3/6 – Free First Thursday: Art Exhibit Opening - Calligraphy by Chiyo Sanada
Mar
6
4:00 PM16:00

3/6 – Free First Thursday: Art Exhibit Opening - Calligraphy by Chiyo Sanada

Join us on Thursday, March 6th for the first Free First Thursday of 2025 featuring the artwork of Olympia based calligrapher Chiyo Sanada.

Statement from the Artist:

My passion for Japanese calligraphy(shodo) has never changed. I enjoy sharing my love of Shodo, and I have always passionately explored new techniques and styles, blending elements of tradition with contemporary ones, since I moved to America 25 years ago. Because of Shodo, I could adapt to my new life in America; it was my magic tool to connect people. America's diverse culture, creativity, and expression have influenced my work significantly. My mission is to use shodo to connect people across cultures.

I grew up in Hiroshima and started taking shodo lessons at age seven from a kind-hearted neighborhood teacher. My mother told me to take this after-school activity because good penmanship is necessary. I was drawn to calligraphy and kept learning it. I enjoyed creating art for my family, especially my grandma (Obachan). At 17, I started thinking about my future and decided to become a teacher to share the joy of shodo with people worldwide.

Japanese calligraphy is an art form that goes beyond words. The characters' strength, delicacy, and beauty are deeply intertwined with the profound philosophy of Japanese culture. My work attempts to capture the emotions and thoughts that arise within me and bring them to life on the surface. The moment I hold the brush, my heart is calm, and when the ink touches the surface, each stroke is imbued with a sense of vitality and energy. The flow of nature and energy guides my hand through calligraphy. "Ichi-go ichi-e  is a Japanese idiom that describes a cultural concept of treasuring the unrepeatable nature of a moment. It teaches us to cherish each encounter, for it will never occur again in the same way. I cannot create a piece of calligraphy in the same precise way. I practice pages and pages, but I will know the one when my mind, brush, ink, and paper match perfectly.


Entry to the garden is free the whole day from noon to closing for Free First Thursday.

Final entry to the garden is 45 minutes before closing.

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3/15 – Family Saturday: Origami in the Garden
Mar
15
11:00 AM11:00

3/15 – Family Saturday: Origami in the Garden

For our very first Family Saturday in March, Seattle-based origami group, P.A.P.E.R., will show you some origami techniques in the Tateuchi Community Room.

The roots of Ori (折り, folding) Gami (紙=kami, paper) originates in the 6th century in Japan. Use of paper was limited only to formal ceremonies and rituals and was not commonly available for recreational paper folding until the 17th century. Today, origami is enjoyed around the world and continues to evolve its art form.

Please join us for Origami in the Garden and experience the joy of paper folding!

Papers and instructions will be available for all visitors in the community room 11am – 1pm.


Admission is free for all youth 12 and under from 10am – 2pm for Family Saturday. 

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4/12 – Family Saturday: Music in the Garden with Koto no Wa
Apr
12
11:00 AM11:00

4/12 – Family Saturday: Music in the Garden with Koto no Wa

Koto no Wa will be coming to the Garden to perform traditional Japanese Koto music from 11am - 1pm on on Saturday, April 12th. Come experience the natural beauty of the Garden, complemented by the elegant sound of the Koto.

The koto is a Japanese plucked, half-tube zither instrument, and the national instrument of Japan. The koto is about six feet long and consists of a hollow body made from Paulownia wood (kiri). The most common type uses 13 silk or nylon strings strung over movable bridges used for tuning, different pieces possibly requiring different tuning. Koto strings are generally plucked using three fingerpicks (tsume), worn on the first three fingers of the right hand.

A traditional 13-string Koto.


Admission is free for all youth 12 and under from 10am to 2pm for Family Saturday. 

