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548 reviews for Japanese Tea Garden
Review Highlights
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"You won't see koi fish in the ponds, but little craw-fishes." In 23 reviews -
"The garden is located right next to the de young museum." In 8 reviews -
"What a beautiful place - and free admission after 5 p." In 17 reviews
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547 reviews in English
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Review from Leana L.
5/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
A classic tourist spot in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. I couldn't remember the last time I was here, even though I've grown up in the Bay Area. If you're lucky enough to live in this city, there's certain FREE days... Otherwise, it's $5 for SF residents. Everyone else is a couple dollars more.
There's beautiful streams, waterfalls, flowers, trees, Japanese structures, etc. It's definitely worth a visit! -
Review from Nick F.
Palo Alto, CA
5/14/2012
With all the taxes they steal from us, they can't make this free?
That being said, I realize it's expensive to maintain and it does show in the detail of the garden. It is pretty. Not $7 pretty, but pretty.
The other thing is - A Japanese garden is supposed to be quiet and tranquil and zen-like, which is not possible with all the tourists. -
Review from Lynn S.
5/1/2012
Beautiful trees and carp ponds--a wonderful place to take photos and a
must for tourists to San Francisco.
Plus, there's a small shelter where lovely teas & traditional snacks are served. There is something about this oasis in Golden Gate Park that exudes calm and encourages peaceful thoughts. Not much for small children to enjoy because of the rather narrow paths you walk. -
Review from Marmalade J.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2012
As a child, wanting to be Mary Lennox, I considered the JPG my own secret garden. And in pretending to be British/Mary Lennox-like, I would drink delicious hot cocoa in the cafe as though it were tea.
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Review from Michael B.
Hayward, CA
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had never been here before, but we went there for my wife and I's engagement photos. It was beautiful, down side is we had to pay for a paper map (less than $1). I also was sad that the arc-bridge (I don't know the name of it) was under repairs (it was the main reason for us going to the Japanese Tea Garden).
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Review from Suz L.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2012
I usually avoid Golden Gate Park since I can't find anything and get lost but I was pleasantly surprised by all the cool hidden treasures throughout the park. The Japanese Tea Garden was a nice stop in our day long walk and I stuffed myself with mochi ice cream and iced green tea. It's a nice little stop and relatively cheap and peaceful.
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Review from Mike F.
Las Vegas, NV
4/17/2012 2 photos
Incredible. Beautiful. Tranquil.
As a tourist you will have to pony up 7 bucks, but this one is worth every penny. -
Review from Cindy A.
5/15/2012
I've visited the tea garden several times while taking friends and family around San Francisco. I brought my mom and grandparents here for Mother's day and they all loved it. It was perfect for my mom because she LOVES taking pictures of flowers and her kids. Perfect photo opportunity at every corner.
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Review from Nick C.
Palo Alto, CA
4/9/2012
To be clear I am only reviewing the Japanese tea ceremony not garden itself. Three of us went with a native Japanese friends experienced in tea ceremonies, and all the detailed formal exchanges that go with it. At $25 per person is was expensive, and instead of a quiet house to perform the ceremony in, we performed in the middle of the public tea house. Instead of being quiet and peaceful the instructor asked us to take photos several times, which we considered very rude. In the background were construction workers fixing a bridge, so we had to speak very loudly in order to hear each other.
Overall it was expensive, loud, and unauthentic. -
Review from Caroline C.
San Francisco, CA
3/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Free to enter from 9-10am M,W,F. Teahouse usually has a few small things going by then, so it's a nice morning walk and stop for breakfast.
Overpriced the rest of the time, if you don't intend to be very leisurely about your walk and stop a lot. It's great for kids, they love watching the koi, so for them the money to enter is probably worth it. It's cheaper for locals other hours, so be sure to bring a piece of mail if you haven't updated your license like the rest of us. -
Review from Janice K.
San Leandro, CA
5/21/2012
Admission is $7, and that is just not worth it for this measly oversized garden. Everything is pretty and all but it only takes 15 minutes max to walk around and see everything if you are walking slowly. You are basically spending $7 to go to a Japanese novelty store where they charge you money for a black and white printout map of the place (I do not recommend getting this because if you are spending that much money to get in, you might as well explore it on your own considering its small size). The items are also way over priced when comparing to an average Japanese novelty store in Japan Town. You also get to eat/drink at their cafe located in the center right next to the gift shop, for more money of course. Honestly, if you want to experience some Japanese culture, shop, and eat, just spend the extra gas money to drive 10-15 minutes to Japan Town which is free to get in. I can understand maybe going here during a time when everything is in full bloom, however I went here in mid May and there was really nothing to look at except koi in a dirty man made pond. I'd also like to note that there is a cool bridge that you have to climb up that offers a nice view of the area, however there is usually a line of tourists trying to climb up so the wait time can be ridiculous. The place also looks like it isn't very well maintained because paint is chipped off and faded and many things there are rusted.
