Japanese Tea Garden

Botanical garden · University Hill

Japanese Tea Garden

Botanical garden · University Hill

1

3853 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212

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Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null
Japanese Tea Garden by null

Highlights

Stone bridges, waterfall, koi ponds, pagoda, cafe, and lush greenery  

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3853 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212 Get directions

saparksfoundation.org

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3853 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212 Get directions

+1 210 559 3148
saparksfoundation.org

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Aug 12, 2025

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How to Spend 24 Hours Dining and Drinking in San Antonio | Eater Austin

"A picturesque historic park converted from a limestone quarry in the early 20th century, featuring charming stone bridges, a 60‑foot waterfall, and ponds populated with hundreds of koi; the upper garden is accessible by ramp while the lower garden requires stairs." - Brandon Watson

https://austin.eater.com/eater-guides/115001/san-antonio-food-crawl-best-restaurants-coffee-dessert
View Postcard for Japanese Tea Garden

Russ Roberts

Google
Tucked away just minutes from downtown at 3853 N St Mary's St, the Japanese Tea Garden is pure magic—a serene oasis that feels like you've stepped into another world without ever leaving San Antonio. From the moment you enter, you're greeted by lush greenery, winding stone paths, and the gentle sound of waterfalls that instantly melt your stress away. The iconic pavilion and koi-filled ponds create a postcard-perfect backdrop that’s both calming and awe-inspiring. It's a place where you can breathe deeply, slow down, and actually hear the world again. The landscaping is phenomenal. Every corner feels intentional—tropical plants, bamboo groves, arched stone bridges, and traditional Japanese architecture all blend beautifully with the Texas terrain. The cascading waterfall is especially stunning, and you’ll find yourself lingering there, soaking in the peaceful energy. It’s a fantastic place for a romantic walk, quiet meditation, photography, or just a peaceful solo recharge. And yes—it’s completely free, which feels like an absolute gift considering how thoughtfully it’s maintained. The tea house near the entrance is a bonus, offering light refreshments and snacks, plus a shady place to sit and enjoy the view. The staff and volunteers around the park are welcoming and clearly passionate about preserving the garden’s beauty. Whether you're a local or a tourist, the Japanese Tea Garden is a must-visit. It’s one of those rare places where time slows down and you walk away feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected to the world around you.

Oxalis Garcia

Google
Beautiful relaxing place. If you Rae a nature lover this is a great place for you. Be warned, close by parking is limited. There's an overflow area but its a walk to the garden. I visited at the end of July and it was hot, so be sure to have plenty of drinking water.

Rahul Kande

Google
Really nice place to visit. Its also free of cost. There is very limited parking near the entrance but there is a bigger parking lot on the left side. The parking there is free (which is rare in san antonio). You will find nice scenery (with plants and trees), a small waterfall stream, and a nice fish pond. Will probably take you an hour to view everything unless you are stopping a lot to take pictures. There were one or two places to eat.

G Sherlock

Google
A genuinely surreal experience. The feeling you get once you top the hill and step into the actual garden is hard to describe. It's like leaving the city and stepping into another world. The architecture, stone displays, vegetation, fish, and waterfall were just beautiful. I can't recommend this enough. You can get through all of it fairly quickly, but it's worth it

Nicolas Arteaga

Google
Beautiful place, nice to walk around. Not very big, depending how much you want to look at plants (or how hot it is!) you could be here from 30 min and up. There is also a walking path to the zoo if you plan to do both.

Timothy Olson

Google
San Antonio Botanical Garden: A Delightful Detour (Even for Non-Garden People) Alright, confession time: I'm not exactly what you'd call a "garden guy." My idea of communing with nature usually involves a ball or something I can throw in it, preferably with some friendly competition. And my family? Let's just say "avid botanists" isn't on their resume. So, heading to the San Antonio Botanical Garden wasn't met with overwhelming excitement, but hey, it was free parking (a major win in San Antonio, where finding a decent spot often feels like winning the lottery)! And what a pleasant surprise it was! This place is genuinely beautiful and incredibly peaceful. Even my 13-year-old son, who usually reserves his enthusiasm for video games or sports, found himself charmed. The paths wind and meander, offering a thousand picturesque spots for that perfect family photo – or just a moment of quiet reflection away from the Riverwalk bustle. While plenty of areas bask in the Texas sun, there's also a generous amount of shade, which was a welcome relief on a warm day. We didn't check out the on-site food, but it's there if hunger strikes. The only "negative" we encountered was my wife's astute observation: signs identifying the various plants would have been a nice touch for us horticultural novices. Despite our initial skepticism, we'd probably go again. If you're a nature lover, or even just someone looking for a serene escape in the city, you'd be a fool (a kind, humorous fool, of course!) to miss this gem.

