A collaborative effort of many local and state leaders, artists, and residents, the Japanese Tea Gardens first opened to the public in 1901. In 1917, prison laborers transformed the abandoned rock quarry into an exotic park, building walkways, stone bridges, and a Japanese pagoda. Nine years later, Japanese-American artist Kimi Eizo Jingu opened the Bamboo Room, preparing tea and lunch for afternoon visitors. To escape anti-Japanese sentiment, Jingu's family was forced to leave the area during World War II.

Over the years, donations of unique plants and flowers have brightened the ponds and pathways. Palm leaves taken from city parks were woven together to construct the pagoda's roof. In May 2007, renovations began to repair the ponds and waterfall.

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