Japanese Tea Gardens in San Antonio

The Japanese Tea Gardens provides one of the most tranquil and serene attractions in San Antonio, Texas. The garden was originally part of the historic Brackenridge Park that dated back to the 1800's. The idea for a Japanese Garden was conceived by Ray Lambert, a San Antonio City Parks Commissioner. Ray Lambert came up with the idea for a lily pond and eventually the small plot of water became the Japanese Tea Garden. To construct the garden, prison labor was used to shape a quarry and complex, full of stone arch bridges and walking paths. Initially, the Japanese Tea Garden was called The Lily Pond, but by 1915, the city requested that an immigrant from Japan transform the quarry into a Japanese-styled garden.

Local San Antonio residents frequent the Japanese Tea Gardens as a place to reflect and meditate. The peaceful and spectacular views of ponds and exotic plants create a perfect environment for a simple stroll. Over time, the garden has received consistent high marks from reviewers who fully appreciate all the beauty that the Japanese Tea Gardens has to offer. The Japanese Tea Gardens are considered San Antonio's best kept secret. A Japanese Pogado that was constructed in the 1920's adds to the cultural element of the garden. Visitors to the garden can learn about its history through numerous plaques that are strategically placed throughout the tea garden. One of the plaques recalls the story of the Japanese family who originally lived in and owned the garden. The original owner, Mr. Kimi Eizo Jingu was eventually displaced during World War II due to prejudice and fear of Japanese citizens. The Jingu family was eventually reunited with the Japanese Tea Gardens but different plaques on bridges near the banks of ponds and entrance all depict the stained history that removed the Japanese family from the gardens they designed. As the years progressed, the Japanese Tea Gardens received less attention from the city and landscapers causing it to deteriorate. The infrastructure was left in disrepair and many of the plants and quarry had dried.

The garden underwent renovations and was reopened in March 2008. The garden was closed to complete infrastructure rehabilitations to the facilities. The restored garden features shaded walkways, stone bridges, beautiful flora displays and a 60-foot waterfall. Numerous ponds filled with Koi surround the garden. The garden has returned to its original state as it was first conceived. It is now full of sparkling water and turtles swimming. The total cost to restore the garden cost over $1.5 million and was funded by public and private sources. The gardens are open from 6AM - 11PM and visitors are not charged an admission fee to enter. Visitors are attracted to the Japanese Tea Gardens for the free admission as well as the ability to freely take pictures of the quarry and plants.

There are numerous other attractions that surround the Japanese Tea Gardens . The Witte Museum, Brakenridge Park, and the San Antonio Zoo are all within close proximity to the gardens. The garden's location give visitors the chance to attend various attractions within a short period of time. Adjacent to the Japanese Tea Gardens sits the Sunken Garden Theatre. The theatre is used for a large range of concerts and performances. The Japanese Tea Gardens was also designated as a Texas Civil Engineering Landmark. Its history and significance in San Antonio has earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.