the san mateo japanese garden

Earp-McMullen

This small garden a three minute walk from the downtown San Mateo district is a study in quiet loveliness. Take the time to walk slowly through it and experience it from many angles. Watch the shadow of a perfectly trimmed flowering shrub play over the pond and the fish swimming just below the surface. Look at the juxtaposition of the large polished wood branch against the circular reed window on the porch of the Japanese tea house. Listen to the small fountain that fills a small basin and then drips down onto perfectly rounded stones. Show your children the different angles of light, plant and structure. Very much worth a visit.

Flyinglady5

The Japanese Tea Garden in the San Mateo Central park has much to offer. It is hard to imagine that such a peaceful place exists in a busy, busy downtown area. Take a few minutes to relax and enjoy this wonderful garden.

birdlady07

I was staying nearby and had to see the Japanese Garden. It's small but its peaceful personality makes up for the size. A beautiful crane, buddha, and teahouse are on the grounds. The grounds are immaculate and very scenic. It's a nice, quiet place to reflect and relax. I took a short stroll and enjoyed the many photo opportunties. I would've really enjoyed it if the teahouse was open and I could get a comforting, hot tea. Next time, I will bring my own hot tea and enjoy it even more.Nice place and free. I parked by the meter on the street. It's only a short walk to the Japanese Garden. It's definitely worth the stop if you're in the South S.F. Bay area.

DavenCarol

The Japanese Garden is worth a stop when in San Mateo. It is not the largest but is expertly maintained and offers a peaceful setting in an urban area. San Mateo's Central Park has been there for more than a hundred years but I am not sure how long the Japanese Gardens have been there, fifty years that I know of. It is beautiful in all seasons but especially in the spring with the new foliage and cherry blossoms etc.

Manish_Tewani

The gardens are nice and peaceful even though they are near roads and pollution. It is calm and relaxing there. It is so beautiful. Must enjoy a quiet evening here

I-Shun

Yes it is quite small but it was lovely. It got really crowded when we visited on the weekend with kids running around.

coleb15

The gardens are nice and natureish even though they are near roads and pollution. It is calm and relaxing there. It is so beautiful.

310lhl

This small Japanese garden remains a wonderful oasis in San Mateo's downtown area.The volunteers maintain the trees & bushes beautifully. I always enjoy strolling through the garden when I am in Central Park (the Japanese Garden is located in the park) or on the south side of downtown San Mateo. The garden gets crowded at times because it is small. If in downtown, stop in the Japanese garden for sure and also check out the Rose Garden during blooming season, but don't make a special trip just to see the Japanese Garden

Pleschy

This park inside the park (San Mateo Central Park) is a spectacular gem. "The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the finest tea gardens in California and was designed by landscape architect, Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo." I think that speaks for itself... a favorite mid-peninsula treasure.

345ruthn

A beautifully maintained garden with an adjacent park, playground, tennis courts in the heart of downtown San Mateo.

jh910

A perfect spot to take kids or a leisurely stroll. I have been bringing my daughter here since she was a tiny thing and still 8 years later she loves it there. Its very peaceful yet fun for kids to look over the bridge at the coi fish. The water has been a bit murky and the fish seem to reside in one spot. A great place to go but do not expect hours of entertainment. This is a 20 minute visit at best.

ldeflores

This is a very beautiful garden with a wonderful layout and walking paths. Great place to people watch or meditate. Gorgeous Koi in a very pretty pond area. No charge to get in and occasionally they have the tea house open.

K6303IZrichardh

This little garden is a pretty place to stroll through. Don't go out of your way to get there, but if you're in the area looking for a nice walk it's very nice.

artsy_chick

I've been coming here with my son since he was a baby and he was always mesmerized by the koi fish, fountains, plants and walking paths. We especially like to come here during the summer when they do public koi fish feedings. Wonderful garden with a quiet, serene atmosphere!

TesayL

It's a garden in the park so it's free. They did a good job with the garden n the koi pond is fun to look at. Small garden but it is relaxing to sit in.