Tea Garden II

The grounds of the Japanese Garden also feature a series of koi ponds, elaborate carved wood gates, many stone lanterns, a five-story pagoda (dating from the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915), a Zen Garden constructed of stones and gravel, a high-arching Drum Bridge (a relic of the original Japanese Village), and a tea house and gift shop.

2013 09 12 SF Garden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden koi pond (3)

2013 09 12 SF Garden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden koi pond (1)

2013 09 12 SF Garden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden bronze Peace Lantern2013 09 12 SF Garden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden (22)

2013 09 12 SF Garden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden pagoda (2)

2013 09 12 SF Garden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden pagoda

2013 09 12 SF Garden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden Lantern

A large bronze Buddha near the teahouse, cast in Japan in 1790, was presented to the garden by the Gump Company in 1949. The 9,000-pound bronze Peace Lantern situated behind the pagoda was bought with the contributions of Japanese schoolchildren and presented to the garden in 1953 in commemoration of the U.S.-Japan peace treaty signed in San Francisco in 1951. As we were walking along the paths, another family was also enjoying the gardens. The daughter took a picture of her parents in front of the Buddha. As we walked by, she asked if we wanted her to take our picture. She was a challenged young lady and was so excited when we said yes. I think she did a good job.

2013 09 12 SF Garden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden bronze Buddha (1)

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