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

Wells Japanese Garden in South Carolina is one of the many hidden gems scattered all over the state. From secret parks to waterfalls, archaeological treasures, and more, there is a wealth of beautiful and exciting places to explore right here in our own backyard. To that end, not many people know about the Japanese Tea Garden tucked away on a side street in the City of Newberry. Let's take a look at one of the best gardens in South Carolina.

Located on Lindsay Street and only a few steps behind Newberry City Hall, the Japanese Garden Newberry, SC is a small but lovely place to escape.

The garden was built in 1930 at the height of the Great Depression by Newberry native and architect W. Fulmer Wells.

At that point, the garden was part of the Wells estate, which spanned the length of the next city block all the way to Harrington Street.

The small, triangular-shaped garden that remains contains a series of walking paths and focal points.

The important landmark was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

We think it's one of the best little Japanese gardens in South Carolina.

Wells created two ponds that now have concrete bridges, including a Japanese Moon Bridge.

The garden also contains a traditional Japanese Torii that serves as a gate to the sacred garden. It stands at what is now a cornerstone entrance from the street.

And no Japanese garden would be complete without a teahouse.

The structure in the Wells garden has a traditional tile roof. The posts that support the heavy roof were reclaimed from the Newberry Opera House which was under renovation at the same time as Wells built his Japanese garden.

The Wells Japanese Garden makes perfect use of the small space it occupies in downtown Newberry.

It offers a quiet respite for a cup of tea of the bring-your-own variety or to just to take a break from your usual routine.

You'll easily find it tucked away on the road right behind Newberry City Hall.

Wells Japanese Garden offers more information on the web page. It's one of the many hidden gems only the locals know about. Have you discovered this place in the Palmetto State? Please share your experience in the comments below.

For a DIY project, read the book "Create Your Own Japanese Garden: A Practical Guide." And discover more about the charming and historic town of Newberry.