Why You Should Visit San Antonio's Japanese Tea Gardens

San Antonio's Japanese Tea Gardens are once again a gorgeous spot to visit. Both native and exotic plants flourish along the winding trails and stone bridges. Breathtaking flowering plants, shrubs, and trees can be seen throughout the year. The stunning fragrances of the flowers can be enjoyed during all seasons. San Antonio's Japanese Tea Gardens are once again one of the most relaxing and romantic spots within the city. Whether you seek a picnic spot or a quiet walking area; San Antonio's Tea Gardens is the place to be.

The concept for the park was set in motion in 1899 when George W. Brackenridge donated an abandoned limestone quarry to the city of San Antonio. In its earlier years the quarry provided limestone to the Alamo Cement Factory but was most recognized for having provided the limestone blocks for constructing the capitol in Austin. During 1916 and 1917 San Antonio's park commissioner used prison labor to construct the original foundation of the gardens. They did a great job when one considers the basic foundation of the Japanese Tea Gardens still stands today.

The history of the Tea Gardens is rich with changes and political links. This is why the Japanese Tea Gardens may be known by a different name by many locals in the San Antonio area. The name has changed several times since the Tea Gardens first opened. Once formally established in 1926, the city of San Antonio hired Kimi Eizo Jingu, an American-Japanese artist, to manage and maintain the gardens. He moved onto the site with his family of eight children and opened the Bamboo Room that served tea and light snacks. He is personally responsible for the original oriental theme. Because Mr. Jingu worked at trying to build an environment similar to ones he knew in Japan, the name of the Gardens was established as the Japanese Tea Gardens.

He and his family maintained and significantly enhanced the gardens until World War II, a period of 25 years. During World War II, the city of San Antonio booted Mr. Jingu and his family from the premises. It was thought of at the time to be the politically correct action to take. For a short period the gardens were known as the Sunken Gardens. The city hired a Chinese-American family Ted and Ester Wu, to live at the site, maintain it, and reopen the pagoda snack bar. At this time the name of the gardens was changed to Chinese Tea Garden. After the Chinese family left, the gardens were usually called the Oriental Gardens or simply the Sunken Gardens. But in July 1983, the San Antonio City Council decided to officially rename the gardens back to the Japanese Tea Gardens. This was done to honor Mr. Jingo and his family for their early contributions.

Mexican born Dionicio Rodriguez contributed to the gardens by building a Japanese Torii at the entrance of the gardens. An interesting point is that the name of the gardens is shown under the Japanese Torii as "Chinese Tea Gardens." The Torii is one of many concrete constructions where Rodriguez used his unique artistic skill of building structures that resemble wood. If you drive around Brackenridge Park that is adjacent to the gardens, you will see concrete benches and bridges that Dionicio Rodriguez constructed.

Due to cutbacks in financial support during the 1980's and 90's the park was allowed to deteriorate. Recently, the city along with the Friends of the Parks have worked hard to reestablish the gardens. Today the gardens are again thick with lush green vegetation and a picturesque reconstructed Japanese style pavilion (pagoda/tea house). The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department along with the group Friends of the Parks have led the way to restoring a once forgotten landmark back to its original state. Their ultimate goal is to bring it back to its appearance in the 1920's and 30's. If you do visit the gardens, you will see that the ponds have not yet been repaired - this work will be done soon. Don't be surprised when you visit the gardens if you witness a wedding taking place among the stunning landscape. The gardens are a great place to take the family after a day at the zoo. Entrance into gardens is free and there are always plenty of parking spaces.

While there, be sure to visit the remains of the Alamo Cement Factory that sits below the gardens. In recognition of the gardens development from an abandoned quarry and the importance of the cement business, the site is designated as a Texas Civil Engineering Landmark, a Registered Historic Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Tea Gardens are located near the San Antonio Zoo and are part of the much improved Brackenridge Park. Actually, you will find the Japanese Tea gardens at the northwestern edge of Brackenridge Park. The exact location is 3875 N. St. Mary's Street.