Ever since the first time I came here as a kid, I've always been in love with the Japanese Tea…read moreGarden. Even though it's not as expansive as the Academy of Science nor as interactive as the Exploratorium, there has always been something about this place that I've always been so appealing. So, after well over a decade (if not longer) had passed since my last visit here, I was curious to see if I would still feel as enamored by the experience. The verdict? YES!
As soon as we walked through the front gate, so many memories of my past trips here came rushing back. From the five tiered pagoda, to the bonsai plants in the zen garden, to the waterfall, to the pond filled with koi, to the moon bridge that one of my childhood classmates almost fell off of, it was awesome to find that so many familiar parts about this place looked just as I remember. What's more, as you walk around, it still feels so tranquil and peaceful, despite how you're actually not that far removed from the hustle and bustle of the rest of SF.
If anything, the only thing about the Japanese Tea Garden that I seem to have completely forgotten about was the Teahouse. Maybe it's because I only associated it with the actual tea ceremonies that they used to offer, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that they also sold a variety of small bites and sweet treats here. From chicken karaage, udon, onigiri, Japanese sandwiches, and daily bento boxes to green tea cheesecake, tea house cookies, warabimochi, and dorayaki, they have something for everyone. However, given how it's more of a snack shack than a cafe, expectations should be adjusted accordingly (it has its own Yelp page under "Teahouse").
If all of that wasn't enough, the other thing that I love about this place is how it's not terribly pricey. In particular, it's free for SF residents at all times and not just on certain days of the week/month (you just need to show your ID/proof of address). However, if you do have to buy a ticket, it's $18 for an adult, but they have reduced prices for seniors, youth, and children (kids 4 and under and military/veterans are free). You can walk-up and buy a ticket at the window, but buying them in advance online will also give you the chance to reserve an entry time, as well as the option to buy a Gardens pass that can also get you into the SF Botanical Garden and Conservatory of Flowers for the price of paying for tickets to two of them.
One piece of advice I would give, especially to first time visitors, is to either visit on a weekday if you can or during the earlier hours on a weekend. For one, you'll have a better shot at snagging street parking nearby in the park (as opposed to the parking garage), but also to avoid the long lines and crowds that form during peak hours on Saturdays and Sundays. It definitely makes a difference if you can, especially if you want to avoid other visitors appearing in your photos, but even if you can't, visiting the Japanese Tea Garden is still well worth the effort!