A pretty zen garden
Japanese Tea Garden
Why locals love it
The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest Japanese garden in the United States. It’s a beautiful zen garden and a historical place located inside Golden Gate Park. Its creator, a Japanese gardener, is said to have imported the fortune cookie tradition to San Francisco.
Why you should visit it
You’ll enjoy walking along the many paths of the garden, which features lush plants and bonsai trees, a chiseled pagoda, impressive Buddhist sculptures and arched bridges over koi fish ponds. Take a moment to savor one of the excellent green teas and a fortune cookie at the teahouse facing the zen rock garden.
Special tip
Free entry on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays before 10 am. Otherwise it’s $8. It’s a great place to bring your date.