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5/10 – Family Saturday: Koi Day 2025
May
10
11:00 AM11:00

5/10 – Family Saturday: Koi Day 2025

After a cold winter, koi at the Seattle Japanese Garden are looking forward to our friendly visitors (and a feast)! 

Koi at the Seattle Japanese Garden are awake from their winter hibernation and ready to eat. For our May Family Saturday on May 10th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., we’ll have free koi food, a koi presentation and Q & A by the Washington Koi & Water Garden Society, and a Taiko Drum Performance by Dekoboko Taiko at 12:30pm. 


Admission is free for all youth 12 and under from 10am to 2pm for Family Saturday. 

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6/5 – Free First Thursday: Lanterns in the Garden
Jun
5
5:00 PM17:00

6/5 – Free First Thursday: Lanterns in the Garden

Unit 86 member Dewey Webster will join us Thursday, June 5th to present a lecture on the aesthetic influences and history of the various stone lanterns dotted throughout the Garden.


Entry to the garden is free the whole day from noon to closing for Free First Thursday.

Final entry to the garden is 45 minutes before closing.

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6/14 – Family Saturday: Community Indigo Dip with Botanical Colors
Jun
14
11:00 AM11:00

6/14 – Family Saturday: Community Indigo Dip with Botanical Colors

You will learn how to dye fabric with indigo, a plant also known as Indigofera tinctoria.

Demonstration will be held in the Meadow area North of the Tea House from 11am-1:00pm and is FREE and open to the public. Space is limited, so plan to arrive early!

Admission is FREE from 10am to 2pm for visitors 12 and under for Family Saturday!

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11/23 -- Photography Member Day
Nov
23
8:00 AM08:00

11/23 -- Photography Member Day

Exclusive shoot for photography members! Capture the beauty of the garden before it opens to the public. 

The garden is open exclusively to Photography Members before-hours, and tripods and other equipment not allowed during regular business hours are welcome during this shoot.

To RSVP for this shoot, please contact seattlejapanesegarden@seattle.gov.

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11/14 -- Photography Member Day
Nov
14
8:00 AM08:00

11/14 -- Photography Member Day

Exclusive shoot for photography members! Capture the beauty of the garden before it opens to the public. 

The garden is open exclusively to Photography Members before-hours, and tripods and other equipment not allowed during regular business hours are welcome during this shoot.

To RSVP for this shoot, please contact seattlejapanesegarden@seattle.gov.

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Tea Ceremony: Introduction to Chanoyu
Oct
26
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

Tea Ceremony: Introduction to Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Tankokai will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Tankokai, the Seattle chapter of Chado Urasenke, is a membership organization for the Urasenke Chado practitioners. Their mission is to promote better understanding and appreciation of the rich culture and spirit of Japan through the art of Chado, "The Way of Tea".

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10/26 -- Photography Member Day
Oct
26
8:00 AM08:00

10/26 -- Photography Member Day

Exclusive shoot for photography members! Capture the beauty of the garden before it opens to the public. 

The garden is open exclusively to Photography Members before-hours, and tripods and other equipment not allowed during regular business hours are welcome during this shoot.

To RSVP for this shoot, please contact seattlejapanesegarden@seattle.gov.

View Event →
10/25 -- Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu
Oct
25
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

10/25 -- Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Omotosenke-ryu will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Omotesenke-ryu is a Seattle-based tea group. Their presentations at Seattle Japanese Garden are "a communication of the minds of host and guests through the enjoyment of delicious tea together".

View Event →
10/20 -- Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu
Oct
20
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

10/20 -- Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Omotosenke-ryu will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Omotesenke-ryu is a Seattle-based tea group. Their presentations at Seattle Japanese Garden are "a communication of the minds of host and guests through the enjoyment of delicious tea together".

View Event →
Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu
Oct
19
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Chaboshu will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Chaboshu is a Seattle's premier men's tea group which was established to promote public awareness about Japanese tea ceremonial practices for men. The group consists of members from different Chado schools.

