Guided Search: Japanese, Immigrants

Join the Japan- America Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASGP) for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Shofuso this July 17th! Members of Urasenke Philadelphia will demonstrate a tea ceremony, and then provide guests with a bowl of matcha (green tea) and a wagashi (Japanese traditional seasonal sweet).

What better way to “spring” into cherry blossom season than with a run (or walk) beneath the trees? Take in great views of Memorial Hall and Shofuso as you run through Fairmount Park’s historic Centennial District on 10K and 5K courses. All participants receive a free admission to Shofuso. Registration opens 6:30 AM, race starts at 7:30 AM.

RUN OF SHOW

6:30 AM – Registration opens
7:30 AM – Race begins
8:30 AM – Medal ceremony
9:30 AM – Race ends

The koto holds a special place in Japanese music. As the national instrument, the harp-like koto features heavily in traditional music and has even carved out a place in modern J-pop. In this workshop, participants will build their own personalized traveler version of the koto. Instructor Paul Butler leads the workshop and will also show you the basics of playing.

Celebrate the growth and well-being of your children in the traditional ritual of Shichi-go-san! This beautiful ceremony, open to 3 and 7 year-old girls and 5 year-old boys, is an opportunity to get photos of your child in traditional kimono against Shofuso’s backdrop by Rev. Kuniko Kanawa, a trained photographer, Shinto priestess, and expert kimono stylist. Photo session is $490 ($470 JASGP members) and includes professional kimono dressing with themed props. An additional Shinto ritual, in which Rev. Kanawa will humbly appreciate and pray to kami (deities) for your child, including the offering of an evergreen tamagushi branch, is available for an additional $50.

Space is limited, and registration closes November 6 at 3 PM. Please note that there are no refunds for cancellations after this date, and there will be no refunds for missed appointments.

Available photo session times for Sunday, November 11: 10:30 – 12:30 PM, 12:30 – 1:30 PM, 2:00 – 3:30 PM, 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Celebrate the growth and well-being of your children in the traditional ritual of Shichi-go-san! This beautiful ceremony, open to 3 and 7 year-old girls and 5 year-old boys, is an opportunity to get photos of your child in traditional kimono against Shofuso’s backdrop by Rev. Kuniko Kanawa, a trained photographer, Shinto priestess, and expert kimono stylist. Photo session is $490 ($470 JASGP members) and includes professional kimono dressing with themed props.

Space is limited, and registration closes November 6 at 3 PM. Please note that there are no refunds for cancellations after this date, and there will be no refunds for missed appointments.

Available photo session times for Saturday, November 10: 12:30 – 1:30 PM, 1:30 – 2:30 PM, 2:30 – 3:30 PM, and 3:30 – 4:30 PM

Join Margaret Kuo’s Wayne for a fabulous evening of fine cuisine in the Japanese style Akari Room and enjoy a multi-course meal of exquisite washoku favorites in the kaiseki style with explanations, as well as a demonstration of tea ceremony. Includes welcome sake toast. $75 to attend. To make reservations, call (610) 688-7200.

Spend the day exploring Shofuso’s garden from different perspectives. Grab a drawing board and prepared supplies to sketch the blooms. Artists are welcome to bring their own supplies (easel, small stools and dry materials are acceptable). You can also join our head gardener on a behind the scenes tour of our three garden styles.

All Sakura Week events are free with regular admission: $12 general audiences, $8 students with ID, seniors, and youth 6-17, $2 ACCESS Card holders, and FREE to members, military with ID, and youth 5 and under.

Save the date for Saturday, April 14th for the 11th annual Cherry Blossom 10K Run during Philadelphia’s Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. Take in Memorial Hall, the Carousel House, and Shofuso Japanese House and Garden as you run through Fairmount Park's historic Centennial District on 10K and 5K routes.

On-site registration opens at 6:30 AM and the race begins at 7:30 AM. 10k Registration: $30, 5k Registration: $25.

For more details on the race, visit https://www.runtheday.com/register/detail/2018-cherry-blossom-10k