwalk Plaza
Menger Hotel

Menger Hotel

3.5 out of 5
204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
Menger Hotel
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

3 out of 5
105 S Saint Marys Street, San Antonio, TX
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

4.5 out of 5
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Crockett Hotel

Crockett Hotel

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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 Gardens

At the Japanese Tea Gardens in San Antonio, Texas, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as serene walking paths, a large sandbox, and a sand playground perfect for kids. The picturesque surroundings make it an ideal spot for yoga classes, while live music and theater performances add to the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're looking to relax or engage in fun activities, the gardens offer a delightful experience for everyone.

Shopping

During your visit to the Japanese Tea Gardens, check out Market Square, only 3 miles away, for a vibrant public market experience. Also, the Shops at Rivercenter and Alamo Quarry Market, both 3 and 2 miles away respectively, offer family-friendly shopping with an array of entertainment options.

Recreation

Explore Brackenridge Park for serene walks and relaxation amidst nature, only 0.3 miles from the gardens. For sports enthusiasts, the Alamodome, 3 miles away, offers an energetic atmosphere. If you enjoy golf, the Historic Brackenridge Golf Course, 0.7 miles away, provides a lovely outdoor experience.

Adventure

Explore The Amazing Mirror Maze, located 2 miles from Japanese Tea Gardens, where family fun awaits as you navigate through reflective corridors. For tennis enthusiasts, the McFarlin Tennis Center, also 2 miles away, and the UIW Tennis Center, only 0.7 mile away, offer exciting matches and practice opportunities.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Japanese Tea Gardens offers diverse experiences. Enjoy a captivating performance at the San Antonio Majestic Theater, just 2 miles away, or immerse yourself in the excitement of Kiddie Park's arcade, only 0.5 miles away. For more entertainment, the Aztec Theater, 3 miles away, awaits you.

Find the best attractions near Japanese Tea Gardens

While visiting the Japanese Tea Gardens in San Antonio, Texas, explore nearby attractions like the historic Fort and local art museums for a cultural experience. Families can enjoy outdoor activities in the beautiful gardens, and don't miss the chance to see the picturesque tea gardens. If you're also considering a trip to the Japanese Tea Gardens in Austin, you'll find similar serene settings to enjoy.

  • River Walk: This scenic esplanade stretches along the San Antonio River and is a hub for dining, shopping, and relaxation. With its beautiful pathways, lush landscaping, and vibrant atmosphere, it's perfect for families and couples alike, offering leisurely strolls and picturesque boat rides.
  • Alamo: A symbol of Texas' rich history, the Alamo is a must-visit historic fort that showcases the spirit of the Texan fight for independence. Explore the museum exhibits and immerse yourself in the culture and stories of this iconic landmark.
  • San Antonio River: This picturesque river winds through the heart of the city, providing stunning views and outdoor activities. Enjoy kayaking, fishing, or simply walking along its banks to experience the natural beauty and tranquility it offers.

Best time to go to Japanese Tea Gardens

Visitor numbers around Japanese Tea Gardens is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Japanese Tea Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Japanese Tea Gardens falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Japanese Tea Gardens falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.1°F (13.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July85.3°F (29.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August86.5°F (30.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September81.0°F (27.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.6°F (13.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Japanese Tea Gardens

Visiting the Japanese Tea Gardens can be a budget-friendly experience since entry is free. To save on accommodations, plan your trip in January, September, or November when hotel prices are lower, especially on Tuesdays. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find affordable options by sorting results from lowest to highest prices and filtering for eco-certified hotels. Consider booking a package deal for flights and activities to maximize savings, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and future cash rewards.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Japanese Tea Gardens are January, September and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and July, 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 Gardens is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Japanese Tea Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you set your budget, choose your desired location, and customize your preferences. You can easily sort your results from the lowest to highest prices, making it simple to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type. For instance, if you check the "Eco-certified" filter, you’ll discover a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Japanese Tea Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • 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.

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