“The Japanese Garden is a gem
we call ‘our second home’.”
Every year, with the help of amazing volunteers, the Seattle Japanese Garden is able to offer public festivals and programs with rich cultural and educational opportunities. From staffing arts and craft tables, to setting up for tea service, to moving canopies and chairs, we need many hands to make these days enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
There are no long term commitments or prerequisites to support us as an event volunteer. Shifts are available on weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
The niwa volunteer is currently suspended.
Under the supervision of our Senior Gardener, members of the Niwashi Volunteer Program get hands-on in our garden. They beautify the moss beds, sweep the gravel paths, and undertake a variety of seasonal maintenance tasks. Program participants receive a unique opportunity to learn firsthand what goes into maintaining a Japanese Garden.
Niwa volunteers are in the garden on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 am until noon. A minimum participation of 6 hours per month is required for this volunteer program. Orientation for the Niwashi Volunteer Program is usually held twice a year. Fill out the volunteer form at the bottom of this page if you would like to be notified about the next orientation session.
Guides are the interpretive storytellers of our garden. They impart knowledge about the garden's history, elements and aesthetics to visitors. In addition to leading 45-60 minute public or private tours, guides are sometimes stationed in key locations to answer visitors' questions, especially during festival days. There is a 2-tours a month commitment for this program. Most tours take place at 11:00am and 1:00pm Tuesday through Friday, and 1pm on 1st Saturday of each month.
Guides receive classes, specialized training, and mentoring before leading tours. Guide training is held biennially, with the next training expected in Spring 2025. If you would like to be notified about the next guide training class, please fill out the form below.
