Here’s another great episode of California’s Gold that I can’t believe I haven’t shared already. The Japanese Tea Garden was one of my favorite places to visit as a kid — although I must admit it was mostly to climb on the Moon Bridge and buy trinkets at the gift shop. It wasn’t until I grew up that I really began to appreciate the beauty and serenity of this special little jewel in Golden Gate Park. And in watching this episode, I’ve finally learned about the family who created the Japanese Tea Garden and lovingly tended it for so many years.

Originally created in 1894 for the California Midwinter International Exposition, it was supposed to be removed when the fair ended, but quickly became one of Golden Gate Park’s most popular and beautiful attractions. Today, the Japanese Tea Garden endures not only as a legacy to the past, but as a shining piece of “California’s Gold.”

(Click on the linked image below to see the video.)