Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
1 / 10

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

4.5
·270 reviews·Pasadena, United States

A tranquil 1.45-acre Japanese-style garden in Pasadena, offering a serene escape with ponds, waterfalls, and a historic teahouse.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy peace

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy peace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil 1.45-acre Japanese-style garden in Pasadena, offering a serene escape with ponds, waterfalls, and a historic teahouse.

4.5
(270 reviews)

"This hidden gem is a great place to take a date and explore the well maintained Japanese garden with lots of history."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Hours Before You Go

The garden has limited weekend hours. Always confirm before your visit!

Book Tickets in Advance

Save a few dollars and guarantee your entry by purchasing tickets online.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 270 reviews

Type

Garden

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Koi Ponds & Bridges

Koi Ponds & Bridges

Throughout the garden

Watch vibrant koi swim beneath charming stone bridges in this serene, meticulously designed landscape.

Tranquil Teahouse

Tranquil Teahouse

Central area

A picturesque teahouse offers a focal point for contemplation amidst lush greenery and flowing water.

Lush Greenery & Waterfalls

Lush Greenery & Waterfalls

Garden paths

Wander through a verdant oasis featuring gentle waterfalls and diverse plant life, creating a peaceful escape.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is open limited hours on weekends. Check their schedule before you go, as it's a popular spot for events and can get busy. Arrive early to enjoy the tranquility before crowds build.

Embrace the Zen

This is a place for quiet reflection and appreciation of nature. While photos are encouraged, remember to be mindful of other visitors seeking peace. The garden's intimate size means a calm demeanor enhances everyone's experience.

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Beat the crowds, enjoy peace
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌿 Discover the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden in Pasadena — a peaceful hidden gem perfect for photos, mindfulness, and nature lovers 📍🇯🇵 #JapaneseGardenPasadena #StorrierStearnsGarden #PasadenaAttractions #ThingsToDoInLA #LosAngelesHiddenGems #ZenGardenCalifornia #PasadenaTravel #LAOutdoorSpots #MindfulTravel #SecretGardenLA
@socal_insider
6.9K likes • 123K views

Check Hours Before You Go

The garden has limited weekend hours. Always confirm before your visit! Instagram

Book Tickets in Advance

Save a few dollars and guarantee your entry by purchasing tickets online. Instagram

National Register visit 263: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 📌270 Arlington Drive, Pasadena It’s easy to get swept away by the tranquility of the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden in Pasadena. There’s simple pleasure to be taken in slowing down your rhythm to match the swaying of the trees, or a golden koi swimming through a pond. But if you’re inclined to seek it out, you can also find a complex ...
@etandoesla
3.3K likes • 25.6K views
Hidden Gem in Pasadena   📍 Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden   Tucked away in Pasadena, this serene garden feels like a peaceful escape from the city. With koi ponds, stone bridges, and lush greenery, it’s a perfect spot for a mindful stroll, quiet reflection, or a relaxing afternoon immersed in nature.   🕰️ Saturday 3pm-7pm, Sunday 10am–4pm (check website for events) 🎟️ $12 general admission 🅿️ Fr...
her.travel.adventures
274 likes • 10.2K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be strolling along paths and enjoying the scenery, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Your Camera

This garden is incredibly photogenic! Get ready to capture stunning shots. :camerawithflash:

📌APIA Every Day (263) - The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is a 1.45-acre landscape located in Pasadena, California, created as a private garden for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns in the late 1930s. Situated on a six-acre estate that originally included a stately mansion built in 1913, the garden transformed a flat tennis court area into an intricate Japanese-style stroll garden. Kinzuchi...
apiahip
8 likes • 221 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Hours Before You Go

The garden has limited weekend hours. Always confirm before your visit! Instagram

Book Tickets in Advance

Save a few dollars and guarantee your entry by purchasing tickets online. Instagram

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be strolling along paths and enjoying the scenery, so comfy footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Your Camera

This garden is incredibly photogenic! Get ready to capture stunning shots. :camerawithflash:

Embrace the Quiet

It's a peaceful retreat; be mindful of noise levels to respect other visitors. :personinlotus_position:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(270 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden as a stunning, serene, and gorgeous hidden gem. Its meticulously maintained beauty and historical significance transport guests to another time, offering a peaceful escape. While small, its tranquility and photogenic nature make it a worthwhile visit for many.

"Serene, stunning, absolutely gorgeous. This hidden gem is a great place to take a date and explore the well maintained Japanese garden with lots of history. It is quite small, but you get transported to another time the second you enter. It is super peaceful and beautiful. There is a $12 entrance fee but it is worth it as a one time thing. Be ready to take lots of photos, and say hi to the cute ducklings!"

Shawn Sheng

"A cousin got married here and it was really a beautiful place!"

Denise Kim

"The scenery was great! alot of remarkable things to remember! Remember to take photos!"

Alexander Chung

What People Like

Serene and peaceful atmosphere
Beautifully maintained grounds
Photogenic scenery

What People Dislike

Small size
Limited operating hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The garden is located at 270 Arlington Drive, Pasadena, California. Parking is often available on Arlington Drive, which is convenient for the entrance. Instagram

While specific routes can vary, Pasadena is served by public transit. It's recommended to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information on bus routes that may get you close to the garden.

Street parking on Arlington Drive is frequently mentioned as easy and free, making it a convenient option for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The garden is typically open on Fridays from 4-8 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours, as they can vary. Instagram+1

Admission is $12 when purchased in advance and $15 at the entrance. This fee is considered reasonable for the experience. Instagram

It is recommended to buy tickets in advance to save money and ensure entry, especially if you plan to visit during peak times or special events. Instagram

Yes, reservations can be made, and emailing the staff with questions often yields a quick response, indicating good customer service. Reddit

No, there is an admission fee, typically around $12-$15, but many visitors find it to be a worthwhile cost for the experience. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

The koi ponds, stone bridges, teahouse, and lush greenery offer numerous picturesque opportunities. The entire garden is a photographer's dream. TikTokReddit

While photography is encouraged, it's important to be mindful of other visitors and maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Drone photography may have specific regulations. Instagram

Yes, the garden is a popular and beautiful location for engagement and wedding photos due to its serene and picturesque setting. Instagram

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

It's a tranquil, 1.45-acre Japanese-style garden with ponds, waterfalls, and a teahouse. Visitors describe it as a peaceful escape and a hidden gem. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! It's described as a great place to take a date, offering a serene and beautiful environment for a relaxed outing. Reddit

You can often see koi fish, turtles, and other aquatic life in the ponds. Ducklings have also been spotted! Reddit

The grounds are mostly covered, which can be helpful, and there is seating throughout. However, the paths might present challenges for some. It's best to inquire directly about specific accessibility needs.

Created by Kinzuchi Fujii between 1935-1940 for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns, it's Fujii's only remaining intact garden and holds significant historical and artistic value. Instagram+1

You may also like

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide