San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden, Texas

The Japanese Tea Garden has a glorious history of over 90 years, from the time it was an operating rock quarry to today, as one of the most loved, educational and cultural resources in San Antonio.
The quarry was shaped into a complex that included walkways, stone arch bridges, an island and a Japanese pavilion. The garden was termed the lily pond, and local residents donated bulbs to beautify the area. Exotic plants were provided by the City nursery and the City Public Service Company donated the lighting system. The pavilion was roofed with palm leaves from trees in City parks.

The San Antonio Parks Foundation completed infrastructure rehabilitation to the facility, to include walkways, piping, filtration, wall repairs, and pond sealing. The restored garden features a lush year-round garden and a floral display with shaded walkways, stone bridges, a 60-foot waterfall and ponds filled with Koi.

The City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Parks Foundation are pleased to make this beautiful space available for your next special event. For questions, comments, or concerns please see the contact information below.

Japanese Tea Garden
Pricing: Free Admission
Garden Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

The Jingu House Cafe
Renovation of the Jingu House was completed in October of 2011 and is now available as the ideal space for receptions, showers, parties, and meet-and-greets. The Jingu House restaurant is right on site at the Japanese Tea Garden, located near the entrance and adjacent to the Pagoda. Featuring two rooms indoors and a large patio area, the Jingu House holds up to 75 guests and is wheelchair accessible. It is available for rentals starting any day after 4:00 PM.

Enjoy 10% off all food and drinks at the Jingu House Cafe when you present a San Antonio Zoo pass or ticket. This offer cannot be combined with other offers.

The Waterfall
Waterfall is located in the lower level of the Japanese Tea Garden. The Waterfall area offers guests a quiet, intimate location perfect for a small wedding ceremony. The City of San Antonio has constructed a small platform nestled in a thicket of bamboo, using the beautiful Waterfall as a backdrop to create the perfect romantic setting for your special event.

The Waterfall is restricted to 10 guests, and is NOT wheelchair accessible. No tables or chairs may be set up in the Waterfall area. The Waterfall is available for one-hour reservations only.

The Pavilion
Located near the entrance to the Japanese Tea Garden and immediately adjacent to the Jingu House restaurant and patio, the Pavilion is a large, open area featuring gorgeous stone columns and a stunning view of the Tea Garden’s lily ponds and waterfall. The shady thatched roof and beautiful construction make the Pavilion a perfect spot for weddings, vow renewals, or any other event you can think of.

Maximum guests allowed in The Pavilion for day events is 50 visitors , and is wheelchair accessible.