View Event →
10/10 -- Photography Member Day
Oct
10
8:00 AM08:00

10/10 -- Photography Member Day

Exclusive shoot for photography members! Capture the beauty of the garden before it opens to the public. 

The garden is open exclusively to Photography Members before-hours, and tripods and other equipment not allowed during regular business hours are welcome during this shoot.

To RSVP for this shoot, please contact seattlejapanesegarden@seattle.gov.

View Event →
Tea Ceremony: Introduction to Chanoyu
Oct
6
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

Tea Ceremony: Introduction to Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Tankokai will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Tankokai, the Seattle chapter of Chado Urasenke, is a membership organization for the Urasenke Chado practitioners. Their mission is to promote better understanding and appreciation of the rich culture and spirit of Japan through the art of Chado, "The Way of Tea".

View Event →
10/3 -- Free First Thursday: Chigiri-e collage demonstration by Constance Perenyi
Oct
3
2:30 PM14:30

10/3 -- Free First Thursday: Chigiri-e collage demonstration by Constance Perenyi

Chigiri-e is a kind of traditional collage technique practiced in Japan and translates “to tear art,” or “painting with paper.” Constance Perenyi illustrates portraits and landscapes using a unique technique influenced by Chigiri-e. Her papers, hand-made in Japan, are torn and layered with a vegetable-based paste creating the feel of fur and feathers.

Join us on Saturday, June 10th, 11am-1pm in the Tateuchi Community Room for a demonstration and a fun family-friendly hands-on experience by Constance Perenyi!

Admission to the garden is FREE for children 12 and younger from 10 am to 2pm for Family Saturday.

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10/3 through 10/13 -- Hatsumomiji 2024
Oct
3
to Oct 13

10/3 through 10/13 -- Hatsumomiji 2024

Join us for Hatsumomiji (初紅葉) – the beloved tradition of appreciating nature’s art. Each day brings out more colors to the Seattle Japanese Garden during this time of year creating a breathtaking view.

* Admission to the garden ends 45 minutes prior to the closing time (No admission after 4:15pm)

* Plan to arrive at least one hour prior to the closing time

* Tripods are not allowed in the garden

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9/29 Tea Ceremony: Introduction to Chanoyu
Sep
29
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

9/29 Tea Ceremony: Introduction to Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Tankokai will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Tankokai, the Seattle chapter of Chado Urasenke, is a membership organization for the Urasenke Chado practitioners. Their mission is to promote better understanding and appreciation of the rich culture and spirit of Japan through the art of Chado, "The Way of Tea".

View Event →
09/28 -- Photography Member Day
Sep
28
8:00 AM08:00

09/28 -- Photography Member Day

Exclusive shoot for photography members! Capture the beauty of the garden before it opens to the public. 

The garden is open exclusively to Photography Members before-hours, and tripods and other equipment not allowed during regular business hours are welcome during this shoot.

To RSVP for this shoot, please contact seattlejapanesegarden@seattle.gov.

View Event →
9/21 Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu
Sep
21
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

9/21 Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Chaboshu will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Chaboshu is a Seattle's premier men's tea group which was established to promote public awareness about Japanese tea ceremonial practices for men. The group consists of members from different Chado schools.

View Event →
09/12 -- Photography Member Day
Sep
12
8:00 AM08:00

09/12 -- Photography Member Day

Exclusive shoot for photography members! Capture the beauty of the garden before it opens to the public. 

The garden is open exclusively to Photography Members before-hours, and tripods and other equipment not allowed during regular business hours are welcome during this shoot.

To RSVP for this shoot, please contact seattlejapanesegarden@seattle.gov.

View Event →
9/8 Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu
Sep
8
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

9/8 Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Omotosenke-ryu will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Omotesenke-ryu is a Seattle-based tea group. Their presentations at Seattle Japanese Garden are "a communication of the minds of host and guests through the enjoyment of delicious tea together".

