The Japanese Tea Garden: San Antonio

The Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio's Brackenridge Park completed another phase of its restoration on October 15 with the reopening of the historic Jingu House as a restaurant. 

Originally begun as a lily pond in an old stone quarry, the gardens were completed in 1918 by prison labor.  The Jingu family lived in the house, also running a tea house there from 1926 until they were evicted during WWII.  The gardens were also renamed the Chinese Tea Gardens at that time, and only changed back to its original name in 1984.  Over time the gardens fell into disrepair and were renovated in 2008 with funds from the city and private donors.  The reopening of the original house as a restaurant marks the completion of the second phase of renovation and provides yet another reason to visit the gardens.
 
From the the rock pagoda to the bridge in the garden, Japanese style has been reinterpreted with local materials and building techniques to create a unique and beautiful place.

Breathtaking in beauty and scale it's a must-see for those who enjoy gardens, ponds, waterlilies, fish, birds, stonework, bridges, old stone buildings, interesting walks....Did I miss anyone?

The tour begins just beyond the faux bois gate and up the steps to the stunning rock pagoda

 From the pagoda a view down into the gardens, belying its origins as an abandoned quarry

 

Somehow the camera does not show how stunning the view actually is...

Down the path into the gardens

Taking in details of the stonework

The gardens on the lower level are so inviting

Large ponds cover the floor of the old quarry

 

The waterlilies are stunning

A turtle waits for a snack

Even the lily pads and fish are color coordinated

The stone bridge is a focal point amid the gardens

Across the bridge are more ponds and a chance to look back at the tall rock columns supporting the pagoda

At the far side of the quarry is a trail to the top

Climbing the trail along the side of the quarry you can see the microclimate change with the elevation

And be treated to a gorgeous view back across the gardens from the top

Heading down to the gardens again more great rock work here

A look back, the trail goes over the rock walls on the right

Take a different trail back to the entrance

This trail leads through the stunning rock columns supporting the pagoda.  

A look back at the gardens from this side

From here you can look up at the roof of the pagoda

 

The view from inside the pagoda

Another view of this amazing structure

More colorful plantings line the walk to the parking lot

No surprise I took so many pictures that there are enough for at least one more post showing more details of the flowers and foliage in the gardens.

Brackenridge Park is close to downtown and the San Antonio Zoo is nearby.  No admission fee for the gardens and parking is also free.  Accessible entrances are available for both the pagoda and the lily pond gardens.