Asim Kiani

Google
Stepping into the Japanese Tea Garden felt like being transported from Texas to Japan in an instant. Every corner was breathtaking, with lush greenery, vibrant plants, and serene waters filled with lively fish that brought the scenery to life. Every turn revealed a new sight to admire, making it a dream for photos. The waterfall was mesmerizing, and the climb to higher grounds rewarded us with spectacular views. This place truly captured our hearts and souls—a peaceful retreat where visitors of all ages can find beauty and joy. Beyond its stunning landscapes, the garden was well-maintained, with clean bathrooms and plenty of parking, making the experience even more enjoyable. A must-visit spot for anyone in San Antonio!

Aria Novinger

Google
Came on Memorial Day. Was great, despite some graduation photos being taken blocking off a bridge, and completely free. A short walk but it feels like there’s still a lot of different paths you can take. Also saw a feral cat hanging out on its own, not aggressive, just existing in an area on the grass, not in the path. Just go here, don’t be dumb and enjoy it. Take photos too. Parking is a little bit difficult though with the small lot.
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Tammie R.

Yelp
It's beautiful, lovely, and peaceful at the Japanese Tea Garden...Whether you have just 20-30 minutes or an hour or more to spare, this garden is the perfect place to enjoy beauty. The garden features a scenic walking loop with a few slopes, though some areas can be a little steep for those with mobility challenges. It's not too big, but just the right size to feel enchanted without being overwhelming. Some of the highlights of the garden are the lovely turtles I always look for, and colorful Japanese koi fish in the ponds, as well as the stunning flowers and tranquil waterfall that provide a peaceful atmosphere. It's a fantastic location for photography Best of all, it's completely free to visit, making it an excellent spot to bring visitors. The only downside to the experience is the small parking situation, which can initially seem a bit stressful. However, since most people don't stay too long, there's a good chance you'll find a spot after a very short wait. In addition to its beauty, the Japanese Tea Garden has an interesting history, and I highly recommend doing a bit of research before or after your visit to learn more about its cultural significance. Many other visitors on Yelp have shared insights into its fascinating past, which adds another layer to the experience.
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Doctor G.

Yelp
It's a former gravel quarry that years ago got turned into Japanese Tea Garden by a local Japanese resident. During WW II, it was renamed the Chinese Tea Garden. It features a lot of interesting artificial rock formations and a big lake with waterfall in the middle of the quarry. The plants were interesting enough, but the quarry is nothing like I've ever seen in a Japanese garden. Nice view of the lake from the overlook near the entrance. Whole thing is sort of interesting, even from a historical viewpoint as was explained by signs at the Garden.
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Tom W.

Yelp
As Japanese gardens go this one is pretty nice - large ponds full of the biggest koi fish I've ever seen, tall waterfall and lots of small pond-to-pond falls that make a pleasant running water sound throughout. Its lovely garden features a variety of what appear to be largely local or at least locally compatible flora. Walking paths circle the grotto along the cliff, around and over the ponds, and wind criss-crossing through the garden. I give it a 4-stars instead of 5-stars because I've seen more beautiful Japanese gardens with far more Japanese plantings and a more zen-like feel with low spreading Japanese maples and junipers, and lilacs, (which are admittedly less low-water friendly) and manicured rock gardens, which this one lacks. It is built entirely with local limestone which makes perfect sense - most if not all likely obtained from within the grotto itself (my guess). But it lacks any hint of the signature Japanese wood architecture so common in that country. Regardless of these details, it is a very pleasant, picturesque place to enjoy a quiet afternoon which I highly recommend. And did I mention that it is free admission?
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Lourdes R.

