Isamu Taniguchi Oriental Garden

Dedicated and opened to the public in April of 1969, this garden was a gift of appreciation to the City of Austin and the University of Texas for services extended to the creator and his family. Working without salary, contract or restrictions, Isamu Taniguchi spent 18 months transforming three acres of rugged caliche hillside into a peaceful garden. This unique garden is a delicate balance between water and plant materials, descending in a series of waterfalls, lotus ponds, and hand-made oriental lanterns, culminating in an authentic Teahouse. The honeycomb rock lining the pathways throughout the garden came from the Lake Travis area

The "Bridge to Walk Over the Moon" personifies the poetic sensitivity of the ancient Orient.

The Japanese Tea House, with a thatched roof over bamboo walls, provides a shady spot to pause and view the gardens.
Metal Foot Bridge crossing a small stream was one of the foot bridges used on Congress Avenue from 1870 to 1905