Shofuso
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Shofuso is a 17th century style Japanese house and nationally-ranked garden in Philadelphia
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is a traditional-style Japanese house and nationally-ranked garden in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park that reflects the history of Japanese culture in Philadelphia, from the 1876 Centennial Exposition to present day. Shofuso hosts over 30,000 visitors each year from more than 20 different countries. Shofuso was built in Japan in 1953 using traditional techniques and materials and exhibited in the courtyard at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It was moved to Philadelphia in 1958, to the site of several previous Japanese structures dating to the 1876 Centennial Exposition. In 2007, internationally renowned artist Hiroshi Senju, inspired by our waterfall, donated 20 murals to Shofuso. A viewing garden with koi pond and island, a tea garden, and a courtyard garden comprise the 17th century-style Japanese walled and fenced garden of this historic site and museum. The newly-restored, historic 1876 Sakura Pavilion is year-round space for programming, classes, meetings, events, and exhibitions. Shofuso was again named the third-ranked Japanese garden in North America by the Journal of Japanese Gardening in 2013,was listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 2013, and is a contributing structure to the Fairmount Park National Historic District since 1972.
09/18/2026
Come to our Otsukimi Moon Viewing Party and enjoy the quiet beauty of Shofuso at night.
Otsukimi is a Japanese holiday that celebrates the harvest moon and is usually observed in September and October. Join us after hours to watch the moon rise over Shofuso’s pond.
Entertainment, sushi and refreshments are included:
- Shakuhachi performance by Dr. Nora Nohraku Suggs
- Koto performance by Mirai Yasuyama
- Tea by Urasenke Tea School
- Sake Tasting
- Dango Rolling Demonstration
- Chochin Lantern Making
- Hanafuda Card Games
Festive/cocktail attire is requested. Please be aware that while inside the house you will be required to remove your shoes.
Saturday, September 26th
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives, Philadelphia, PA 19131
JASGP Members $60 | Non-Members $70
Visit our website to register: https://ow.ly/iWpR50ZPhkq
09/17/2026
Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia offers a Japanese Classroom program providing an accessible, affordable opportunity for language instruction in a positive group study environment. This is a formal Japanese language education program geared towards working adults. Students must be 18 or older to participate.
Each course covers two chapters in the New Japan Times Genki books over ten weeks. Online class meetings are held weekly in the evenings on Google Meet.
Fall Semester starts the week of Sept. 28 - Oct. 2
$380 JASGP Members | $400 Non-members
*JASGP Members must sign-in first to receive discount*
For the Fall Semester we are offering:
Japanese 101
Japanese 102
Japanese 103
Japanese 201
Japanese 203
Conversational Japanese
Visit our website for more information on the classes and to register online.
https://ow.ly/Y39w50ZOSQc
09/11/2026
Aki Matsuri Fall Festival in Ardmore is tomorrow! The weather looks beautiful and we can't wait to see you there!
Saturday, September 12th
2:00 – 9:00 PM
Schauffele Plaza
Lancaster Ave & Cricket Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003
Admission: $10, Children 12 and under Free
For event information including activities, schedule, directions, parking and more please visit the event webpage: https://ow.ly/ot3150ZML2s
We'd like to give a special thank you to Japan Foundation, New York for their support in making this event possible.
09/09/2026
Aki Matsuri Fall Festival is in Ardmore this Saturday - Get ready to dance with JASGP, the Seabrook Minyo Dance Group and Mac Evans from Casual Fifth!
Many dances come from a theme, from the classic Tanko Bushi (Coal Miner’s Dance) to pop culture inspired dances like the Pokemon Ondo. Bon Odori dances are fun and easy to learn, and you can practice the dances at home with these videos of the set list for Aki Matsuri. (links to videos are on our website at https://ow.ly/Phpp50ZLBSw)
Dancing Hero
Nippon Daiko
Pokemon Ondo
Ichi Tasu Ichi
Shiawase Samba
Tokyo Ondo
Chiki Chiki Ban Ban
Chowa Ondo
Tanko Bushi
Bling Bang Bang Born
Ei Ja Naika
Soda Pop
Live Taiko drumming for the Dances will be provided by Mac Evans from the Casual Fifth Taiko and Dance Ensemble (who will also be performing at the festival) https://ow.ly/7u0z50ZLBSz
Come out for the day and enjoy the fun of a street festival in Japan!
To learn more about all of the entertainment, games, food, vendors, parking info and more, visit the Festival website at https://ow.ly/Phpp50ZLBSw
Saturday, September 12th
2:00 – 9:00 PM
Schauffele Plaza
Lancaster Ave &, Cricket Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003
Admission: $10, Children 12 and under Free
09/02/2026
Just a reminder that the opening reception for the 15th Annual Ikebana Exhibition at Shofuso is tomorrow night! Help us celebrate the talented floral artists of Ikebana International Philadelphia Chapter 71 who display their beautiful arrangements at Shofuso all year long.
