The San Mateo Japanese Garden is a hidden gem when it comes to Japanese gardens in the Bay Area.
Although small in size, every inch is maximized to include all of the traditional elements typically found in a Japanese garden.
If you’re visiting the San Francisco Bay Area or San Mateo, a trip to the Japanese garden in San Mateo– as well as a stroll through Central Park and the Rose Garden– will make for a perfect afternoon excursion.
About San Mateo Japanese Garden
San Mateo’s Japanese Garden was designed in 1966 by renowned landscape architect Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo.
He was the same architect who also designed Golden Gate Park’s Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco.
The city of San Mateo wanted to improve its relationship with the Japanese community after World War II, which led to one of the oldest Sister City relationships in the country with its connection to the Japanese city of Toyonaka.
This partnership inspired the creation of the Japanese Garden in San Mateo as a symbol of harmony and cultural appreciation.
Features
At just one acre, the Japanese tea garden in San Mateo is much smaller than the others in the San Francisco Bay Area.
However, it’s expertly crafted design maximizes each inch of the space in true Japanese form.
San Mateo Japanese Garden includes the following features:
- Japanese maple trees
- Koi pond
- Bridges
- Shrines
- Cherry trees
- Bamboo grove
- Granite pagodas
- Mini waterfalls
- Japanese tea house
- Viewing gazebo
How Much Does Admission Cost?
Admission is free!
What are the Hours of Operation?
As of August 2021, the San Mateo Japanese Garden is open during the following hours:
- Weekdays (Monday- Friday): 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Weekends (Saturday- Sunday): 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The garden is open every day of the year except for Christmas (12/25) and New Year (1/1).
Where is the Japanese Garden Located?
The Japanese garden is nestled inside San Mateo Central Park at 50 East 5th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401.
Because it’s tucked away in a larger park, it can be a little tricky to find.
However, there are a few signs pointing visitors to the right direction, so just follow them.
While the Japanese Garden is small, visitors can enjoy the other features in San Mateo Central Park, which includes lots of greenery for picnics and a beautiful rose garden.
Japanese Garden in San Mateo vs. Saratoga’s Hakone Japanese Gardens and Estate
The San Mateo Japanese Garden is obviously much smaller and not as well known as Saratoga’s Hakone Japanese Gardens and Estate.
However, San Mateo’s garden packs a punch in very little space, and its free admission is hard to beat.
The surrounding Central Park and Rose Garden make the Japanese Garden in San Mateo the perfect place to spend a few hours relaxing in the afternoon wandering around, enjoying fresh air, and indulging in beautifully crafted gardens.
If you have the time to visit Hakone Gardens in the South Bay, it’s definitely worth the trip.
Due to its popularity, it does get crowded quickly on the weekends and it can be difficult to really enjoy the garden.
Especially with COVID protocol, visitors at Hakone might feel constantly rushed to keep moving as paths are often too narrow for others to pass and visitors can only walk in one direction.
That being said, there’s a reason why Hakone Gardens and Estate is so popular.
The various features and photo opportunities are simply stunning and can truly transport visitors to Japan with its detailed designs.
Hakone also has several large cherry trees both inside the garden as well as outside which you won’t be able to find anywhere else, certainly not in San Mateo.
Related Posts:
- Guide to Visiting Hakone Estate and Gardens in the Bay Area
- Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Okunoshima Rabbit Island
- Top 50 Most Popular Japanese Food to Try in Japan
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