Yelp
This is a beautiful place to visit for a quiet morning alone or an evening walk with family. It can get very busy during the day. There are several opportunities for photos but during the busy day you may not get the shots you want. Lots of people come here for engagement, quinceañera, pregnancy, etc photos. There is also a restaurant and coffee/tea shop on site that's perfect for a date.
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Johnny E.

Yelp
Beautiful location and a must see when visiting San Antonio. Yeah it's just a park but when you see it you will know that it is not just any normal place. Great to walk around and take pictures. When we were there the place was packed. I bet it would have been a more tranquil experience if there was less people but it was beautiful nonetheless. You just have to keep this place on your list of things to check out.
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Lisa K.

Yelp
Amazing little spot to check out. Very busy on weekend so I will definitely go back during the week to enjoy the views better. Sad they close at 5 pm- it's very hot during the open hours. They have a small restaurant with a great menu with Boba, mixed drinks and some noodle dishes.
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Nancy B.

Yelp
What a beautiful space. It is like walking behind a curtain to a magical place. Awe inspiring and mesmerizing. You can explore by walking. Or you can sit and just enjoy the serenity of this magical tea garden. FREE ADMISSION!!! I don't know if they do weddings but it would be a great setting for one. My only disappointment was the stairs as there were no guard rails and not perfect as they are worn in different areas. Some are steep so that doesn't work for my fear of heights. BUT that did not affect my ability to thoroughly enjoy this space.
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Candice G.

Yelp
The entire experience is one everyone in San Antonio should try at least once! It's beautiful and the walk is refreshing! You truly get to enjoy all of nature at its finest! We even ate at the local little restaurant and love it!
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Dom A.

Yelp
This place is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. My friends and I got a reservation for brunch only a good weather Sunday. I ordered the lemon drop pancakes with eggs, bacon and potatoes. The pancakes were the best part. My one friend got chicken and waffles and his waffles were slightly over done other that that the food was solid. To drink I had an old fashioned that was average. The waitress was really nice she ended up throwing in some fries and a dessert on the house. After eating we finally got to what we really came for which is walking around and seeing the garden which is to die for the views from everywhere are great
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Ethan B.

Yelp
Amazing place to visit my wife and I stopped in for about 2 hours walked the garden it's very beautiful and peaceful the little cafe there was great we got some of the slushies and Arnold Palmer and 1 other very good, amazing place to relax and enjoy some nature
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Jess C.

Yelp
This place is incredibly stunning, and I am shocked that it is free to be at. We had a great time! There's a restaurant and gift shop if you're interested, but we just walked around before going to the zoo, and it was well worth the detour.
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Chris C.

Yelp
It was quite exotic and unbelievably free. There's a lot of steps and a lot of up-and-down walking to see the whole thing. You can see most of it from the pavilion next to the restaurant but to get down to the water and really get a good luck you need to go up and down a lot of steps. I found it very interesting, but it was in need of some upkeep. Perhaps if they charge a dollar or two entrance they could generate some revenue to keep up with it. It was very warm when we went and by the time we made the whole circuit, we were ready to go inside some air-conditioning lol. It's not something you really need to see more than once so we probably will not go back but would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to go have a look.
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Stephanie S.

Yelp
Wow! What a gorgeous garden and it is free?! Free parking too! If you want to take special occasion photos this is an excellent place! The garden itself is not huge and you can walk through it very quickly. But it makes up for it with beauty! It is very green, has koi ponds, and a waterfall! There is a large stone structure that provides shade and great photo ops. If you want to enjoy a bite to eat, they have an asian restaurant with patio seating. If you prefer a drink stop into the little boba/gift shop.
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Sabrina S.

