California note
Central Park's Japanese Garden gives San Mateo a calm downtown stop
San Mateo Central Park includes a Japanese Garden designed by Nagao Sakurai, with a koi pond, tea house, granite pagoda, bamboo grove, and no-dog rule inside the garden.
San Mateo Central Park has a quiet centerpiece tucked into downtown. The Japanese Garden is small enough for a short stop, but detailed enough to feel special.
The city bought the former Kohl Mansion property in 1922. Today Central Park covers 16.3 acres, and the Japanese Garden was designed by Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo.
Inside the garden, look for the granite pagoda, tea house, koi pond, and bamboo grove. Dogs are not allowed in the Japanese Garden, so check the city page before folding it into a larger park walk.
Where to see it
Central Park Japanese Garden at 50 East 5th Avenue in San Mateo. Check the city page for current garden hours.
Sources
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Reviewed June 30, 2026
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