Central Park and Japanese Garden

About this Park

The city purchased the Kohl Mansion property in 1922 and transformed this 16.3-acre property into the City’s signature park in downtown San Mateo, Central Park.

Central Park is home to many signature community events such as the Central Park Music Series, 4th of July in the Park, Eggstravaganza, and more.

The Central Park Recreation Center offers popular aerobic classes and rentable space for meetings and other functions. Aerobic classes take place in the mornings, and then you can rent the center rooms for all kinds of social events from noon to midnight!

Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden, in San Mateo Central Park is one of the finest gardens in California. It was designed by landscape architect, Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo, and features a granite pagoda, tea house, koi pond and bamboo grove.

The Japanese Garden is beautiful throughout the year, but be sure to visit in the late Winter and early Spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the Japanese Garden.

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am-4:00pm

Koi Feedings:
Koi feedings are done during public viewing hours during Spring and Summer only (fish are not fed during public hours November - March)

Monday - Friday: 11:00am and 3:00pm (Spring/Summer)