Yelp
Lookin' for a piece of paradise in the middle of downtown San Antonio?!! Well this place hits the mark. Located next to the zoo (within walking distance), you'll find parking in an upper and lower tier. Upper- near the entrance was small and limited, down below- tons of spots, helped with the overflow of upper parking. The garden was small, but was absolutely gorgeous. Be prepared for lots of steps and paths up/down/ and around the garden made of stone and rock. You'll cross a few stone bridges, view a waterfall, observe koi fish ponds, admire the beautiful landscaped gardens, rest in a few sheltered areas, and walk towards a tower. Tons of photo opportunities that will fill up your photo storage : D An indoor/ outdoor restaurant resides on top as well as a small coffee/tea/ souvie shop. Restrooms are available. Best of all, the garden and parking are free!! Yes free. Pls protect and keep this garden beautiful.
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Boon C.

Yelp
I like this tea garden not because it is free, it is beautiful made for the public. The actual name on the entrance is Chinese Tea Garden. They have on site parking but very limited. During the Easter Day, the parking is almost impossible. The stroller entrance is at different entrance. We are using the stairs step. This place may not be good for the wheelchair due to narrow pathways. We were able to see the stone stack gazebo. It is beautiful. The pathway is line with stone guided you along the way. The park includes waterfalls, lake pond and more. The pond has large koi fish. The visit takes one hour to complete. The park also free to public. The top of park has cafe for lunch if you like.
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Sara M.

Yelp
This is a gorgeous place with distinctive looks and a beautiful aesthetic. It is the ideal spot to visit when wanting to do something with family on the cheap, because it is free. The Japanese Tea Garden has a lily pond, surrounded by plants, lush flowers, and featuring a waterfall that gives it a unique feel. It's like being transported to another country. We stopped at the park when it was incredibly hot, so the waterfall was very welcome, since it sent a small amount of cooling spray our way. There is a pavilion at the entrance that provides excellent shade and gives an elevated view of the garden. Steps lead down to the pond, garden and waterfall, which we got to explore closely. Only issues were the parking space is smallish, and at the time of our visit, the park was crowded, but it didn't stop us from enjoying the garden and exploring the waterfall area.
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Lauren B.

Yelp
What a beautiful destination! Once we walked up the stairs along the entrance path, the entry pathway opens up the a huge magical waterfall and gorgeous scene. This place is filled with beautiful flowers, koi ponds, bridges over water, waterfalls, and endless photo ops. We saw people taking quincenera pictures, birthday pictured, wedding pictures, you name it. And it's not hard to see why; everywhere you turn is picture perfect. Along the waterfall path up will find fun hidden pathways. Don't forget to stop at jinga house for an adult beverage, coffee, or snacks. Finish your trip off with a zoo train ride up the block.
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Paul M.

Yelp
Beautiful garden with interesting structures! We had a wonderful little visit with my wife and 5 year old daughter. They have nice koi fish and one of the workers let my daughter have some of the fish food to feed them. She loved seeing the fish with their big fishy mouths suck up the food. I love places like this where it's free and fun and a little slice of nature to experience.
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Charmaine P.

Yelp
Beautiful, beautiful and FREE place to visit while in San Antonio. Lots of picturesque areas on site.
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Diana G.

Yelp
Beautiful gem in San Antonio. It's free and adjacent to the zoo. Parking is free nearby at the park. It doesn't take long to walk the grounds, but you can definitely sit here and enjoy the beauty for a while. Weekends will be busy, but on a weekday, you can have the place to yourself. There is a restaurant on the grounds where you can get food, tea and/or coffee. The gardens are dog friendly. This is a great place to take pictures.
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Martin M.

Yelp
What a pretty spot! We went in late January but we will definitely be back in the spring when all the flowers will be in bloom. Be prepared for an amazing and FREE photo op.

Denis P.

Yelp
It was a nice place to visit, go and relax and enjoy the view. Gives a peace of mind. Definitely a place to visit in San Antonio.
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Vineet C.

Yelp
FREE. It's totally free to see this impressive garden. My kids loved watching all the fish and seeing the waterfall. It wasn't too strenuous of a walk up and down the stairs throughout the garden but do watch your step as it's mostly stone and you could easily misstep and fall. If you have any hesitancy walking then you can just stay at the top and enjoy the views from afar. We only spent about 30ish minutes here before my kids got tired of seeing the fish and moved on. For a free place I think it was worth it especially considering this is in the middle of free city and you wouldn't expect it there! Parking wasn't too much of a problem for us but we did arrive at 1030am. It was starting to get busy as we left which could make parking and navigating the garden difficult.
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Danielle F.