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Review from A Z.
Carmel, CA
4/21/2012
Zen Tranquility at its finest! Stop by often as the seasons change to enjoy the beauty. Spring and the cherry blossoms are a delight for the eyes and soul!
Make sure to give yourself enough time to relax, sit,and enjoy all the views -
Review from Angelica R.
Pittsburg, CA
3/14/2012
Had a wonderful time at the Japanese Tea Gardens in San Francisco. It's right across the street from The San Francisco Botanical Gardens and is located inside of Golden Gate Park!
Took my nieces and nephews with my family, and we all had fun! Even the baby enjoyed our time there! We went during Spring and it was so gorgeous!
They have a really cool coy pond, a Tea House, a bridge that is super curved and fun to climb. They have beautiful paths lined with cherry blossom trees. Although, it is a little small, it is still very nice to walk through. They also have a place to grab a snack and some tea. It's pretty small and it seems as though some of the food on their menu is seasonal, it's still a nice place I stop by. They have a gift shop as well, with some pretty cool buys.
Another cool factor is that almost any position you stand in, on any path is a picture opportunity. And we all know I am a camera lover and I equally enjoy taking pictures! It's beyond reasonably priced: $5 for local adults and $7 for non-residents.
I had a great time and would definitely be going back again. -
Review from DJ Guan Yu M.
Pittsburg, CA
5/12/2012
The place is awesome, especially in the spring when you see all of these different flowers blossoming on the trees.I had fun climbing over a steep bridge that is in the tea garden. I used to come here all the time as a kid. You see a variety of Japanese plants and Japanese structures. The place is family friendly.
The place is in the Golden Gate Park, and it is very close to the De Young Museum and the Academy of Sciences.This place is part of Japanese American history and part of Japanese culture. -
Review from Elise A.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2012
The Japanese Tea Garden is beautiful, especially in the spring when the cherry blossoms are blooming. Very relaxing, and just $5 for local SFers. I like to come here and plop myself down on a bench and read.
The "restaurant," however is a total rip-off. $10 for 2 Trader Joe's mochi ice cream balls and a cup of hot water that has a faint hint of jasmine to it? You've got to be shittin me. Also, it's a packed tourist trap on weekends so avoid those shenanigans at all costs. Wish I could go before 10am M,W,F when it's free, but I have this thing called a job. I know, it's totally crampin my style. -
Review from Brandon H.
Bay Area
4/17/2012
Critical question: Would you go as the Last Samurai or Karate Kid? However if you do go again and decide to stroll please try the TEA! For some reason it feels a whole lot more fulfilling drinking tea in a Japanese tea garden than anywhere else.
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Review from Barb L.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2012
Lovely place for a stroll....but it can get pricey....the tea/snacks is not the best...but great if we have out of town visitors!
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Review from David H.
4/26/2012 1 photo
This place is fairly small but worth checking out. It doesn't take more than maybe 45 minutes to walk around depending how quickly you move through it. Be sure and check out the giant koi in the ponds.
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Review from Naomi K.
Updated - 4/25/2012 2 photos
Yes, another early Wednesday morning and a stroll around the garden. It was beautiful with all the wisteria in bloom. They just repainted the rails of the curvy bridge, so unfortunately that was closed (but looked fairly temporary). They also do tea ceremonies at 10:30am in the tea house area, which looked pretty cool. (I didn't participate, since you needed a reservation). They have removed the udon noodles from the menu which was disappointing and I guess I was there too early (10-ish) for the ochazuke (rice and tea with flavorings) but the guy sitting next to me got to order it less than 15 minutes later... (I was willing to wait if she told me.) But it's worth a sit, overlooking the pond, pretending it's peaceful (ignore the loud tourists) and to sip on some tea ($3 for a pot).
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/18/2012
I love this place early in the morning, Mon, Wed, Fri- it's open to the public for free from 9-10am.… Read more »
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Review from Jeff O.
3/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Neat if you're into Japanese gardens. I'd almost say save your $7 and look at pics of this place online, especially if the season isn't right. The guy at the gate was kind of a dick. He wouldn't give my friend who was a SF resident the local discount because her driver's license wasn't renewed yet. That's bad service. It's a goddamn garden, not the DMV.
I much preferred the nearby botanical gardens which is immensely bigger and way more diverse in it's offerings. -
Review from Tiffany S.
