2025 Shoseian Teahouse Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, Sakura Matsuri (Live Taiko, Tea Ceremony, Performances..)NEW

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.

The Celebration and Garden admission are free. Tea Ceremonies require advanced paid reservation.

Date
March 16, 2025

Time
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Urasenke Tea Ceremonies by UCLA Student Chado Club &Nakada Shachu
• 10:00-10:45 am, 12:00-12:45 pm, 1:30-2:15 pm

Seating is limited inside the Tea House - advanced paid reservation required : $25 per person.
• Please use the QR Code at the bottom right to go to the Sign Up site and pre-pay for the
• # of reservations you wish for your selected Tea Ceremony time.

Outside Performances in Friendship Garden (FREE)
10:00 - 11:00 am: Japanese Dance & Koto Music by Tendo Ryu & Kotoeda Group
11:00 - 11:30 am: African Drumming by The Peace Players & Gerald Rivers
11:30 - 12:00 am: Katori Shinto Ryu - Old School Martial Arts by Kitano-sensei
12:00 - 12:10 am: Remarks by Consul General Sone
12:15 - 1:00 pm: Sumo by Sumo Dan
01:00 - 1:30 pm: Filipino Combat & Healing Arts by the Kaïlūkuän School
01:30 - 2:00 pm: Kimono Show by Nadeshiko-kai
02:00 - 2:30 pm:  J-Pop/Rock Music by Allie Takehana “The Kewpiez”
02:30 - 3:00 pm:  Live Music & Village Dancing by Team Kawachi Ondo

Additional Exhibits & Displays
• Japanese Music by DJ “Yui Sensational”
• Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo Table
• Ink Brush Painting by Nan Rae Studios
• Virgil’s Healing Hut
• RING Donuts!
• San Fernando Japanese Language Institute
• Akane’s Chibi Art & Brett’s Art World
• “Friends of Shoseian” Booth - Featuring Japanese Onigiri, Mochi & Snacks
• Bonsai Display by Kaz Nakanishi
• Katori Shinto Ryu Information Booth
• Kimono Culture Booth by Nadeshiko Kai
• Doskoi Style Food Truck
• Japanese Consulate Booth
• Japan House Booth
• Japan Foundation Booth

Friends of Shoseian is a non-profit IRC Section 501(c)(3) organization.
Contributions may be tax deductible under IRC Section 170.

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