Japanese Tea GardenStop on Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, a free self-guided tour.The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States - a five-acre jewel of raked gravel, stone lanterns, koi ponds, arched bridges, and flowering cherry and plum trees. The garden was created in 1894 as part of the California Midwinter International Exposition by Japanese immigrant Makoto Hagiwara, whose family tended and expanded the garden for decades until they were unjustly expelled during the Japanese internment of World War II. The garden features an authentic teahouse where matcha tea is served, and fortune cookies - widely credited to Hagiwara himself as an invention - are a beloved tradition here. In spring, the cherry blossoms transform the garden into one of the most beautiful spots in California. A profound and tranquil contrast to the urban energy just beyond the park gates. Admission fees apply.Stops on this tourMcLaren Lodge and Sharon MeadowConservatory of FlowersRhododendron DellMusic Concourse and Spreckels Temple of Musicde Young MuseumCalifornia Academy of SciencesJapanese Tea GardenSan Francisco Botanical GardenStow Lake and Strawberry HillSpreckels Lake and Model Yacht ClubPolo Fields and Speedway MeadowBuffalo Paddock - American Bison HerdRainbow Falls and Chain of LakesDutch Windmill and Queen Wilhelmina Tulip GardenOcean Beach - Western Gateway