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Japanese Tea Garden
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Tea Garden Hours:
Daily 9am-5pm
415-752-1171
Admission:
Adults: $3.50
Children: $1.25
Seniors: $1.25
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The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is the oldest Japanese-style garden
in the United States. The garden originated in the Japanese Village exhibit of the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. Originally it was located
in what is now the Music Concourse area of Golden Gate Park.
The Tea Garden has been greatly expanded since its earliest days as a small garden within the one acre nucleus of the original Japanese Village. Today it stands at over 5 acres. The additions include the chain of lakes and the western plateau. |
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Among the attractions in the garden is a teahouse where visitors can enjoy a cup of traditional green
or jasmine tea and cookies. |
Another highlight in the garden is the Drum Bridge. Along with the teahouse and gift shop, it is one of the original structures of the 1894 Exposition. |
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Early in 1895, Makato Hagiwara, a wealthy local Japanese landscape designer, was placed in charge of the Japanese Tea Garden. He remained in that position for the next thirty years. Hagiwara is credited with the original idea for a traditional garden in the Japanese Village exhibit. He was also responsible for the construction and maintenance of the garden.
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| When Makato Hagiwara died in 1925, his son-in-law, Goro Tozawa Hagiwara, succeeded him as the garden's manager. Among the many improvements credited to Goro was the systematic plantings of cherry trees. |
Azaleas and cherry trees begin blooming in late March and April. There is a small admission charge and tours are offered by the Friends of Recreation and Parks. |
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Last updated on January 21, 2004. Mail comments to: davidg@lightight.com
Photographs and Text Copyright ©2004, David Gardner. All Rights Reserved.
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