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

03/11/2008 Posted by RLCUIW

It was amazing. I am from San Antonio, born and raised and have never been there because it was dry and just never seemed to interest me. It is now open and filled with water and some fish. It is so peaceful and beautiful and spectacular and best of all free. I am getting married in June and am going to have my bridal portrait taken out there, it is just that beautiful of a backdrop. Caution to those who have trouble with stairs though, there are a ton. It is a lot of up and down, but totally worth it. You should go!!!

Pros: AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL

Cons: STAIRS STAIRS STAIRS

09/28/2007 Posted by jl0908

My husband and I went a week ago and the garden is completely closed and under construction. There were no signs indicating when the garden would reopen. It didn't look like it would open any time soon.

04/11/2006 Posted by punkprincess_2002

The garden is currently under construction, but my boyfriend and I went in just to see what it looked like while we were in San Antonio. I'm so happy that we did go. It is such a beautiful and peaceful place. We took many pictures that I know we will always treasure. I can't wait to go back when the reconstruction is complete!!

06/23/2004 Posted by klass_c

I visited the Japanese Tae Garden in May of 2004 and found that all the ponds were drained. It was still a beautiful place but I wish I had known that the Koi fish and waterfalls were no longer there. I was told the Gardens had been in this condition for quite some time. It is in serious need of some attention to return this place to the exraordinary beauty I remember from years ago.

Pros: Peaceful, Nice Foilage

Cons: , No Water

02/09/2003 Posted by jalu3

During its hay day this place must have been something. However, now it is neglected and in much need of repair. The majority of the original plant life is barely hanging on, if at all. The Grafitti reported in other ratings is more then abundent, and the place needs good mantinance work (sweeping, repainting etc.) What was once a nice pond and what must have been an attractive waterfall us all dried up. But its a quiet place to bring a date. Not exactly top notch, but worth at least 15 minutes.

Pros: Free, Uncrowded, Peaceful

Cons: graffiti, trash, untended

09/18/2002 Posted by ca34

The Japanese Gardens need some garden to it. Everything has dried up and they closed the sky rides. Not the greatest attraction, but the zoo and park are cool.

Pros: none, none, none

Cons: no flowers, no water, no fish

07/30/2002 Posted by pinay21

I love going to this place specially on quiet days and I just want to unwind. The coy fishes swimming around the pond are very colorful. It has a lot of very interesting plants from Asia we do not normally see around. This garden needs to be taken care of by the city because some people are vandalizing it by carving their names on some of the plants or the pagoda structures. It is such a shame that they do that. I have seen a lot of people get married here including my friends because of the romantic and colorful flowers around. It is very comforting. I recommend you bring your book and find a place somewhere where you can just hang out by yourself... it's very neat!

Pros: Exotic plants, Hundreds of coy fish, free entrance

Cons: crowded parking