My visit to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park’s Japanese Tea Garden is one of San Francisco’s most famous attractions, known for its stunning landscaping, serene walkways, koi ponds, pagodas, and cherry blossoms in spring. As the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S., originally built in 1894, it’s a beautiful place to wander and soak in traditional Japanese landscaping.

I visited this Spring (March 2025) with my husband, hoping to catch the cherry blossoms in bloom. While the garden was undeniably stunning, our Saturday visit was much more crowded than expected.

Long lines at the entrance and the sheer number of people in a relatively small garden space made it hard to experience the peaceful atmosphere I had imagined. If you’re planning to visit in Spring, I’d recommend going on a weekday or right when it opens for a quieter experience.

Read on for what to do and see, tips for visiting, and whether the Japanese Tea Garden is worth the admission ticket price.

Things to do and see in Japanese Tea Garden

Despite the crowds during my visit, the Japanese Tea Garden is undeniably beautiful. There are several pathways from the entrance. We started to our left as we were drawn to the drum bridge.

Here’s what you can expect to see inside:

Cherry Blossoms and other blooms

The cherry blossoms are one of the biggest draws in March and April. The delicate pink flowers add to the garden’s beauty, but they also attract the biggest crowds. During our visit in March end, several trees were starting to bloom, so March end to mid-April is the perfect time to visit if you want to see the cherry blossoms.

Besides the cherry blossoms, there are several other flowering plants in the garden. I felt the bright pink azaleas just inside the gate were putting out quite a display and were the star of the show. I also spotted several Japanese maple trees and miniature bonsai trees.

Drum Bridge

This unique arched wooden bridge is one of the garden’s most photographed spots. There are wooden boards as steps, and it is fun to climb, but be prepared for a wait if it’s busy.

Koi Ponds & Waterfalls

Under the drum bridge is a beautifully landscaped koi pond with fish, small waterfalls, and stone lanterns, making it a great place for photography.

Pagoda

As you move up the pathway to the center of the garden, you will enter a temple gate and come across a striking red five-tiered pagoda standing among well-manicured trees, stone lanterns, and raked gravel gardens, creating a classic Japanese aesthetic.

Zen Garden

Behind the pagoda is a dry landscaped garden called the Zen Garden. This part was less crowded than the front and offered a moment of solitude. There is a bench here to take a moment to admire the surroundings.

Tea House

A quiet spot (if you’re lucky) to enjoy traditional Japanese tea and snacks while overlooking the garden. Unfortunately it was over crowded with lines when we visited, so we did not wait for a table.

Gift Shop

Finally, we stopped by the gift shop, which had a charming selection of traditional teapots, tea cups, and unique Japanese-inspired souvenirs. A great place to find a special keepsake.

Is the Japanese Tea Garden Worth Visiting?

Yes, but timing matters. If you visit on a busy weekend, it may not feel as peaceful as you’d hope. The garden is stunning, especially in spring with cherry blossoms or in fall with golden maple leaves, but crowds can take away from the experience.

If you’re visiting Golden Gate Park and love Japanese gardens, it’s worth stopping by, just try to go early in the morning or on a weekday for a more peaceful visit.

For me personally, the $18 per person entrance ticket was not worth it due to the overwhelming crowds on that Saturday afternoon. But I picked the worst day and time to visit. If I had gone at 9 AM on that day, I would have had a much different experience.

Tips for visiting

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or right at opening (especially in spring). Early mornings are the quietest.

Hours: Open usually from 9 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry 30 minutes before closing). In summer months, it is open till 6 PM.

Time needed: You would only need about an hour to walk through the garden. If you are planning to eat at the Tea House, plan for extra time, especially if it’s busy.

Final Takeaways: Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco

The Japanese Tea Garden is a beautiful, historic place in Golden Gate Park, but the experience depends on when you go. If you want a quiet, peaceful visit, weekdays or early mornings are best. Weekends, especially in spring, can be crowded.

Despite the crowds during my visit, I still appreciated the garden’s landscaping, cherry blossoms, and traditional Japanese elements. If you’re exploring Golden Gate Park, it’s a unique stop worth considering.

Would I visit again? Maybe, if I can go on a weekday. Or if I purchase the 3-day multi garden pass to make the ticket cost worth it.

➡️ Up next, check my article about the top things to do in Golden Gate Park and tips for visiting.

---

More about San Francisco

• Check out my San Francisco itineraries:
  • 3 day San Francisco itinerary
  • 7 day San Francisco itinerary
  • 1 day San Francisco itinerary
• Things to do in Haight Ashbury – San Francisco’s hippie neighborhood
• How to spend one day at North Beach – San Francisco’s Little Italy neighborhood
• Visiting Muir Woods from San Francisco
• 25 weekend trip ideas from San Francisco