Santa Cruz, CA
4/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
a nice place to take a stroll and just totally forget that you're in the city for a while.
kind of expensive to have tea here,but it's worth trying a cup. it was really nice to just sit down and take in the scenery while sipping on some tea.
FEELS GOOD, MAN. -
Review from doctor g.
Alameda County, CA
3/27/2012
We happened to be in Golden Gate Park and decided to visit the Japanese Tea Garden. Luckily for us, it happened to be when the azaleas were in bloom. Best to go when the azaleas and rhodies are blooming for maximum color.
We spent about 45 minutes there and easily saw it all. Very inspirational Japanese gardening design. Lots of dwarf trees, blooming shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendrons, magnolias, etc., cool koi ponds, ferns, and bamboo. Japanese gift shop and casual restaurant inside.
Located near the museums. $7 for adults. Check it out. -
Review from Maggie M.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2012
Best way to do it on the free mornings. SF residents get there right at 9 so you can enjoy the tea garden in peace! The morning air is fresh, a few ppl doing tai chi, and it's nice and quiet. I love sitting in the back by the Zen garden and breathing.
It can get a little overwhelming when the tourists start arriving, but it's my favorite place to breathe in the city. -
Review from mark b.
Portland, OR
4/28/2012
Fun little garden in Golden Gate park between the museums and the Botanical Gardens....
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Review from Sanket K.
3/7/2012
If you ever want to see how it is to be in Japan....to see how wonderful and precise they are in their gardens, with their food, and their daily lives, you should, well, go to Japan.
For those that enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of a nice garden (it's peaceful despite the tourists), then you should come here. It's not Japan but it'll make you want to go there sooner. (push to #1 on the "to visit" list). -
Review from Vicky Q.
2/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
$7/ adult which is fine. The tea garden is beautiful. They had a few really nice monuments. I also enjoyed the flowers, ponds, giant koi fish, and overall scenery. They also had a cute gift shop which sold many cute souvenirs and knick knacks. They had a small cafe/restaurant also which a lot of people seemed to enjoy.
I saw a few people (couples) taking professional pictures there which I can see since the place has that serene look. It is a nice place to walk around. -
Review from Ryan G.
*disclaimer*
I know they have to generate revenue to provide maintenance and what not but $7 per person!? This isn't Buschart Gardens (spelling?) in Victoria, BC.
*review*
After paying my kings randsom for the opportunity to walk around the grounds we stopped in at the Japanese Tea House for some light food and tea. Half of the menu was not available so we went with the egg and tuna mini sandwiches and tea. The food was good but overpriced.
After the Tea House we went to the gift shop to get a map and were told it would be $.25...hmm.. didnt we pay admission? Weird. -
Review from Charles S.
La Jolla, CA
1/15/2012
Is there a more perfect Japanese garden in the US?
The Japanese Tea Garden is well worth the entry fee. Every blade of grass, every twig, every rock is in the exactly right spot. The bridges, the water fall, the teas house, the statues, the pagodas, and the Buddha are perfectly placed.
Golden Gate Park is a wonder. The Japanese Tea Garden is the epicenter of its wonderfulness. -
Review from Ursula U.
1/27/2012 29 photos
I'm in love with this place!!!
If your life seems too hectic, too insane, just too much please find your way over to this place and just find a good spot to your liking and sit, just sit and look.
I guarantee a feeling of peace will instantly fill your overworked soul.
This Japanese Tea Garden is absolutly gorgeous!!!!
The Garden isn't huge but all of it so well maintained and the atmosphere is exactly what a hectic chaotic soul begs for!!!!
So many photo opps- just take a look of some my pics - I had to narrow it down cause easily I took over a hundred pics....
Gift shop has cute stuff but over priced so aside from a magnet I'd save my money to shop elsewhere in the city - it's not like you are limited in the city for your shopping needs!!!
I can't remember what time it was - either 8:am or 9:am on a certain day (or days) you can get in for free - please check on that cause it's so worth it (sorry I can't remember- we took advantage of that offer but my inlaws who live in the city knew when to go)
Every time I go to SF visiting the Japanese Tea Garden is a must - I never get tired of it - I never have that feeling of "Oh, I have already seen that place so let's do something else" - Nope I'm always up to visiting the Japanese Tea Garden. -
Review from James N.
Sacramento, CA
3/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Pretty place to take pictures. I would imagine that a girl would have more fun here then a guy but it was still a pretty nice place to see while we were in town. When I first looked around, I thought to myself, "This would be a lot nicer if the ponds had koi fishes in them." Next thing I know all the koi fishes come out of the corners. It's $7 dollars per adult. Stop by for a little bit next time you're near.