Yelp
Beautiful gem in Brackenridge Park! Went on a morning walk around the park grounds and came across this free admission Japanese Tea Garden. Gorgeous (even in the summertime heat) and only a handful of people when I was there (Saturday morning at 8 am).
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Flora B.

Yelp
Really exceptional stone landscape architecture. Admission is free. We suggest parking at SA Zoo and taking the train ride to the Tea Garden. The train fee is $6 per person, worth the ride, also stops at the Doseum for a fun day. The feeling and sentiment is calming, peaceful and unpretentious. Gorgeous stone gazebo overlooking the gardens. Also, Jingu House has tasty grab and go meals. Texas version of Central Park. Lovely being outdoors for a day of adventure and simply walking the park grounds / gardens.
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Emily A.

Yelp
Came to have a walk on a Wednesday afternoon - gloomy weather we had, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the beauty. Love love love koi fish.
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Emily M.

Yelp
This place is beyond adorable! So many picture opportunities. This is not a stroller or wheel chair friendly place if wanting to walk around near the water or water fall. If you want to stay at the top where the overlook is, then wheelchairs would be fine though.
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Andrew N.

Yelp
Beautiful place! We took a random vacation to San Antonio and this was one of our first planned destinations. We stopped by on a Friday afternoon, and found a parking spot in the somewhat small parking lot right outside the entrance. We were greeted by the Chinese Tea Garden sign which welcomed you with a nice set of stairs that leads to a beautiful scene! We had a stroller so we walked to the side with the ramp and proceeded to be amazed at the view. We had high hopes and were not disappointed when we arrived. The structures were beautiful along with the koi ponds and the of course the foliage. We did venture to a path that led to up a walkway which overlooked the entire garden above the waterfall. Overall, it was a lovely experience and we were happy we made the visit!
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Dustin H.

Yelp
What a beautiful space and an excellent use of space--and it's FREE! We ubered over and took about an hour to walk through leisurely, taking in the views from every angle. Calm, peaceful, relaxing. The koi are always fun to watch swimming as well. Full of flowers, waterfalls, and interesting architecture.
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Heather S.

Yelp
More flowers have been added somewhat looks the same over the past couple of years but do recommend for a last day visit in San Antonio!
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James B.

Yelp
This is the best gem of San Antonio. Free and amazing. You have to go over 20 stair cases, so be ready if you want to enjoy the whole place.
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Carolina E.

Yelp
Beautiful place to visit and enjoy Koi, flowers, and just the serenity found here. Picture perfect spot for Quinces, Graduation, or family photos. Plenty of parking in area, bathrooms, gift shop also. I used to love riding the skyroded to this destination back in my childhood.
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Stacy V.

Yelp
What a gem located by the SA Zoo! This is somewhere to go when you need a little zen and beauty in your life. It's very small and full of beautiful plants, water, and places to sit and take it all in. There were lots of people taking photos for special events and it's absolutely a perfect spot for that. While we didn't eat there, a cafe is located onsite and also a small shop with snacks, drinks, and gifts. Parking right at the garden is very limited but a small walk leads you to a bigger parking lot. Definitely visit if you can!
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Tomas R.

Yelp
Eight years later from my review about Japanese Tea Garden and is still is a 5-star moment. Throughout the years I have always made it a point to visit this special place and use the time to either reflect on my thoughts on just disconnect from technology and appreciate the beauty here. Parking might not be the most ideal, so make it a point to park in the many other areas in the park and take a slight walk up the hill. If you have any loved ones who might not be able to make the trek there are a few handicap spots or drop them off at the very top. Depending on the time of day you might be lucky enough to be granted a coveted parking spot up there! Aside from this being a free attraction you can always support their preservation initiatives of this space by purchasing an item in their cafe or shop. Seeing multi-generations explore this place always holds a soft spot for me and it's really nice to see people really forget for an hour or so they're in a busy city. The beauty of the koi fish, butterflies, waterfall, various plants and flowers, and the landscaping of the Japanese Tea Garden will always take my breath away. Always wear flat shoes or tennis here though! People love to take wedding or special occasion photos so just embrace it! I'm not sure if you need a permit though for that.
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Derek W.

