With fragrant blossoms, calm water, and traditional Japanese teas, there’s nothing more peaceful than visiting a tea garden. If you’re in the Pasadena area, we have just the place for you. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape from the surrounding city. Rich with history and Japanese culture, this garden is the perfect place to relax and try authentic teas amongst the beautiful landscape.
Welcome to the most tranquil spot in the middle of Pasadena. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was built between 1935-1940 by Kinzuchi Fujii, who created and designed Japanese landscapes across Southern California in the early 20th century.
When you enter the garden, the main attraction is a twelve-tatami mat teahouse, which was built using authentic architectural plans and historic photographs from Japan. Unfortunately, the original building burnt down in 1981, but the current structure was built to closely resemble the original.
Don’t forget to stop and visit the ducks along the way! The garden features two beautiful ponds with colorful koi fish that you can feed and watch as they swim around in their peaceful sanctuary.
Between the two ponds, there's plenty of room for the fish and all their friends to swim around. On the two acres of land, there’s also a 15-foot waterfall that cascades from the hillside into the water.
Inside the teahouse, you can sit and enjoy traditional Japanese teas, such as Sencha tea and Gyokuro tea. These teas are made from the finest dried tea leaves grown in Japan.
You can also join an event at the garden where you can learn from a tea specialist and sample different traditional teas and snacks. For example, Gyokuro tea is a rare Japanese tea that’s grown in the shade and is known for providing higher levels of energy and focus.
Taking a walk around the shaded paths, you’ll come across fragrant blossoms and fresh fruit at every corner. The perfectly curated gardens are a treat for all of your senses.
With four bridges, a log waiting house, two ponds, and a waterfall, the tea house is the most peaceful retreat around. They also host various events and special gatherings to attend throughout the year.
It’s always a peaceful and relaxing day in this tranquil garden. Would you like to visit the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden? If so, let us know your favorite type of Japanese tea in the comments. In the meantime, you can learn more about the garden’s history on its website and follow its Facebook page for the latest event information.
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