Formal rose beds have been a feature in Hermann Park since the earliest plans were made for the Houston Garden Center in the late 1930’s. These re-designed rose beds feature a broad range of antique roses: found garden roses, polyanthas, Chinas, Bourbons, teas, climbers, and roses which have received the coveted ‘Earth-kind’ designation. Earth-kind roses, tested by the Texas AgriLife Extension service, have demonstrated superior pest tolerance along with outstanding landscape performance and reduced maintenance.

The Pergola Walk flanks the 350-foot Centennial Green in the McGovern Centennial Gardens with a variety of colorful blooms.

With its waterfalls, bridges, and stone paths that wander among crepe myrtles, azaleas, Japanese maples, dogwoods, and cherry trees, the Japanese Garden is a peaceful hideaway in Hermann Park. The garden was designed by world-renowned landscape architect, Ken Nakajima. Natural materials are used, such as rock, wood, and plants, to give a feeling of serenity. The Japanese Garden features a teahouse and winding paths to explore the lush gardens.

On October 19, 2012, 20 cherry trees were planted in the garden to commemorate the original gift of cherry trees to the United States by Japan in 1912.

The Japanese Garden is open daily for your enjoyment and there is no admission charged.

Japanese Garden Hours:
March 1 through October 31: 9 am to 6 pm
November 1 through February 28: 9 am to 5 pm

The entrance to the Japanese Garden is near the Pioneer Memorial obelisk just off Molly Ann Smith Plaza near the Heart of the Park. The closest parking lot is Lot A located just off Sam Houston Monument circle. To get to the Japanese Garden from Lot A, follow the decomposed granite path along the Jones Reflection Pool under the double allée of trees and you'll see the entrance just off the plaza with the obelisk. View our interactive map for more information.

For more information on the history of the Japanese Garden, click here to visit the Houston Parks and Recreation Department's page. 

For information on plants in the Japanese Garden, click here.

Click here to donate to the Japanese Garden.

The Japanese Garden is not available for rentals.

The attractive Tiffany & Co. Foundation Bridge spans the corner of McGovern Lake near the pedal boat lagoon and connects the Lake Plaza and Lake Picnic areas. A $1 million grant from Tiffany & Co. Foundation in 2008 made this scenic bridge possible. The bridge was designed by Overland Partners with White Oak Studio. 

The scenic, eight-acre lake offers Park visitors a beautiful spot to relax and watch birds or take a pedal boat ride. Major improvements to the lake were started in 1999 when the old lake was drained, enlarged, and concrete edges were added for safety. The lake now includes three islands, with two islands set aside for migratory birds. Catch-and-release fishing is permitted for children under 12 and senior citizens over 65 at Bob's Fishing Pier. Pedal boats are available for rental in Lake Plaza.  

Hermann Park's Pedal Boat Lagoon is the starting point for pedal boat rides on McGovern Lake. Boaters get up close and personal with the many ducks and water fowl that call Hermann Park home, as well as fish swimming below the surface. The cost is $13 per boat for 30 minutes. Boats accommodate up to four people. For hours and information about riding the pedal boats, click here.