Japanese Tea Gardens
San Antonio, TX 78212
Phone: (210) 207-3000
Editorial Review for Japanese Tea Gardens – by Jennifer Wehunt
The Scene
Located inside beautiful Brackenridge Park, the gardens alone are more than lovely. Koi glide past lily pads in emerald ponds; waterfalls cascade down foliage-covered cliffs; a massive stone pagoda provides a panoramic view of the entire spread. The sound of falling water and a tranquil air marks these year-round gardens, and colorful blooms can be seen in the spring.
The Background
The gardens, like the Trinity University campus to the west, were once a rock quarry, and the limestone mined here was carted to Austin to create the capitol building. Originally dedicated as the Japanese Tea Gardens, the site was referred to as the Chinese Tea Gardens during World War II to avoid hostile backlash. Once again known by its proper name, the gardens offer peace and quiet to all.
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User Reviews for Japanese Tea Gardens
04/23/2008 Posted by Rasero29
Ignore the previous negative reviews for this place, as it was just recently remodeled. The waters are flowing, the flowers are blooming. At first sight when you overlook the gardens, it is breath-taking. It is small, but the intricate design of the bridges and the large kiosk compensate for the size by their complexity. Yes, there are a lot of stairs since you essentially walk down about 20 feet or so, but there are also handicap ramps that allow you to access most of the garden, or at least have a nice view. We went there with my 2-year old daughter, and if you have a little one you need to keep a close eye out on them as the rock edges are sharp, and it would be easy for them to fall into the (shallow) pool. I didn’t walk across the suspension bridge as a precaution. The place is beautiful, though. We went in the afternoon, but it would be great to go at dawn or dusk just to relax and meditate (it is open from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m., and is free). Remember to read the story of this place on one of the plaques, it is fascinating. The entrance says Chinese Tea Gardens, but that is due to WWII anti-Japanese sentiment. I suppose they left it as a reminder of our country’s grave error and mistreatment of Japanese Americans during that time. I enjoyed the proximity to the San Antonio Zoo, Brackenridge Park, and the Witte Museum. These are all within walking distance of each other, you could spend a whole day looking at all of those sites. (A side note: I didn’t see any cats. They must have been sleeping somewhere). A definite recommend. I’ve lived here for 1 year and this is the first time I’ve seen this place, I will certainly come back frequently and bring family here
04/12/2008 Posted by Sawyierlady
The Tea Garden was a surprise which will always be a memory highlighting my trip to San Antonio. I suddenly found my time had run out for visiting the Botanical Gardens, which had been my original destination before heading to the airport to leave town. As I passed the unique entrance of the Tea Garden, some little voice in me said "This must be something not to miss seeing." How right to listen to my inner voice! I found the visitors quiet and respectful enjoying the beautiful flowers, the waterfall, the birds which must find the setting so welcoming, and the trails, all a treat to me as well. A "don't miss" and very doable if time is short. Near the airport if heading out of town!
Pros: Parking, good for limited time to visit, friendly personnel
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