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Japanese Tea GardensHeritagePhoto Wikimedia Commons

Japanese Tea Gardens

Texas · United States

11 story sections

Enjoy a short visit to the this iconic garden that dates back to the 1920’s. Another example of how San Antonio revitalizes former industrial spaces (old quarry).

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

11 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Japanese Tea Garden

    Welcome to a space where untamed nature and human imagination enter a profound and silent dialogue. As we begin our journey into this lush enclosure, I invite you to pause for a moment and observe the sudden shift in the…

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  2. 2The Original Garden Center and Ancient Pines

    We have now arrived at what is essentially the historic nucleus of this landscape. Where you are standing marks the center of what was the original, much smaller garden during its earliest days. …

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  3. 3The Tea House and Gift Shop Area

    Following the meandering path, we transition from the imposing, ancient shadows of the pines into an area that pulses with a warm, inviting social energy. Before you stands the charming wooden architecture of the Tea House and…

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  4. 4The Historic Drum Bridge

    As we continue our walk, the path gently guides us toward one of the most iconic, photographed, and instantly recognizable features in the entire landscape. Rising dramatically over the calm, dark water before you is the historic…

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  5. 5The Sunken Garden and Hagiwara Legacy

    Descending from the bridge and walking a short distance, we arrive at a tranquil, depressed area known today as the Sunken Garden. Designed by landscape architect Julius Jarrod, this beautifully arranged depression in the earth…

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  6. 6The Karesansui Dry Landscape Garden

    Stepping slightly away from the lush, water-filled sections of the estate, we encounter a fundamentally different visual and spiritual experience. Before you lies the Karesansui, which literally translates from Japanese as a dry…

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  7. 7The Lantern of Peace

    As we walk along the stone path from the dry garden, we come upon a monument that carries an immense, tangible emotional weight. Standing solemnly before us is the Lantern of Peace, a large, intricately carved stone artifact. …

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  8. 8The Hillside Waterfall and Ruth Asawa's Frogs

    Continuing our journey, the gentle, ambient sound of flowing water grows steadily louder, guiding our steps toward a lush, steeply terraced hillside. Before us is a magnificent, cascading waterfall that tumbles energetically over…

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  9. 9The Temple Gate and Pagoda

    As we navigate a turn in the path, two spectacular, towering wooden structures suddenly dominate the skyline, their intricate roofs reaching aggressively toward the canopy. These are the imposing Temple Gate and the multi-tiered…

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  10. 10The 1790 Bronze Buddha Statue

    As we reach the final major historic feature of our walking tour, we are confronted by a presence of immense gravity and absolute, unwavering stillness. Resting peacefully in the dappled sunlight is the magnificent bronze Buddha…

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  11. 11Closing

    As our journey through this meticulously curated landscape draws to a close, and we begin to make our way back toward the entrance, I invite you to reflect on the profound multitude of experiences we have encountered within these…

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What is Japanese Tea Gardens?

Japanese Tea Gardens is a place in Texas · United States with 11 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationTexas · United States
TypeHeritage
Story sections11
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates29.4607, -98.4773
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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