Few People Know There’s A Peaceful Japanese Tea Garden Hiding Right Here In Texas

We could all use a little more peace and quiet in our lives, and getting it doesn’t always require expensive yoga classes or trips to remote locations. Tranquility is often hiding in plain sight like right here at Brackenridge Park in San Antonio. This huge botanical garden in San Antonio, TX is one of the most calming places in the state, and admission is totally free. It's tea time in Texas, let's find some zen.

Before it became a garden in 1918, this space was a beautiful limestone rock quarry. Prison workers shaped it into a public complex featuring paved walkways, arched bridges, an island, and a Japanese pagoda.

It operated as a tourist attraction for just under ten years, selling handmade Mexican crafts and serving food out of an outdoor restaurant.

In 1926, a local Japanese-American artist named Kimi Eizo Jingu was invited to come open a tea house known as the Bamboo Room. After a long series of events, including his family’s eviction during WWII, the garden underwent a major renovation and celebrated its grand reopening in 2008.

Front-and-center is a massive pagoda whose commanding aura turns heads. It's the park's main feature and, in true Japanese fashion, envelops the whole garden in a blanket of serenity.

From the pagoda, you'll enjoy 360-degree views of the garden. The surrounding landscape looks entirely different from an aerial perspective, so be on the lookout for things not visible from the ground.

A majestic, 60-foot waterfall is by far the main attraction. Stand underneath its gentle, yet powerful stream and allow your senses to be overcome by the soft roar. This is tranquility at its very finest.

Stop and admire hundreds of Koi fish swimming about in the pond. Their tails flick to and fro as they skate through the water, sending off little ripples that build into a far-reaching current sure to mesmerize all who witness it.

Hunger is bound to strike after traversing all the different trails, and when it does, Jingu House is there to save the day.

Named after the garden’s most influential family, this historic restaurant serves tea and light meals to power you through a full day of exploring.

Bento boxes are filled with sushi, cucumber salad, teriyaki beef, and tons of other traditional goodies. Everything is gluten free, and special options for kids are also available.

Address: Mary's, 3853 N St Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX 78212.

Hours are 7 am to 5 pm daily, and admission is totally free. For more information, visit the garden’s.

This botanical garden in San Antonio is one of the most peaceful places in Texas. Whether you stay for a quick lunch break or spend all day, it's a great way to find your zen. Have you ever been here? If so, what’s your favorite feature? Let us know all about your experience.

Then, check out our previous article for another can't-miss attraction in San Antonio, the magical and beautiful River Walk. And if you want the perfect spot to stay while you explore San Antonio, VRBO has a lot of exciting options from chic apartments to large homes.