Founded as a spanish mission and colonial outpost in 1718, the city became the first chartered civil. But in 1984, the gardens were officially renamed japanese tea gardens. Known as the chinese tea garden or sunken gardens from the 1940s, it regained its original name in a rededication ceremony in october 1984. Things to do near japanese tea gardens, san antonio, tx. S, army and was selling his watercolor paintings in a shop in downtown san antonio. The garden opened in an abandoned limestone rock quarry in the early 20th century. The quarry was shaped into a complex that included walkways, stone arch bridges, an island and a japanese pavilion. Landa library gardens gardens read books while enjoying the scent adn freshness of. How world war ii changed history at san antonios japanese tea. Brought to you by the jingu family descendants, we welcome you to share part of our japanese american culture by exploring our rich family history. About the japanese tea garden reopened in march 2008, with fanfare that included a serenade of japanese songs by tafoyalla middle school japanese students, keyboard by carol gulley, calligraphy and origami demonstrations, and an enormous koishaped cake.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the japanese tea garden or bike the san antonio mission trail. Take the river walk to the north and youll find museums filled with everything from picassos to western memorabilia and the pearl, an exciting culinary and shopping destination. Discover japanese tea garden in san antonio, texas. Japanese tea garden japanese tea garden in san antonio texas. San antonio japanese tea garden san antonio, texas. A sign of the times in san antonio the texas observer. San antonio electric scooter tour to the japanese tea garden. Do you know of an elaborate picture book about the sunken garden its history, construction, world war ii, revival, the drought years.
I love visiting a citys outdoor parks and public spaces. You may wonder why the ornate entry gate at san antonios japanese tea garden instead says chinese tea garden. Shofuso japan america society of greater philadelphia. It is known as a place that marches to the beat of its own drum, where there is never a dull moment. The japanese tea garden is a mustsee for botanical garden enthusiasts, japanophiles, familieskids especially enjoy checking out the koi in the fish pondand those looking for a serene oasis in san antonio. 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. Japanese tea gardens botanical garden in san antonio. The sightseeing boat cruises down the scenic san antonio river walk.
The 343acre city park houses the san antonio zoo and a. San antonios japanese tea gardenonce an abandoned rock quarrystands today as a lush landscape with limestone bridges, ponds filled. Brought to you by the jingu family descendants, we welcome you to share part of our japaneseamerican culture by exploring our rich family history. Some are highlighted in the video below including where we stayed in san antonio. The jingus maintained the garden and raised eight children while living on the site. Book jingu house for your next wedding, social, or corporate event. While zipping around san antonio on your electric scooter, your guide will teach you about the citys incredible history and its local food, art, culture, night life and unique events. Park commissioner ray lambert revealed another improvement he is planning this is to be a lily tank which will. The san antonio japanese tea garden, or sunken gardens in brackenridge park, san antonio, texas, usa opened in an abandoned limestone rock quarry in. Japanese tea garden the city of san antonio official.
The japanese tea gardens are considered san antonios best kept secret. This ensemble features complex yet beautiful rhythmic and harmonic counterpoint, fluid ensemble improvisation, and a. Japanese tea garden in brackenridge park 3853 north st. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. In 2007, international artist hiroshi senju, inspired by the gardens waterfall, donated 20 contemporary murals to shofuso, which are permanently displayed inside the house.
The japanese tea garden of san antonio was a prewar tourist attraction that was managed by a resident japanese american family, the jingus. It is a delight to stroll around the japanese tea garden in san antonio. The city is culturally and ethnically diverse, full of magnificent parks, free attractions, museums, breakfast spots and wedding venues. The location has an abundance of history and is located near brackenridge park, sunken gardens theater and the city zoo. Japanese tea gardens, san antonio having fun in the. Book your tickets online for japanese tea gardens, san antonio. See san antonio three ways with this combination bus, boat, and viewing tower experience. It was known also as chinese tea gardens, chinese tea garden gate, chinese sunken garden gate and is listed on the u.
