This calendar is a place to list events, tours, demonstrations, lectures, and ceremonies relating to Japanese gardens and Japanese gardening. If you know of events the Japanese gardening community may like to know about, please send information to Japanese Gardening Organization.
Chicago Botanical Garden
Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival
Saturday, August 15 & Sunday, August 16
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Learn about the summer festivals (matsura) celebrated in Japan during this special weekend of activities at the McGinley Pavilion. Listen to musical performances, enjoy traditional folktales, and watch a tea ceremony demonstration. Hands-on activities such as writing haiku, raking miniature dry gardens, trying chopsticks, and practicing calligraphy will be available. Kids of all ages can make projects to celebrate summer — create a paper fan, make a kite, and more — at family-friendly craft stations. More Info
Missouri Botanical Garden Japanese Festival
Labor Day Wknd. Sept. 5–7
One of the oldest and largest events in the nation. Rain Plan.
Chicago Botanical Garden
Malott Japanese Garden Family Sundays
June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, August 2, September 6 & 20, and October 4
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Drop by the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden for hands-on activities related to Japanese arts and culture. Practice using chopsticks, rake miniature dry gardens, make Japanese kites, and more. The free activities vary each time, and are subject to change. More Info
Nitobe Memorial Garden
Japanese Tea Ceremony
October 24, 2009 (see link for details)
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Urasenke Foundation of Vancouver (see: Urasenke Foundation for related information) hosts tea ceremonies at Nitobe Memorial Garden throughout the summer.
Visitors attending the ceremony can witness the formal preparation of tea and participate as guests.
Tea ceremonies take place on the last Saturday of the month throughout the summer. For 2009, the remaining dates are August 29, September 26, and October 24 at 1:00, 1:50, 2:40, 3:30 and 4:20.
The fee for participation is 5 Canadian dollars. Reservations are encouraged More Info
Shofuso Japanese House & Garden
Japanese Tea Ceremony
September 6, 2009 (see link for details)
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony led by a local tea master. Learn about the history and principles of Chanoyu (tea ceremony), drink a bowl of matcha (green tea) and taste a seasonal sweet. Space is limited & reservations are required (215-878-5097). More Info
Shofuso Japanese House & Garden
Bonsai Exhibition
September 12 & 13, 2009 (see link for details)
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$6 adults; $5 seniors/students/youth; Members Free.
See a beautiful display of Bonsai trees in the perfect setting at Shofuso. On Sat at 2 pm, tour the display with Mike Marinelli, President of the PA Bonsai Society. Bonsai also for sale. More Info
Shofuso Japanese House & Garden
Bonsai Workshop
September 12, 2009 (see link for details)
12:30 p.m.
Bonsai Workshop co-sponsored with PA Horticultural Society Workshop
$18 PHS and Shofuso members $23
non-members Space is limited & reservations are required call PHS 215-988-8869. More Info
Shofuso Japanese House & Garden
Sun Day of Relaxation
September 20, 2009 (see link for details)
Day of Relaxation 10 am-1 pm $150;$125 members
(house will be open to the public 1-5 pm).
Guests will receive a relaxing shiatsu massage while being serenaded with Japanese melodies. A meditative tea ceremony in the tearoom will be followed by a garden stroll. Space is limited & reservations are required (215-878-5097). More Info
Shofuso Japanese House & Garden
Omotesenke Tea Ceremony
October 4, 2009 (see link for details)
10.4 Omotesenke Tea. Cost is $28/$25 Times: 1pm, 2pm, or 3pm.
Experience an Omotosenke Japanese tea ceremony led by a New York tea master. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled time. Space is limited & reservations are required (215-878-5097). More Info
Shofuso Japanese House & Garden
Last Day of the Season
October 10, 2009 (see link for details)
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last Day of the Season.
Come enjoy Shofuso one last time before the chill of coming Winter forces us to close our doors to the public until next May 1. $6 adults $3 seniors/students/youth Shofuso Members Free. More Info
Shofuso Japanese House & Garden
Moonviewing (Otsukimi)
October 10, 2009 (see link for details)
6 – 9 p.m.
$50 nonmembers/$45 members.
Enjoy sushi and sake, sing songs and celebrate a successful harvest while watching the moon rise over the pine trees. Space is limited and reservations are required by sending reservation form with payment by October 2. No tickets at the door. More Info
Shofuso Japanese House & Garden
Shi Chi Go San (Kimono Dressing Program)
October 17 & 18, 2009 (see link for details)
Celebrate 7-5-3 at Shofuso. Have your child's photograph taken in kimono at the Japanese House and Garden. Children receive traditional sweet bag. Photo appt is 20 minutes. Professional photography by Simbarashe Madziva, http://simba.smugmug.com/. $50 per photography session, maximum of 2 children per session; kimono rental $30 per child; assistance dressing child in his own kimono $10. Reservations required (215-878-5097). More Info
Shofuso Japanese House & Garden
Japanese Tea Ceremony
October 25, 2009 (see link for details)
1 pm & 2:30 pm. Cost: $28/$25 members.
Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony led by a local tea master. Learn about the history and principles of Chanoyu (tea ceremony), drink a bowl of matcha (green tea) and taste a seasonal sweet. Space is limited & reservations are required (215-878-5097). More Info
Shofuso Japanese House & Garden
Fall Clean-up Day
October 31, 2009 (see link for details)
Join volunteers and members to clean the house and garden in preparation for closing for the season. Enjoy delicious Japanese lunch prepared by members. Space is limited & reservations are required (215-878-5097 or info@shofuso.com). More Info
Tours & Events in Japan
