Join us for the Bunraku theater performance, a famous Japanese folktale by Thistle Theatre. It will be a love story for the star festival.
Story: "Orihime and Hikoboshi"
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.
We are excited to announce a special, rousing performance by Takumi Kato at 10am on Tuesday, July 22nd in the courtyard at Seattle Japanese Garden.
This morning concert is free and open to the public.
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About the Performer:
Takumi Kato is a world champion Taiko drummer from Gifu Prefecture, Japan who performs alongside his three children.
Together, they aspire to deliver 1,000 shows across all 50 states over the next four years, starting in October 2022, to promote peace and harmony. So far, they have completed 484 performances in 27 states towards this goal. Their ability to connect with people allows them to infuse events with vibrant energy and joy.
Find more information about the artist and their project at: peacefulforest.org
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".
For the August Free First Thursday, Wandering and Wondering returns to Seattle Japanese Garden for Butoh performance! Throughout the three-hour event, you will encounter dancers and musicians dispersed in surprising locations in the garden. Wandering and Wondering is a sensory feast not to be missed. Entry to the garden will be FREE all day.
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".
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.
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.
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".
Join us Thursday, September 4th from 4:30pm - 6pm for our Free First Thursday event. This month, you will be able to stroll the Garden, taking in the manicured landscape with the traditional sounds of the Shakuhachi performed by Patrick Johnson.
Patrick Johnson:
I began playing the shakuhachi in the early 1990’s. At that time I was a devoted student of Aikido and Iaido and I was looking for a meditative practice that would complement my martial arts training. I was fortunate to discover the vertical bamboo flute of Japan, the Shakuhachi, and I was immediately captivated by its sound. Within the next couple of years I transitioned out of the Aikido dojo and into formal Zen training in Seattle and it was then that I learned that the Shakuhachi has a centuries long association with Zen temples in Japan and that there is actually a genre of Zen music, called Honkyoku, that is still being played today.
Throughout its history the Shakuhachi has been used to play a wide range of musical styles and genres including court music, folksongs and lullabies, accompaniments to koto and shamisen, pop music, movie soundtracks and western tunes. And while my own playing includes koto pieces and some western music, especially Jazz and Blues, Honkyoku continues to be the mainstay of my practice. As many others have noted, music is a language and for me, the Shakuhachi expresses the deep experience of reality just as it is – very much in the Zen sense – that cannot be put into words. The sound of the instrument is unique among woodwinds and for many of us is absolutely enthralling.
I’ve continued to play the Shakuhachi and practice Zen for the past three decades. Currently I am a licensed teacher in the lineage of Yokoyama Katsuya and I am the founder and chief instructor of the Seattle Shakuhachi Study Group, a flute dojo that has its headquarters Seattle.
If you’re interested, you can find out more about me and about this remarkable instrument and its music at www.seattlebambooflute.org.
Entry to the garden is free the whole day from noon to closing for Free First Thursday.
Supported in part by 4Culture.
Final entry to the garden is 45 minutes before closing.
The Seattle Japanese Garden is hosting two nights of Moon Viewing again! On both nights, the garden is magically lit up with lanterns and luminaries welcoming the arrival of the full moon in Japanese tradition.
The Seattle Japanese Garden is hosting two nights of Moon Viewing again! On both nights, the garden is magically lit up with lanterns and luminaries welcoming the arrival of the full moon in Japanese tradition.
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".
Join us on Friday, September 12th from 4:30pm - 6:30pm for the opening reception of Joyful Gardens by Yuko Miki. Brilliant colors are like vitamin D for our souls. Yuko's collection of original paintings are inspired by radiant colors, flowers, and animals. As the PNW autumn approaches, come immerse yourself in the Joyful Gardens and fill your heart with delight.
Artist Bio:
Yuko Miki is a self-taught artist and the heart and soul behind Honeyberry Studios, a whimsical stationery brand based in Arlington, Washington. Growing up in Japan, Yuko developed a passion for art and creativity from a young age, but it wasn't until 14 years of working in social service that she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an artist. Since then, she's built a successful career as a stationery designer, creating vibrant and imaginative illustrations that capture the beauty and magic of nature. Her unique style and playful designs have gained a dedicated following, and she continues to inspire others with her art and creativity.