OHHH!! Before I forget, there is this really cute squirrel that hangs around the gift shop. It is the cutest thing, friendly too, and the lady who runs the gift shop has a box of treats that she is always feeding him. -
Review from Shirlynn C.
Inner Sunset, San Francisco, CA
$5 residence $7 adult
It's a real small garden but has a lot of interesting facts in there. Go on a sunny day during spring when flowers are in bloom. They have koi fish and squirrels that they take care of.
If you're lucky you can be there at the time the feeder comes to feed the squirrels.
The staff is friendly and so are the animals. They also have a tea house. It's pricey but it's perfect for a first date. They only have teeny snacks but its all Japanese.
It's all about the experience. I wouldn't come again though. Entry is too much. -
Review from Nick L.
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Even though SF residents get a discount, this place isn't worth the admission to me. There are some reasonably well maintained gardens and a few Japanese styled buildings here.
Beyond that it's about 15 mins. to walk around completely.
Save your money. Not worth it. -
Review from David C.
Flushing, NY
2/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I would rate it 3.5 if I could.
The garden itself is nice but nothing extravagant so an entrance fee of 7 bucks (non-residents) is so-so with me. Maybe if it included a free green tea or something, would make it more worthwhile. Lots of photo-ops with mini pagodas, bridges, flowers and squirrels.
I tried to pet a squirrel and it scratched me. the shop owners thought i had rabies or something, but i said naw, i got superpowers. The tea and snacks were good but a bit overpriced in my opinion. -
Review from Dana Z.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2012
If you wanna find a quiet place and see the Japanese architecture with ancient style and also wanna understand some japanese culture, Japanese tea garden is a good place to go~ it located inside the golden gate park.
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Review from Britt B.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2012
This place reminds me of the secret garden because it's a whole 'nother world once you step inside. It is very serene and I always forget how big it is. The tea is decent and they have a lot of snack options. I really love all those little cookies. They are soooo yummmmmy! I like to walk around first then end with the tea and cookies.
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Review from L A H.
Pacifica, CA
11/20/2011
I have so many nice memories from here. It's always a fun time exploring.
When you walk in, there are plenty of pathways leading to different areas of the garden. Each area has beautiful plants, sublime flowers, ponds and bridges. You'll get a feeling of relaxation from coming here. It's a pleasant place to go to if you need to collect your thoughts and unwind. I enjoy coming here to catch up with a friend or two as well as take photos.
They have a neat little area where they'll serve you a tea of your choice, with crackers and yummy cookies. You can sit down at a small table and chat with a friend while enjoying the wonderful scenery. It's especially nice when it's a sunny, warm day. I'd recommend ordering the green tea; it's amazing.
The tea garden is located at a great spot. There's street parking as well as garages. The museums are right around the corner so you can make a day of touring.
I had to knock off a star due to the ticket fee. It's a tad pricey.Listed in: Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am.
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Review from Erika C.
3/4/2012
It's a little overpriced, but it really is an experience. Much like paying for a waterfront restaurant, you're paying for the ambiance/view. Great if you're trying to spend a day outdoors at GGP or just having a different experience in the city. I'd bring visiting friends here, maybe before or after a bike ride in the park.
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Review from Rachel T.
10/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh emmm geeee! Such a gorgeous garden! Peaceful and well groomed plants, and ponds.
We came here on Tuesday morning; we paid $7 pp since we are non-residence. With proof of SF residency, it's $5. However this place is free on Mon, Weds, and Friday before 10 am I believe.
My bf and I came here and was able to get many picture opportunity.
Their gift shop was pricey; however we sat down to get a light snack at the tea garden. My bf had their miso soup and I tried this calpico non-carbonated soft drink. Taste pretty damn good; I would imagine it would taste pretty bomb with vodka (oh the alcoholic in me!)
Gorgeous garden; must visit if you're in SF. -
Review from Tina W.
Flushing, NY
2/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Nice place to sit down, relax, have some tea, and watch squirrels wander all over the place. For an additional $1.95, you can get 3 pieces of rice cakes with your tea. The green tea rice cake was super soft and went perfectly with my tea. The strawberry and lychee rice cakes were too sweet for my tastes.
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Review from Hollie W.
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing small garden. The tea house is what really takes the cake! Venturing around the garden was really great but i wished i could have shooed everybody away and had the garden all to myself :) It would have been much more calming without screaming children running all over the place. I think the sign out front said that there was no entry fee if you arrive between 9am-10am so bonus if that is accurate (and maybe the garden would not be as busy).
The tea house was beautiful with a good variety of affordable delicious tea and snacks. I could have sat in the tea house, drank tea, and stared at the peaceful surrounding all day!
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