The Golden Gate Park contains numerous places to visit from the Academy of Science to the de Young Musuem to a Conservatory of Flowers. However, my favorite would be the Japanese Tea Garden. It brings me peace.
The Golden Gate Park is like all other large parks in major cities. It’s like Central Park in New York, Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney/Melbourne, Ueno Park in Tokyo and Olympic Park in Seoul. The Golden Gate Park is just over a 1,000 acres and one could spend the day walking through it from beginning to end. In my opinion, the best attraction would be the Japanese Tea Garden.
The Japanese Tea Garden was built in 1894 and the oldest in the United States. It’s right next to the de Young museum and you will barely notice the entrance unless you’re looking for it. The tea garden has been linked to the invention of the fortune cookie to the United States. However, I don’t think that piece of history has been confirmed. The garden provides a place of tranquility and peace compared to the loud atmosphere of the Academy of Science.
The Japanese Tea Garden is very well maintained as the colors were all different shades of green and there wasn’t a hint of dead grass anywhere in there. As you enter, there’s a tea room where you could have some snacks and relax. The garden is filled with Japanese architecture like toris and pagoda. In addition, there’s a multiple ponds in the place. There are stone benches through out the garden so you could sit and take in the scenery. Lastly, there is a small entrance fee but it’s very minimal compared to other attractions in the Golden Gate Park that are chaotic.