Unit 86, our beloved guide group, will present the Family Saturday: Respect for Elders Day program. They are planning many fun activities for families to enjoy. Bring your entire family and have a wonderful day celebrating our elders.
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".
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".
Youth Photography Exhibit by the Youth Photography Workshops participants will start from noon on July 3rd. The new talented group of artists participated in our youth photography workshops at the Garden this spring. The workshops were held in partnership with Youth In Focus. July 3rd is our Free First Thursday and the admission is free for all day.
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".
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.
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!
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.
From the speaker:
My interest in Japanese Gardens can be attributed to my first visit to the Imperial Villa in Katsura near Kyoto in 1963.
Over the years of living in and traveling to Japan, I became particularly interested in the stone carvings, such that when I became a garden guide in 2004, I wanted to learn about (and photograph) those in our garden.
As I did I shared that knowledge with garden guides through “study guides “ and participating in guide training programs. Eventually I wrote a booklet, organized along a walking route
which passes all of them. In this event, I will talk about stone carvings in general and some of them in more detail.
Dewey Webster, March 2025
Entry to the garden is free the whole day from noon to closing for Free First Thursday.
Supported in part by 4Culture.
Final entry to the garden is 45 minutes before closing.
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".
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".
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".
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".
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".
In partnership with Youth in Focus, the Seattle Japanese Garden is pleased to host our first youth photography workshops in the garden. Young photographers (from grades 8 through 12), come and learn about the Japanese stroll garden, tea ceremony, and create inspiring images for our community.
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.
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".
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.
5/1 First Free Thursday: Art in the Park opening reception
Seattle Parks and Recreation's Dementia-Friendly Recreation presents an exhibition of paintings inspired by Seattle Japanese Garden.
May 1, 2025 - 4:30 to 6 pm
Seattle Parks and Recreation's Dementia-Friendly Recreation presents an exhibition of paintings inspired by Seattle Japanese Garden and created in the Art in the Park program. A collaborative effort of Dementia-Friendly Recreation and Elderwise, Art in the Park offers time in the garden, a watercolor painting experience, and social connection for people living with memory loss and friends and family.
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".
In partnership with Youth in Focus, the Seattle Japanese Garden is pleased to host our second youth photography workshops in the garden. Young photographers (from grades 8 through 12), come and learn about the Japanese stroll garden, tea ceremony, and create inspiring images for our community.
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".
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.
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".
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.
Akiko Suzuki from Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association will deliver a lecture on the Japanese tea ceremony on April 3rd. Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association has been demonstrating the Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Shoseian for many years. Attendees are invited to learn about the essence of the Japanese Traditional Tea Ceremony from historical and philosophical viewpoints.
*This lecture will be held in the community room, and traditional matcha tea will not be served.
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Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association is the Seattle chapter of Chado Urasenke Tankokai, which is the membership organization for the Urasenke Chado practitioners.
They are the non-profit organization serving the Chado Urasenke practitioners and those interested in Chado in the greater Seattle area.
Their mission is to promote better understanding and appreciation of the rich culture and spirits of Japan through the art of Chado, “the Way of Tea”, commonly known in English as “Japanese Tea Ceremony.”
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.
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.
Join us on Thursday, March 6th for the first Free First Thursday of 2025 featuring the exhibit opening reception of 'SHU 朱 - Scarlet' by 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.
Final entry to the garden is 45 minutes before closing.
The exhibition ‘SHU 朱 - Scarlet’ by Olympia based calligrapher Chiyo Sanada will be on display in the Tateuchi Community Room from March 6 through the end of April. ‘SHU 朱 - Scarlet’ features striking pieces that utilize the traditional colors of temples and Torii gates throughout Japan and combine abstract elements with traditional calligraphy.
Admission is free all day on March 6th for our Free First Thursday. Meet the artist from 4pm - 5:45pm during the opening reception and get the first look at this intriguing exhibit. ‘SHU 朱 - Scarlet’ will be on display in the Tateuchi Community Room till the end of April.
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.
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.
Join us on November 16th for Family Saturday. While there is no special programming this month,this is a wonderful opportunity to come enjoy the waning autumn beauty at the Garden. Free admission to all youth 12 and younger from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Family Saturday.