Yelp
Is it a Japanese Tea Garden or a Chinese Tea Garden?? Either way, it's a tea garden that shouldn't be missed whenever you're in San Antonio! The reason for my intro is because at the entrance, it says "Welcome to Chinese Tea Garden". I don't know the reason for the nationality change, but try not to be thrown off when you see Chinese at a Japanese Tea Garden. The Japanese Tea Garden is located at Brackenridge Park right off the 281 just on the other side of Alamo Stadium. The parking lot closest to the entrance of the tea garden is pretty small, so don't be surprised if it's full at any given time. However, there is a larger lot by Tuesday Musical Club and Augie's Smokehouse that I recommend parking at. It's not that much longer of a walk to the garden, so don't fret! Admission to the tea garden is free, so there is no need to purchase tickets at the front gate. After entering through this gate, you go up the stairs where you'll enter a pavilion next to a Japanese eatery called Jingu Grab & Go. I didn't go inside Jingu, so I can't comment on if the food there is good or not. At this pavilion, you can take one of three routes. Let's call them left, straight, and right. If you go right, you won't have a long walk ahead. You simply cross a bridge, and at the end, you'll arrive at a Japanese hut with open windows on three of the sides. You'll get nice views of Brackenridge Park from there, though I do recall seeing a Zumiez sticker on a nearby structure. Really? If you go straight, you'll have a much longer walk ahead, and the path is narrower. The path runs parallel to Alpine, ending at the roundabout at the San Antonio Zoo. You'll encounter various shrubbery and flowers along the way, and you'll go through a narrow gate about halfway down that path. If you go left, you went the right way. No, not that right! lol but rather, I meant you'll get to see the beauty of the garden with a koi pond and even a waterfall! There are various walkways all around the pond and even on an island in the middle of said pond, but please watch your step! No seriously, I was genuinely afraid that I'd trip on a rock and fall right into the water, which I sincerely hope doesn't happen to anyone, especially if they're posing for photos. The day I went, there must have been a graduation because I saw several students dressed in their caps & gowns walking about the garden. They were posing for photos around the pond, and the Tea Garden provides a variety of different backdrops for photos. As beautiful as these backdrops were, it was kind of annoying to have to keep an eye on other people taking photos. Sometimes, you'd have to wait for them to finish taking their photo(s) before moving on because the walkways are pretty narrow as well. I saw a couple of kids mention to their parents a secret path up some rock steps. I didn't bother to look, but if you're curious, by all means. You'll get lovely views of the pond from just about every angle possible. Even looking at some of my photos, I was surprised at how high up I was above the pond! There's also a pollinator garden on the island, which makes for good photo ops as well. And if you're tired, you might find a couple of benches to sit on while you admire your surroundings. The pond was a little filthy in some places, however. On one of the walkways from the island, there's a sign reminding visitors to not mess with the fish in the pond whether it's feeding them or releasing them. As soon as I left the garden, I saw a Tesla alongside a sign saying, "Experience Tesla Today". Seems out of place to be advertising Tesla vehicles at a place where you're supposed to enjoy the beauty of nature, but maybe that's just me. Overall, I enjoyed my visit to the Tea Garden. Great spot to unwind after a tough week of work, but I wish the first two paths were more scenic. Also, I didn't remember seeing any reading material about the history behind the tea garden except maybe a plaque. That would have been nice to see.
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Terri N.

Yelp
This is a beautiful gem tucked up and away behind the San Antonio Zoo. The view and scenery are both breathtaking. There are many plants, trees and amazing water features. I mostly enjoyed watching the fish and ducks playing around in the waters. This is a must-see for all but expect to get your steps in!
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Kelly Z.

Yelp
A beautiful, free, and exciting garden in San Antonio! It has so many flowers, plants, insects, and koi fishes! I love the the architecture and nature of it all. there is a waterfall, lots of bridges, stairways, and pillars. It definitely feels like an exploratory experience, there are lots of things beyond just a regular garden. My favorite is the koi pond, it is pretty big and has fishes, turtles, and other creatures if you look closely! Definitely pay a visit, there are many photo opportunities!
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Sarra G.

