Home › California › Hayward › Hayward Japanese Gardens
Hayward Japanese Gardens
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,440 Google reviews · Garden wedding venue in Hayward, California
This 3+-acre botanical garden features traditional Japanese arrangements, a teahouse & a koi pond.
Plan your tour
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (510) 881-6700
- Website haywardrec.org — most venues book tours right on their site
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM–4 PM |
The setting
“Admittedly, it's not a sprawling botanical garden like some of its more famous counterparts, and its modest size might be overlooked by a casual passerby.”
“Tucked away inside a larger public park, the Hayward Japanese Garden is a perfect example of a hidden gem—a beautiful, peaceful space that feels like a genuine discovery.”
“The sound of a gentle waterfall immediately soothes the senses, and the vibrant colors of the koi swimming in the pond are a delight to watch.”
Amenities couples mention
“Tucked away inside a larger public park, the Hayward Japanese Garden is a perfect example of a hidden gem—a beautiful, peaceful space that feels like a genuine discovery.”
“This is a serene Japanese garden featuring stunning bonsai trees and pebble paths that wind their way to gazebos overlooking picturesque streams and vistas.”
“The sound of a gentle waterfall immediately soothes the senses, and the vibrant colors of the koi swimming in the pond are a delight to watch.”
“Sitting in the shaded pavilion, watching turtles and koi swim around, brings a calming sense of serenity.”
What couples say again and again
“Tucked away inside a larger public park, the Hayward Japanese Garden is a perfect example of a hidden gem—a beautiful, peaceful space that feels like a genuine discovery.”
“The garden and pond are exceptionally well maintained—clean, quiet, and filled with the refreshing scent of trees and water, without any unpleasant odors.”
“Another big advantage is that there is no entrance fee, and there are also plenty of free parking options nearby, which makes visiting very convenient.”
Getting married at Hayward Japanese Gardens
Hayward Japanese Gardens comes up for weddings — confirmed on their own site. Two things make the tour worth it. First, see the garden at the time of day and season you'd actually get married — a garden that glows at golden hour in June can look very different at noon in March, so ask what's in bloom for your date and walk the path your guests take from parking to ceremony to reception. Second, bring your real questions: the rain plan (where does the ceremony move, and does it hold everyone?), shade and bugs for a summer afternoon, the catering and bar policy, the music curfew, and exactly what's included — tables, chairs, setup, and teardown are where quotes quietly diverge. Popular garden dates book 12–18 months out, so if the tour feels right, ask what's open in your season before you leave.
More garden venues near Hayward
Hacienda de las Flores by Wedgewood Weddings
4.6 ★★★★★ 157 reviews
Spanish-style venue with gardens for alfresco weddings, plus an indoor space.
Morcom Rose Garden
4.7 ★★★★★ 990 reviews
Often used for ceremonies, the site's walkways are lined with flowers, pools & other water features.