Japanese Tea Garden is a free, terraced public garden at 3853 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, on the western edge of Brackenridge Park just north of downtown. It was built between 1917 and 1919 inside an abandoned limestone quarry. Travelers come for its koi ponds, stone bridges, a 60-foot waterfall and shaded walkways that offer a cool break from the Texas heat.
What to Expect at Japanese Tea Garden
City parks commissioner Ray Lambert turned the former Alamo Portland and Roman Cement Company quarry into a sunken garden. Japanese-American artist Kimi Eizo Jingu and his family later ran a tea house here from 1926. They were forced out during World War II, and the site was renamed the Chinese Tea Garden. The original name returned in 1984, and a major restoration reopened the garden in 2011.
Paths wind down from the rim past rock walls draped in ivy to lily ponds stocked with koi. At the entrance stands a rustic gateway in faux bois concrete by Mexican artisan Dionicio Rodríguez, made to look like carved wood. The Jingu House Café sits in the restored family home and serves tea, light lunches and snacks.
- Waterfall: A 60-foot cascade spills down the quarry wall into the lower ponds.
- Koi Ponds: These spring-fed pools are crossed by arched stone bridges and stepping stones.
- Pagoda: This thatch-roofed pavilion sits on the upper terrace and offers sweeping views across the garden.
- Jingu House Café: The café pours hot and iced teas and serves bento-style lunches inside the 1920s family residence.
- Faux Bois Gate: Dionicio Rodríguez’s sculpted concrete entry is a favorite photo stop.
Japanese Tea Garden at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 3853 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Brackenridge Park, Alamo Heights / Midtown |
| Operating Hours | Daily 7AM-5PM |
| Admission / Price Range | Free entry; café items $ to $$ |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free on-site lot off N St Mary’s St; VIA Metropolitan Transit buses stop along N St Mary’s St and Broadway |
| Official Website & Phone | saparksfoundation.org, +1 210-559-3148 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near the 7AM opening for soft light, cooler temperatures and an empty parking lot. By late morning on weekends, the small lot fills with visitors heading to the San Antonio Zoo. Spring brings blooming water lilies and mild weather, while summer afternoons are hot even in the shade, so bring water.
The upper rim walkway and pagoda terrace are paved and reachable without steps. Reaching the lower ponds involves stone stairs and uneven paths, so wheelchair and stroller users should stay on the upper level. Next door, the Sunken Garden Theater hosts concerts. The San Antonio Zoo is about a 5-minute walk north, and the Witte Museum is a 10-15 minute stroll along Brackenridge Park trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Japanese Tea Garden open?
The garden opens daily from 7AM to 5PM. Early morning on weekdays is the quietest and coolest time to visit.
Does Japanese Tea Garden charge admission?
No. Entry and parking are free, and no reservation is needed. You only pay for food and drinks at the Jingu House Café.
How long should I spend there?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours here. Allow extra time if you stop for tea or lunch at the café.
Is it accessible and family-friendly?
Children love feeding-time views of the koi. The upper paved paths are step-free, but the lower pond level requires using stairs.
When planning your San Antonio travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in San Antonio, pair this stop with standout local spots including SeaWorld San Antonio, Witte Museum, La Fonda On Main, and San Antonio Zoo (0.6 km away).
