2024 Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, Sakura Matsuri (Live Taiko, Tea Ceremony, Performances..) Shoseian TeahouseNEW

Join us for our annual Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festiival) with tea ceremonies, martial arts, music, and more! In addition to the schedule below, you will be able to enjoy a day in the Friendship Garden - so bring a picnic! All proceeds go to the non-profit Friends of Shoseian to continue providing family-friendly, cultural events and maintaining the beautiful Teahouse.

Tickets

The Celebration and Garden admission are free. Tea Ceremonies require advanced paid reservation.
We look forward to seeing you in the Friendship Garden!

Date
March 17, 2024

Time
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

March 17th, 2024
09:30 am - 10:00 am: Koto Harp by Saeko
10:00 - 10:45 am: Urasenke Tea Ceremony - 1st Seating by Nakada Shachu
11:00 am - 11:30 am: Katori Shinto Ryu Demo of Old School Martial Arts by Kitano Sensei
11:30 am - 12:00 pm: African Drumming by The Peace Players & Gerald Rivers
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm: Urasenke Tea Ceremony - 2nd Seating by Nakada Shachu
01:00 pm - 01:30 pm: Sumo Wrestling by Sumo Dan
01:30 pm - 02:15 pm: Urasenke Tea Ceremony - 3rd Seating by Nakada Shachu
02:30 pm: Celebration ends

Many presenters and artisans will be in the garden with activities and shopping, including:
Japanese music by DJ Yui Sensational
Japanese calligraphy by Nan Rae Studios
Martial Arts History Museum
Bonsai by Kaz Nakanishi
Katori Shinto Ryu
Kimono Culture by Nadeshiko Kai
Friends of Shoseian will be selling Onigiri and Mochi snacks

Parking
Parking inside the park will be very limited.|

Location
Brand Park, Glendale (1601 West Mountain St., Glendale, CA 91201)

About Shoseian Teahouse
Shoseian, built in 1974 through combined efforts of the Sister Cities of Glendale and Higashi-Osaka, Japan is one of the few traditional Japanese Teahouses open to the public in the United States. Spearheaded by Mrs. Otto Neufeld, local Glendale educator and prominent citizen, the Teahouse represents the spirit of goodwill, lasting peace and friendship between the people of Japan and the United States. Given the name “Shoseian” or “Whispering Pines Teahouse” by the Fifteenth Grand Tea Master of the Urasenke School of Tea in Japan, the Teahouse is designated an official Tearoom. Dr. Yamazaki of Higashi-Osaka provided initial support for the Teahouse and Gardens. The original Teahouse design was by architect Hayahiko Takase. A unique blending of western and eastern design, the Teahouse is an apt expression of the spirit of cross-cultural community.

Although the structure has remained open to the public, over the years the core focus of friendship and cultural exchange had waned. With the founding of Friends of Shoseian in 2001, this spirit has been rekindled. Through recent cooperative efforts by the City of Glendale, Friends of Shoseian and the Japan Foundation, the Teahouse interior has been completely renovated. It has been designated as a Landmark Building by the Glendale Historical Society. Nestled at the foot of the Verdugo Mountains beside a koi pond in a charming Japanese-style garden setting, the Teahouse is in a unique position to outreach to the community of Glendale and greater Los Angeles. Today, once again, the community can enjoy this cultural treasure and let the “Whispering Pines” speak to us of friendship and goodwill.

Cherry Blossom Title
Sakura Matsuri - Annual Cherry Blossom Festival at the Shoseian Tea House and Friendship Garden in Brand Park