Yelp
Beautiful gardens! Lots of walking on uneven stones, up and down stairs. Definitely worth visiting. They also have a couple of tents with ice cream and a grab n go restaurant.
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Elsa C.

Yelp
Japanese Tea Garden, AKA Chinese, Tea Garden. Same place different name. First nameed Japanese then changed to Chinese after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, then back to Japanese. Parking and entrance here is FREE. Parking does get full all the time go early and be kind to each other. Lovely place with lots of history. Beautiful trails with beautiful plants and flowers. Great place to take pictures. There is a nice place to buy drinks and snacks but I advise you to pack water as it is a sunken place so it does get HOT. Wear walking shoes as some trails are rocky.
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Karson G.

Yelp
Beautiful place. I have to say I was really excited for lunch but even tho it looked like only a few people were eating the wait was over an hour. So 4 stars due to that :/ but this was very pretty
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Heidi A.

Yelp
Beautiful garden. I'm guessing because of the heavy rain and cold when we went, the plants looked really distressed but otherwise it is a very beautifully designed garden. It was nice to walk around and look at Koi fish and ducks.
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Athena H.

Yelp
Absolutely breathtaking! This free garden is a must do! The photos don't even do these views justice. Enjoy a peaceful walk around colorful flowers and greenery, a waterfall, butterflies, and the koi fish and turtles swimming in the pond. It is very hot in the summer months but definitely worth it! There is a small cafe where you can grab all kinds of Japanese drinks and small bites like boba tea, pan-asian cuisine inspired Lay's potato chips,anime inspired canned drinks, and lychee frozen lemonade to taste while walking around. The staff was incredibly kind and the prices are affordable. There is even yoga offered in the evenings. Definitely recommend checking it out
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Natasha F.

Yelp
Gross matcha. Matcha milk tea is 7 dollars and with boba it is 12 dollars. No surprise the boba is old and they don't put a lot in the cup, I expected very high quality ceremonial matcha for that price. It is flavorless and tastes watered down and looks like dirt it is a sad beige green. Also the cup is low quality so the matcha spills out on you when you try and drink it. I wouldn't recommend any drinks here they are overpriced and very bad!!
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Laurie G.

Yelp
From start to finish, spending time here was a highlight of my trip to San Antonio. This has been a quarry. Hard to believe considering the beauty.
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Gina N.

Yelp
This is hands down one of the best Japanese Tea Gardens I've ever seen. The Garden is quite large with lots of stairs, paths, and twists and turns. It is absolutely beautiful and my family got a great chance to enjoy a nice walk and connect with nature. There's also a cute café sitting at the entrance of the garden perfect for grabbing a snack or drink. They also carry sake, ice cream, and slushies. Parking can be difficult as it get busy at the garden and the parking lot is small. Another thing to consider is that the further you get from the main garden, the more random paths will appear. We followed a concrete walkway that led us to a locked gate and ended up having to go all the way around and back were we came. Great place to visit, as a tourist or not. Just wished there were signs to avoid some confusion.
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Melanie L.

Yelp
A must-see! So beautiful and lovely to walk through. I unfortunately didn't have time to eat at Jingu House, but it also looked wonderful!
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Huy D.

Yelp
Hard to park in the small parking lot near the entrance, but we were lucky and got a spot on a Sunday afternoon. You can also park across the street in a larger parking lot. No admission fee but definitely need to be able to go up and down stairs. Not accessibility friendly. Even during an off season you can enjoy the view and garden. The history alone is interesting if you look into it. Definitely a must to see the turtles and fish, the waterfall, and the cobblestone built by prisoners.
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Charlie P.

Yelp
Amazing detail in the amount of stones that were used for this place! The fact they used an old quarry and made it something beautiful is pretty cool!
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Dan P.

Yelp
Great garden! Well maintained and peaceful garden to visit near the San Antonio zoo. Stroll through the garden and enjoy the flowers and the ponds with koi and turtles. There are some benches to sit and relax and some shaded areas.