San antonio japanese tea garden san antonio, tx land8. The japanese tea garden, or sunken gardens, is a registered texas historical landmark. With a unique culture stemming from its spanish, german and american roots, san antonio offers an abundance of history, arts and exciting cuisine. For reservation and photo permit information, click here for information and updates about the jingu house cafe, click here please follow all city regulations and practice social distancing when enjoying the garden. During the 1910s, the city of san antonio expanded the amenities of brackenridge park into the adjacent abandoned quarries. The sculpture remains as a significant historical artifact. The garden is small and not much walking is required, so you can visit easily and at your own pace. With help and guidance from san antonio parks foundation and friends of the parks, this phase 1 began. The tea garden is pet friendly, as long as they are on a leash. The convenient hopon, hopoff doubledecker bus tour stops at highlights including the alamo, pearl brewery, san antonio museum of art, and more. A gorgeous garden oasis with winding paths, stone bridges, and a troubling history. The ground was first broken around 1840 by german masons, who used the readily accessible limestone to supply the construction market. In the wake of rumors over potential subversion by ethnic japanese in case of a japanese military attack on mexico, beginning in january. My book published in 2005 is titled chinese heart of texas because for the 1st hundred years of that history more chinese lived in san antonio.
San antonio the japanese tea garden was built in a former rock quarry in 191718 with the assistance of kimi jingu. The san antonio japanese tea garden also known as the sunken gardens in the u. The garden had been closed while the san antonio parks and recreation department and the san antonio parks foundation completed. Park commissioner ray lambert revealed another improvement he is planning this is to be a lily tank which will be located in the. Welcome to the tea for texas website where you have inside access to the history of the japanese tea garden in san antonio, texas. Nov 10, 20 explore dennis sheehys photos on flickr. About the japanese tea garden reopened in march 2008, with fanfare that. Japanese tea garden, sunken gardens, san antonio, texas. A move to restore the japanese tea garden came in the 2005 bond election to repair the pavilion. Japanese tea garden the city of san antonio official city website. Top things to do near japanese tea gardens, san antonio, tx.
Unique japanese tea garden, san antonio, tx duration. Japanese tea gardens, san antonio july 30, 2017 built in an old rock quarry, the japanese tea gardens are one of the hidden jewels of san antonio, and as i say so many times, if you never get beyond the riverwalk or theme parks. San antonio, tx the handbook of texas online texas. Print cite official set of policies by the mexican government directed against mexican citizens and residents of japanese ancestry. Market square and san antonio majestic theater are also within 3 mi 5 km. This historic site and museum includes a hill and pond garden with a tiered waterfall, island, and koi fish, a tea garden featuring a traditional tea house, and a. A japanese pogado that was constructed in the 1920s adds to the cultural element of the garden.
The intriguing history of san antonios japanese tea garden. After the japanese attack on pearl harbor, the family members were evicted from the property, and the site was rechristened the chinese tea garden. They give me insight into a new city and allow me a quiet respite away from the noise and crowds of the touristy areas for awhile. The first mention of the japanese tea garden site came at the end of an article in the san antonio light on october 11, 1916. We recommend booking japanese tea gardens tours ahead of time to secure your spot. After the japanese attack on pearl harbor, the family members were evicted from the property, and.
Travel to san antonio usa san antonio texas visit san. Without a doubt one of the worlds greatest cities, san francisco, ca is vibrant, eccentric, spectacularly beautiful, and rich in history. But a visitor to the japanese tea garden in brackenridge park could be confused. Artist jingu had recently arrived in san antonio with his family, had been employed by the u. Things to do near japanese tea gardens on tripadvisor. This tour covers 10 miles of discovery, exploring the renovated pearl brewery, passing through the stunning brackenridge park, and enjoying the serene beauty of san antonios hidden gem. Commissioner lambert enlisted the aid of a japanese artist kimi eizo jingu to assist in the design of an authentic japanese tea garden.
Brackenridge park japanese tea garden the cultural landscape. San antonio vacation texas homes for sale san antonio missions texas history texas travel photo location world heritage sites historical sites national parks. Japanese tea garden, brackenridge park, san antonio, texas. Initially founded north of the present downtown area, in 1722 the presidio was. The japanese garden was high up on my list of things to do in san antonio.
Visitors to the garden can learn about its history through numerous plaques that are strategically placed throughout the tea garden. See all 2 japanese tea gardens tours on tripadvisor. You walk lower and lower into the sunken garden and are greeted by koi ponds and an abundance of yellow, orange, and purple flowers. The san antonio japanese tea garden, also known as the chinese sunken gardens, is a registered texas historical landmark with over 90 years of rich history.