View Event →
9/7 Tea Ceremony: Introduction to Chanoyu
Sep
7
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

9/7 Tea Ceremony: Introduction to Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Tankokai will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Tankokai, the Seattle chapter of Chado Urasenke, is a membership organization for the Urasenke Chado practitioners. Their mission is to promote better understanding and appreciation of the rich culture and spirit of Japan through the art of Chado, "The Way of Tea".

View Event →
Exhibit: Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon by Kanako Abe
Sep
5
to Nov 30

Exhibit: Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon by Kanako Abe

  • Seattle Japanese Garden (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Through the new cut-paper art collection, Kachou Fūgetsu (花鳥風月), translating to "Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon,” Kanako aims to evoke a serene and introspective experience inspired by this timeless theme.

Seattle-based Kanako Abe transforms sheets of paper into intricate designs with a precision knife and hours of dedication.

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8/25 Tea Ceremony: Introduction to Chanoyu
Aug
25
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

8/25 Tea Ceremony: Introduction to Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Tankokai will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Tankokai, the Seattle chapter of Chado Urasenke, is a membership organization for the Urasenke Chado practitioners. Their mission is to promote better understanding and appreciation of the rich culture and spirit of Japan through the art of Chado, "The Way of Tea".

View Event →
08/24 -- Photography Member Day
Aug
24
7:45 AM07:45

08/24 -- Photography Member Day

Exclusive shoot for photography members! Capture the beauty of the garden before it opens to the public. 

The garden is open exclusively to Photography Members before-hours, and tripods and other equipment not allowed during regular business hours are welcome during this shoot.

To RSVP for this shoot, please contact seattlejapanesegarden@seattle.gov.

View Event →
8/17 Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu
Aug
17
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

8/17 Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Chaboshu will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Chaboshu is a Seattle's premier men's tea group which was established to promote public awareness about Japanese tea ceremonial practices for men. The group consists of members from different Chado schools.

View Event →
8/11 Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu
Aug
11
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

8/11 Tea Ceremony: Introduction To Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Omotosenke-ryu will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Omotesenke-ryu is a Seattle-based tea group. Their presentations at Seattle Japanese Garden are "a communication of the minds of host and guests through the enjoyment of delicious tea together".

View Event →
8/10 Tea Ceremony: Introduction to Chanoyu
Aug
10
1:00 PM13:00
Tea

8/10 Tea Ceremony: Introduction to Chanoyu

Practiced in Japan for centuries, the art of tea ceremony --also called Chado, or The Way of Tea-- is imbued with harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Our Shoseian Tea house offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience tea ceremony in a traditional roji garden setting. Tankokai will be your host for this 40-minute "Introduction to Chanoyu" experience.

Tankokai, the Seattle chapter of Chado Urasenke, is a membership organization for the Urasenke Chado practitioners. Their mission is to promote better understanding and appreciation of the rich culture and spirit of Japan through the art of Chado, "The Way of Tea".

View Event →
8/10 -- Family Saturday: Gardens for Peace Water Calligraphy
Aug
10
11:00 AM11:00

8/10 -- Family Saturday: Gardens for Peace Water Calligraphy

The Seattle Japanese Garden is participating in the North American Japanese Garden Association’s Gardens for Peace event. Visit the garden from 11am to 1pm on August 10th to draw a peace pattern with water onto special water-writing calligraphy scrolls. You can also fold an origami peace crane inspired by Sadako and the Thousand Peace Cranes in the Tateuchi Community Room.

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08/08 - Photography Member Day
Aug
8
8:00 AM08:00

08/08 - Photography Member Day

Exclusive shoot for photography members! Capture the beauty of the garden before it opens to the public. 

The garden is open exclusively to Photography Members before-hours, and tripods and other equipment not allowed during regular business hours are welcome during this shoot.

To RSVP for this shoot, please contact seattlejapanesegarden@seattle.gov.

View Event →