Japanese Tea Garden
San Francisco California
As you step through the gates of the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, you are immediately transported to a place far, far away. Lovely miniature shrubs and plants, gently flowing water with bridges over it and a calm, serene ambience greets you. Clipped hedges and ornamental figurines and stone lanterns characterize this garden which is the oldest public Japanese garden in the US. In Japan, a garden is thought to represent one of the highest art forms. The one in San Francisco has a wet walking garden and a dry garden also known as Zen garden.
This garden was originally part of the Japanese Village constructed during the California Mid-Winter Exposition of 1894. It does retain some of its original structures and designs though change has been tremendous. A pagoda, representative of the predominant architecture in Japan can be seen in this garden. A gate, known as the Temple Gate leads to the tall Buddhist pagoda. Another attraction in the garden is the large bronze statue of the Buddha which dates back to the late 18th century. The bridges inside the garden have been constructed in different styles. One that stands out is the Moon Bridge or the Drum Bridge. The uniqueness of the garden makes it a popular venue for wedding pictures.
Japanese Tea Garden San Francisco
Japanese Tea Garden
When you wish to rest your weary feet after walking through the garden and admiring its beauty, you can head for the Tea House. As the name suggests, tea is served here along with snacks and a few other beverages. There can be nothing more relaxing on a sunny afternoon than a cup of jasmine tea and cookies served by a lady dressed in a traditional kimono. The garden is open daily and requires an entrance ticket which can be obtained at one of the four gates. Tickets cost around $3.50 per person and the garden closes at 5.30 pm.
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