3853 N St Mary’s St · Next to the Zoo · Open Daily · Free Admission
Open 7 AM to 5 PM Daily · Free Admission
210.559.3148
Photo Permit
No photo permit is required to take photos at the Japanese Tea Garden during operating hours of 7 am-5 pm.
Donations are greatly appreciated and directly support the Japanese Tea Gardens.
Accessibility
The upper garden and pavilion areas of the historic Japanese Tea Garden and the Jingu House restaurant are accessible by ramp. The lower garden is accessible only by stairs. There are designated accessible parking in the Japanese Tea Garden parking lot.
a lovely backdrop for
weddings, parties,
and corporate events.
The Japanese Tea Garden is an ideal setting for wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, celebration of life, corporate or private social events, rehearsal dinners, cocktail mixers, and private dinners. The pavilion and upper garden are available for private events after 5pm and can accommodate up to 300 guests.
Attend an Event at
the japanese tea garden
the japanese tea garden is
steeped in over a century of san antonio history.
What began as a pit created from its years as a limestone quarry and cement factory, the Japanese Tea Garden is now a beloved jewel in San Antonio’s cultural landscape. In 1916, Park Commissioner Ray Lambert looked out over the rocky void and envisioned something beautiful: a Japanese style garden complete with a waterfall and koi pond. Lambert’s design for a Texas version of a tea garden was sparked by the Japanese art and fashion that were highly popular throughout the American West in the early 20th century.
Undeterred by the small size of the parks department at the time, Lambert marshaled the efforts of local citizens and businesses interested in creating this new, enchanting setting.
The quarry was shaped into a complex that includes walkways, stone arch bridges, an island, and a “Japanese” pavilion. The garden was known as the “lily pond” and beautified by local residents who donated flower bulbs.
The San Antonio Parks Foundation completed extensive infrastructure rehabilitation to this unique attraction, including improved walkways, piping, filtration, wall repairs, and pond sealing. The restored garden features a lush year-round floral display with shaded walkways, stone bridges, a 60-foot waterfall and ponds filled with koi. Still thriving after 100 years, the Japanese Tea Garden is dear to the hearts of local residents and tourists alike and remains one of the most photographed
spots in San Antonio.
a long-lasting legacy
the jingu family fund for the arts.
Through four generations of the Jingu family, we remember and honor Eizo and Miyoshi Jingu and their children – Mary, Ruth, Rae, James, Helen, Mabel, Lillian, and Kimi. We hope to connect their artistic endeavors with all who visit the Jingu House at the Japanese Tea Garden. In their lifetime, they explored new ways to enjoy tea, wrote poetry, created flower arrangements, exhibited ceramics and so much more with laughter and fun shared by all.
To further the Jingu family legacy, the San Antonio Parks Foundation support projects at the Japanese Tea Garden that enhance each visitor’s experience and support artists in San Antonio and beyond.
In 1926, the City of San Antonio extended an invitation to artist Kimi Eizo Jingu and his family. This invitation was an offer to move onto the grounds of the Garden and operate a restaurant known as the Bamboo Room.
Jingu and his family resided at the Japanese Tea Garden until 1942 when they were evicted because of anti-Japanese sentiment and fear of garden vandalism that had taken root during World War II. At that time, a Chinese-American family took over and ran the restaurant until the 1960s.
When walking into the Garden, a Torii Gate greets visitors. Designed by artist Dionicio Rodriguez, it was fashioned using cement and symbolizes the transition into a sacred space. During that period, the Garden was renamed the Chinese Tea Garden. In 1984 it was rededicated as the Japanese Tea Garden in a ceremony that was attended by the Jingu Family and the Japanese Government.
donate to the jingu family fund for the arts
serenity and delight:
embark on a culinary journey at jingu house
Join us at Jingu House for a delightful culinary experience in a serene setting. Our lunch menu features Asian cuisine with a San Antonio twist. Enjoy favorites like mole-braised pork steam buns, ramen, kimchi fries, and a poke bowl. Don’t forget to try a Japanese old-fashioned or garden mojito! Indoor and outdoor seating is available 7 days a week, rain or shine.
download the app
and explore.
Designed for users of all ages, the app includes a wealth of information including a visual history of the garden, a map of the garden, and AR locations. The six augmented reality experiences include a selfie with Kokoro the flying dragon, the release of a custom-colored koi into the ponds, and an insight into the Japanese tea ceremony.
