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Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco

4.1

#6 of 73 in Parks in San Francisco

Garden Nature / Park

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Originally constructed in 1894 for the World's Fair, Japanese Tea Garden represents the oldest garden of its kind in the country--a mainstay of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Spread out over 2 hectares (5 acres), the garden features quaint bridges, traditional pagodas, stone pathways, koi ponds, and scores of plants and foliage native to Japan. You'll find that the garden lives up to its namesake as well: Stop for a cup of traditional Japanese brew at the on-site tea house. The gift shop offers different blends and tea sets, along with all of the accompanying ceramic wares. Arrange to visit Japanese Tea Garden and other attractions in San Francisco using our San Francisco route maker site .

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Japanese Tea Garden Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

3,149 reviews

Google

4.4

facebook

4.5

9,123 likes

• By hsmith09

  We enjoyed our walk through the Japanese Tea Garden which provided a good time filler on our last day in the city.  more »

• By Camzforz

  Oui 9$ c’est cher mais personnellement c’est ce que j’ai trouvé le mieux dans le parc complet... ça fait décrocher de la grosse ville et on s’y sent zen. Je n’ai pas pris le temps de boire un thé, j’a...  more »

  Yes $9 it is expensive but personally this is what I found best in the entire Park... It gets out of the big city and it feels Zen. I did not take the time to drink a tea, I would have liked but I would also have liked a more peaceful and classic tea room than picnic tables outside. In short, I recommend to take a tour. Moderately practical for strollers, there are steps to climb/descend and "ponds" to cross over large stones.
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• By Laney Hixson

  This place was incredible. I mean wow. I was and still am awestruck by it’s beauty and history. I can’t believe I was fortunate enough to visit. My boyfriend and I went early, just as it opened. This was nice because we were able to view the gardens without a mass of noise and people. The setting is so serene and it’s a getaway within the city. The gift shop is fun and affordable. The little restaurant is great and the staff are knowledgeable. We loved everything we got and the teas were enchanting. I loved reading each and every placard through the garden. It really helped you understand how special this place truly is and what the people who helped tend it went through during and after World War II. I think Japanese vegetation is my favorite and the pride and traditions that accompany it are fascinating. Definitely visit here during your trip to SF. It’s a must see.

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• By Maisee Yang

  Best part was the old bridge in the garden. It's pretty well kept with a nice gift shop. Be careful though because my sister tipped a tea cup and it broke. You don't actually drink tea but they sell tea pots, tea cups and other souvenirs. Plus, you can take great pictures here.

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