Don’t miss this exciting photography exhibit by our youth artists! These new talented group of artists participated in our youth photography workshops at the Garden this spring.
The exhibit will be on display in the Tateuchi Community Room till Sunday, October 1st.
*Final entry to the garden is 45 minutes before closing.
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 4:00pm - 5:30pm in the Tateuchi Community Room for the opening reception of Joyful Gardens by Yuko Miki. The exhibition will be on display through the end of November.
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.
Brilliant Colors by Yuko Miki will be on display in the Tateuchi Community Room from Friday, September 12th, through the end of the 2025 season on Sunday, November 30th.
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. 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".
Bring your family and join us in playing with traditional Japanese toys.
As part of Hatsumomiji Week, we will have activities simultaneously in our community room for October's Family Saturday!
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".
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. 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.
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. 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".
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. 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.
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. 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".
