Mini Waterfalls in the Garden

As you walk through the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco, the harmonious blend of meticulously manicured landscapes, cascading mini-waterfalls, tranquil ponds, vibrant flowers, and traditional architecture creates an ambiance that soothes the soul.

Waterflow in the Garden
Flowing Water in the Garden

Walking Around the Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco is made of rock sculptures, “dry” or zen gardens, Japanese architectural structures, and waterfalls. Its open spaces contrast with tighter corners of hedges. There is a thoughtful design throughout, and the cultural influences are everywhere. Peaceful serenity of the gardens is felt by a quite walk around the garden.

Serene Reflections
Quiet Reflection at the Pond
Lantern and Bird Sculptures

Pagoda at the Japanese Tea Garden

A pagoda is a narrow building with a multi-tiered roof style that originates from the Buddhist religion in India and East Asia. The pagoda in the Japanese Tea Garden is a five-tiered Buddhist shrine. It, along with the Temple Gate, was built as a temporary indoor display for the Japanese section inside the Palace of Food Products at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. After the conclusion of the PPIE, the pagoda and Temple Gate were moved into the Japanese Tea Garden.

Red Pagoda Midst Greenery
Pagoda Rising

Japanese Tea Garden – San Francisco

The Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco, California, is a popular feature of Golden Gate Park. Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the site originally spanned about one acre and showcased a Japanese style garden.  When the fair closed, Japanese landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara and superintendent John McLaren reached a gentleman’s agreement, allowing Mr. Hagiwara to create and maintain a permanent Japanese style garden as a gift for posterity.  

Entering Japanese Tea Garden