Touring The Oldest Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco (2024)
The Oldest Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco is about 8 miles from Fisherman’s Wharf and 6.5 miles for Golden Gate. The Japanese tea garden is the independent section of Golden Gate Park. The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest Tea Garden in United States. The garden is periodically modified to the present landscape.
The Oldest Japanese Tea Garden is spread over 3 acres in the middle of most beautiful and populated town. The garden contains sculptures of Buddhist and Shinto religious beliefs. The garden has several landmarks of water and rocks that is placed all over the garden. The garden was built and plants were planted in year 1894 during World Fair.
The Oldest Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco was designed by George Turner Marsh. He hired Japanese craftsmen and gardener to construct the site as well as plant the shrubs and trees. Most plants and koi fish were imported from Japan. Later after second world war several sculptures were donated to Oldest Japanese Tea Garden by prominent people of San Francisco.
The Oldest Japanese Tea Garden is managed by the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department since 1942. One section of garden has tea house that was created and maintained since1894. The tea house was rebuilt several time. Visitors love taking pictures of a five-tiered Buddhist Shrine located next to rea house. The visit to unique spectacular drum bridge within the garden is highly recommended. The arch bridge is shaped like drum and also known as Moon Bridge. The section of garden has a waterfall with large stones and gravels. There are islands shaped like tortoises and considered good luck lands.
International and local visitors after spending time in busy streets of San Francisco like to spend 2 to 3 hours in The Oldest Japanese Tea Garden. Tourist can meditate in the garden for few minutes, try tea in tea house, take lots of pictures and do some shopping in gift shop.
