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San Francisco, California / Parks and outdoors

Japanese Tea Garden

Discover the oldest operating public Japanese garden in North America, a serene sanctuary in Golden Gate Park featuring traditional architecture, a historic pagoda, and tranquil tea house experiences.

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Japanese Tea Garden
www.japaneseteagardensf.com, website_hero_img_www.japaneseteagardensf.com

What is the Japanese Tea Garden known for?

It is recognized as the oldest operating public Japanese garden in North America and the oldest continuously maintained Japanese public garden outside of Japan.

How much does it cost to visit?

For non-residents, admission is $15 for adults, $7 for seniors and youths (ages 12-17), and $3 for children (ages 5-11). Admission is free for San Francisco residents, veterans, and certain other eligible groups.

Is it ever free for everyone?

Yes, there is free admission from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

What are the hours?

Daily hours are generally 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (with last entry at 5:30 p.m.), though seasonal hours apply: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in summer (Mar 1 - Oct 31) and 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in winter (Nov 1 - Feb 28).

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, all visitors are required to reserve timed entry tickets in advance, though tickets may be purchased online or at the door.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Japanese Tea Garden is a historic sanctuary located at 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive in San Francisco. Established in 1894 by George Turner Marsh, the garden originated as a feature of the California Midwinter International Exposition. Today, it is recognized as the oldest operating public Japanese garden in North America, spanning over three acres of meticulously maintained landscapes. Architectural highlights define the garden's aesthetic, including a traditional tea room and intricate gates constructed without fasteners. A centerpiece of the grounds is the magnificent pagoda, which was originally created as a temporary indoor display for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition's Palace of Food Products before being relocated to the garden in 1916. Visitors can explore the redesigned Pagoda Plaza, a versatile gathering space designed for cultural events such as bonsai demonstrations and taiko performances. For those seeking refreshment, an independent concessionaire, JTGSF, Inc., operates an on-site Tea House and Gift Shop where guests can enjoy traditional beverages. Access to this peaceful retreat is managed by the Gardens of Golden Gate Park. While non-resident adults pay $15 for admission, the garden has remained free for San Francisco residents since 2022. To maintain the tranquility of the space, all visitors are required to reserve timed entry slots in advance.

Visitor tips

  • Reserve your timed entry tickets in advance online to ensure admission.
  • Visit between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays for free admission.
  • If you are a San Francisco resident, bring identification to access the garden for free.
  • Allow at least 90 minutes to wander the three-acre grounds and visit the tea house.

Nearby context

The garden is situated in a cultural hub of Golden Gate Park, located near the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

Sources

Evidence and links