The Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park was originally built as part of the the 1894 World’s Fair.  At the end of the fair, Makoto Hagiwara, a Japanese immigrant and gardener, worked to convert the temporary exhibit into a permanent part of the Park.  He added cherry trees, native plants and birds, and goldfish.

Makoto Hagiwara’s family lived in and maintained the garden until he was forced to leave San Francisco for a Japanese-American internment camp during World War II.  Without their oversight, the garden fell into disarray.  Today it’s a beautiful, serene place and the five-tiered pagoda is one of the most prominent features.

What do you think?  Do you have a favorite photo below?

Pagoda Photo #1.  

Pagoda Photo #2.  

Pagoda Photo #3.