Red pagoda and maples in Golden Gate Park’s Japanese Tea Garden

August 14, 2013


My family and I spent a week in early July exploring San Francisco and surrounding coastal towns after the Garden Bloggers Fling. One sunny afternoon, after several hours spent at the fascinating California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, we strolled over to the Japanese Tea Garden. I didn’t take a lot of photos because the day was hot and sunny and the crowds were thick, but I want to share a few images that hint at how restful this garden appears, even if throngs of visitors are coming up behind you.

The colors of the maples in this garden remind me of autumn: golden here, rusty red in the photo above.

Cloud-pruned evergreens appear to float up the hillside.

A pagoda sculpture by the pond echoes…

…the red pagoda that’s the centerpiece of this small garden.

Pagoda detail — love those red eaves!

Stone lantern
Two other popular features of the garden include a steeply arched moon bridge and a tea house where you can stop for refreshment or, by appointment, watch a traditional tea ceremony. For a tranquil experience, I suggest avoiding a weekend or afternoon visit. Go before 10 am on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday and you’ll enjoy free admission as well.
All material © 2006-2013 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

Botanic/Public Gardens, California, Garden art, Garden structures, Garden tours 2013, Ponds, Sculpture, Travel, Trees, Water features, West Coast

2 responses to “Red pagoda and maples in Golden Gate Park’s Japanese Tea Garden”

  1. Peter/Outlaw says:
    August 14, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    This does look like a tranquil place. You were wise to stay longer to explore while you were already in the area. Lesson learned for next fling!

  2. Heather/xericstyle says:
    August 15, 2013 at 9:46 AM

    Pictures like these make me realize how much I miss the reds….and color like that. Love seeing it so much! Thank you!