San José, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, is widely recognized as a center for technological innovation. Yet aside from its reputation for startups, the city is also home to a variety of popular tourist attractions — from eccentric mansions to picturesque gardens. Together, they offer a glimpse into San José’s rich history and culture.
Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House is often described as one of the most haunted places in the world. Sarah Winchester, the widow of William Winchester — owner of the Repeating Arms Company — was left with a vast fortune when he passed. She used her riches to buy a farmhouse, which she expanded continuously over 36 years into an ornate 160-room mansion to appease, according to local folklore, the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles.
The house includes numerous unconventional features, such as staircases ending at the ceiling and doors that open to walls. Repeating motifs like spiderweb patterns and the number 13 appear throughout the structure, which has operated as a tourist attraction since 1923.
“The house is a Queen Anne Victorian style and has a built-in storage, which was a luxury in those times,” Winchester Mystery House tour manager Susan Delance said. “I love the way the stained glass windows cast rainbows around the house and how a seemingly disorganized house is actually pretty organized.”
Japanese Friendship Garden
The Japanese Friendship Garden was established in October 1965 by the San José City Council as part of a sister-city relationship with Okayama, Japan. The six-acre site reflects Okayama’s Korakuen Garden. It houses interconnected ponds with Japanese-imported koi. The garden has experienced challenges, including a fish virus in 2009 and flood damage in 2017, but was restored.
Designers arranged features using traditional Japanese landscaping principles, blending harmoniously with the natural scenery.
“This reminds me of Okinawa,” retired Air Force veteran Pam Taylor said. “I was stationed there for three years. I live in Texas now, and we don’t have flowers. We have a lot of brown so this greenery is great.”
The garden is open daily and free to the public, providing daily accessible green space.
“I really enjoy the landscaping, koi pond and the natural arrangement of plants and rocks,” Lynbrook alumna Bridgette Au said. “It creates a peaceful environment that helps me calm down.”
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, modeled after the Temple of Amun-Re in Luxor, Egypt, features majestic columns and eight sphinxes lining the walkway. It was established by Spencer Lewis, founder of the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, a philosophical organization based on ancient Egypt.
After relocating to San José in the early 20th century, the organization expanded its collection through donations and excavations. The museum now houses over 4,000 artifacts including sculptures, sarcophagi and everyday objects.
One of the most notable features is a reconstructed underground tomb based on the Beni Hasan burial sites. Today, the museum serves as an educational institution for students and attracts thousands of visitors annually.
“Our hope is that guests can feel what it might have been like to live in such a different time and culture.” Executive Director of the museum Julie Scott said. “We hope they may be inspired to explore the spiritual beliefs of ancient Egyptians, especially their connection with nature and the cosmos.”
