Beginning of main content

Japanese Tea Garden

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19) travel advisories, some destinations may be unavailable for certain dates. Find out more.
Trip Type
Flight 1
Flight 2
Flight 3
Flight 4
Flight 5

Japanese Tea Garden

Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea in the oldest Japanese garden in the United States. This place of ornate beauty is nestled quietly away in Golden Gate Park.

This is a haven of peace and tranquillity and the perfect place to get away from the fast-paced culture and throbbing cityscape that is San Francisco. As you wander round the Japanese Tea Garden, you’ll feel peace descend. Spend some time relaxing in these exquisitely beautiful surroundings. Find a quiet spot among the 2.2 hectare setting, which incorporates trees, plants, benches and walkways.

The origin of the Japanese Tea Garden is surprising. It was originally commissioned as an exhibit for the World’s Fair in San Francisco which took place in 1894. Once the fair closed, the garden designed by Baron Makoto Hagiwara, a Japanese landscape gardener, was turned into a permanent feature of the district and was expanded in size. The family and descendants of Hagiwara then resided permanently in the area and maintained the garden well into the twentieth century.

Find yourself at one with nature and discover your spiritual side in the meditative Zen Garden, a particular favourite with San Francisco’s Bohemian residents. The Zen Garden has attractive water features and contains the Lantern of Peace, a bronze lantern that weighs in at a huge 4,082 kilograms and that represents the reconciliation between Japan and the United States after the horrors of the Second World War.

The Japanese Tea Garden is particularly beautiful in the spring, when its thousands of cherry blossomed trees bring real beauty to the garden. Come autumn time, the burnished reds and oranges of the falling leaves also create a beautiful and colourful setting. Overlooking the site the Tea House, a quaint and attractive building open all year round and in which Hagiwara introduced San Francisco to the fortune cookie.

San Francisco’s Japanese Tea Garden is a little gem of the orient in California, and well worth a visit.

Guide to Exploring around Japanese Tea Garden

Alcatraz Island

Home to the world’s most notorious prison, tour this famous landmark to understand why it gained its reputation as such a cold and unforgiving place.

See hotels near here

Muir Woods

Walk among the magnificent giant redwood trees that are native to this region, in these beautiful woods, located just outside the city.

See hotels near here

Golden Gate Bridge

This iconic bridge, with its distinctive burnished red colour, is probably one of the world’s most instantly recognisable landmarks.

See hotels near here

Presidio Military Reservation

This former military base is packed with panoramic views, history and culture and is surrounded by attractive open spaces.

See hotels near here

Baker Beach

This stunning stretch of beach is the perfect vantage point for views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands and the ocean beyond.

See hotels near here

Pier 39

This waterfront attraction offers all the fun of a traditional pier with rides, street performances and entertainment courtesy of a colony of resident sea lions!

See hotels near here

Palace of Fine Arts

This fabulous palace, inspired by Roman architecture is a fascinating modern renaissance piece and home to San Francisco’s centre of fine arts and science.

See hotels near here

Golden Gate Park

This wonderful park is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Come here to relax, enjoy the scenery, breathe in the air and watch the wildlife.

See hotels near here

California Academy of Sciences

This vast scientific institution has a large indoor rainforest and the world’s biggest planetarium theatre.

See hotels near here

De Young Museum

This renovated art museum is now bigger and better than ever and now also boasts green credentials.

See hotels near here

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Step aboard century-old ships, watch boat builders at work, browse exhibits about U.S. maritime heritage and enjoy scenic picnics at this historic waterfront district.

See hotels near here

Fisherman’s Wharf

This waterfront location is steeped in history dating back to the days of the gold rush. Today, visitors come here for its vibrant atmosphere and great food.

See hotels near here

Union Square

Packed with a treasure trove of upmarket boutiques, designer labels and department store, shoppers will love this huge shopping plaza.

See hotels near here

Walt Disney Family Museum

Discover the man behind Mickey Mouse at this interactive museum located in the heart of San Francisco’s Presidio neighborhood. 

See hotels near here

Mission San Rafael Arcángel

This mission in San Rafael, which still offers services, is an interesting destination to learn more about California’s religious history. 
See hotels near here

Lodging Near Japanese Tea Garden

See all 1,344 properties near Japanese Tea Garden

Price for 1 night 2 adults*

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway

1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
    3.5 out of 5.0
     
     

    Located in Downtown San Francisco, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Van Ness Avenue and The Regency Ballroom. San Francisco City Hall and Orpheum Theater ...

    Holiday Inn Golden GatewayAU$232

    Per night/room

    15 Jul. - 16 Jul.

    Geary Parkway Motel

    Geary Parkway Motel

    4750 Geary Blvd, Richmond District, San Francisco, CA
      2.0 out of 5.0
       
       

      Located in Richmond District, this motel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park and California Academy of Sciences. University ...

      Geary Parkway MotelAU$139

      Per night/room

      15 Jul. - 16 Jul.

      Stanyan Park Hotel

      Stanyan Park Hotel

      750 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA
        3.0 out of 5.0
         
         

        Located in Haight-Ashbury, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Golden Gate Park and University of California San Francisco. University of San Francisco ...

        Stanyan Park HotelAU$253

        Per night/room

        18 Jul. - 19 Jul.

        InterContinental San Francisco

        InterContinental San Francisco

        888 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
          4.5 out of 5.0
           
           
          5.0 out of 5 (1 reviews)

          Located in Downtown San Francisco, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Westfield ...

          InterContinental San FranciscoAU$189

          Per night/room

          9 Aug. - 10 Aug.

          See all 1,344 properties near Japanese Tea Garden
          *Price based on the lowest price found within past 24 hours and based upon one night stay for two adults over the next thirty days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
          ^Eligibility requirements and conditions apply.