CALL US! 1-415-766-2722
Fun@SanFranciscoJeepTours.com
Tucked away in the heart of Golden Gate Park, the Japanese Tea Garden is one of San Francisco’s most peaceful and picturesque hidden gems. While our private San Francisco Jeep tours cruise past the entrance, this stop deserves its own quiet visit — ideally with at least 90 minutes to explore the tranquil paths, koi ponds, and historic tea house. It’s more than a garden. It’s a cultural experience — and one you’ll want to savor.
So if your small group tour sparks your curiosity, be sure to come back to this serene space. Trust us — it’s worth slowing down for.
The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States. Originally created as part of the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the garden began as a temporary Japanese Village exhibit. After the fair ended, Japanese landscape designer Makoto Hagiwara transformed the site into a permanent garden — pouring his vision, artistry, and resources into the project.
The Hagiwara family lived on the grounds for decades, overseeing the expansion of the garden from one acre to five lush, beautifully designed acres. Sadly, during World War II, the family was forcibly removed and incarcerated with thousands of other Japanese Americans. Despite this painful history, the garden remains a lasting tribute to Japanese culture and design, and to the Hagiwara family’s enduring legacy.
Although we don’t stop here during our Golden Gate Park Jeep tour, we highly recommend setting aside time to return and experience these must-see features:
One of the garden’s most photographed landmarks, this iconic bridge curves dramatically over a tranquil pond. It’s as fun to cross as it is to capture on camera.
Traditional Japanese pagodas rise above the trees, while stone lanterns dot the walkways. These features add a timeless elegance and help tell the story of the garden’s cultural roots.
Wander along winding paths and discover koi ponds filled with colorful fish, gentle waterfalls, and stepping stones that invite quiet reflection.
Pause by the raked gravel garden and experience a moment of stillness. This minimalist feature emphasizes form, flow, and calm.
Time your visit for March or April, and you might catch the garden in full bloom. Delicate cherry blossoms cover the trees in soft pink and white — a breathtaking seasonal treat that’s perfect for photos.
No visit to the Japanese Tea Garden is complete without a stop at the Tea House. Set above a reflecting pond and surrounded by lush greenery, this peaceful spot serves traditional Japanese teas, snacks, and sweets in a beautifully preserved setting.
Try the matcha green tea, pair it with a sweet rice cracker, and enjoy the view from a custom-designed irori (farmhouse-style table). Whether you come for a quick break or linger for a longer tea session, this quiet corner offers a calming retreat from the city’s hustle.
Above the Tea House, the gift shop is filled with unique Japanese items — perfect for souvenirs or special gifts. Some local favorites include:
Maneki neko (lucky cat) figurines
Handmade kokeshi and daruma dolls
Japanese ceramics, teapots, and sake sets
Assorted green teas and matcha kits
Fortune cookie gift boxes
Speaking of which…
See San Francisco Like Never Before – Private Jeep Tour!See the city’s top sights on your terms with a Private Jeep Tour! Your personal guide takes you to San Francisco’s must-see locations, ensuring unforgettable views and photo stops—including a breathtaking drive across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Why settle for an ordinary tour? —Book your Jeep sightseeing adventure now!
Here’s a sweet slice of San Francisco trivia: The modern fortune cookie may have originated right here at the Japanese Tea Garden. According to local lore, Makoto Hagiwara introduced the cookie in the early 1900s, offering guests a handmade version with a fortune tucked inside.
Eventually, Hagiwara partnered with a local confectioner — Benkyodo Company — to produce the cookies in larger batches. Today’s vanilla-flavored cookies are a direct descendant of this original treat.
And yes — the Tea House still serves rice cracker bowls that come with a fortune cookie on the side. A tasty tradition that lives on!
You’ll pass the Japanese Tea Garden as we explore Golden Gate Park on our Jeep tour, but to truly enjoy all its peaceful corners, you’ll want to come back on your own time. Here’s how to plan:
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
(Inside Golden Gate Park, near the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences)
Summer (March–October): 9:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Winter (November–February): 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Open daily, including holidays
Same hours as above
No reservations required
Entry fees vary based on residency and age. For the latest ticket prices, visit the official Japanese Tea Garden website.
Leave the pups at home — no pets are allowed inside the garden.
The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the few locations in Golden Gate Park that truly deserves time to explore on foot. With its quiet paths, meditative spaces, and immersive design, this is not a “hop out and snap a photo” kind of place.
That’s why our private San Francisco Jeep tours drive by — pointing out the entrance and sharing the story — but don’t stop here. We want you to enjoy the garden at your own pace, not rush through it on a schedule.
Our open-air San Francisco private Jeep tours are the perfect way to discover the city’s most iconic and off-the-beaten-path spots — from Ocean Beach and the Dutch Windmill to the Painted Ladies, Coit Tower, and beyond.
We’ll share fun stories, local tips, and plenty of photo-worthy stops along the way. And when you’re ready to dive deeper into peaceful places like the Japanese Tea Garden, you’ll know exactly where to go.
Info provided by SF Rec and Park Department
Image by Tobias Kleinlercher / Wikipedia