The Ikebana arrangements are provided by practitioners of multiple schools of Ikebana and presented throughout the house, garden and on the veranda. Exhibitors from four Ikebana schools will speak on their arrangements and explain the meaning behind their work. It's a great way to meet the members of Ikebana International and learn more about the practice of Ikebana.
Thursday, September 3rd
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Tickets:
General Admission: $10
JASGP Members: Free
Member Guests: $5
Register Online
https://ow.ly/RF9q50ZIhhL
08/31/2026
Enjoy an intimate Otsukimi moon-viewing party at Shofuso!
Otsukimi (moon-viewing) is a Japanese holiday that celebrates the harvest moon and is usually observed in September and October. Join us after hours to watch the moon rise over Shofuso’s pond.
The evening's entertainment will include:
- Shakuhachi performance by Dr. Nora Nohraku Suggs
- Tea by Urasenke Tea School
- Dango Rolling Demonstration
- Sake Tasting
Saturday, September 26
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives
Philadelphia, PA 19131
General Admission $70 | JASGP Members $60
Entertainment and refreshments are included. Festive/cocktail attire is requested.
Register Online: https://ow.ly/cJoj50ZFnsh
08/29/2026
Can't wait for next year's Cherry Blossom Festival? Then come out to Aki Matsuri, our 2nd annual Fall Festival in Ardmore, PA!
There will be activities for all ages at the Festival:
- Taiko drumming by Casual Fifth and Kyo Daiko
- Traditional music and dancing by the Seabrook Minyo Dance Group
- Japanese Association Band and Dancers
- Keystone Japan Club Children’s Song and Dance
- Origami, mini Chochin lantern, and Uchiwa Fan “Make-and-Take” crafts
- Play Japanese games to win prizes, such as YoYo Tsuri (YoYo Balloon Fishing)
- Cosplay Fashion Show
- Karaoke
- Japanese food
- Vendors
and more!
Come out for the day and enjoy the fun of a street fair in Japan!
Saturday, September 12th
2:00 – 9:00 PM
Schauffele Plaza
Lancaster Ave &, Cricket Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003
Admission: $10, Children 12 and under Free
08/27/2026
Join us for the 15th Annual Ikebana Exhibition Opening Reception at Shofuso!
September 3rd, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Shofuso is proud to host an exhibition to honor Ikebana International Philadelphia Chapter 71 and their continued support. Members of I.I. Chapter 71 generously provide Shofuso with beautiful ikebana arrangements weekly during the season, adding beauty to our historic site.
The Ikebana arrangements are provided by practitioners of multiple schools of ikebana and presented throughout the house, garden and on the veranda. Exhibitors from Ikebana schools will speak on their arrangements and explain the meaning behind their work.
6:00 ~ 6:05 pm: Opening Remarks by Deborah Dickinson, Exhibition Chair for the Main Line Sogetsu Branch, Sogetsu Teacher Somu Level
6:05 ~ 6:10 pm: Ikenobo School Arrangements by Hazel Bliss, Ikebono Professor
6:10 ~ 6:15 pm: Ohara School Arrangements by Ann Perry, Chairperson Shofuso Exhibit
6:15 ~ 6:20 pm: Ichiyo School Arrangements by Mary Jane Risch, Ichiyo Master
6:20 ~ 6:25 pm: Sogetsu School Arrangements by Deborah Dickinson, Sogetsu Teacher
6:25 ~ 6:35 pm: Q&A
TICKETS:
General Admission $10
JASGP Members: Free
JASGP Member Guests: $5
Register Online: https://ow.ly/HB2150ZFcTC
The Exhibition will run from Friday, September 4th through Sunday, September 6th, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and is included with admission to Shofuso.
Reserve Timed Tickets: https://japanphilly.org/shofuso/visit/
08/25/2026
Explore the beautiful arts and culture of Japan this September with Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia! Visit our website https://ow.ly/UFRE50ZEYXs to purchase tickets and learn more about these and other programs offered by JASGP.
EVENTS CALENDAR
September 3-6
15th ANNUAL IKEBANA EXHIBITION AT SHOFUSO
Honoring Ikebana International Philadelphia Chapter 71 , who generously provide Shofuso with beautiful ikebana arrangements every week during the season, adding beauty to our historic site.
--Opening Reception Thursday, Sept. 3rd from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Tickets and Info: https://ow.ly/GZKT50ZEYX1
--Exhibition Friday -Sunday, Sept. 4th-6th, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Included with Admission to Shofuso: https://ow.ly/vZt550ZFbKq
September 12
AKI MATSURI FALL FESTIVAL at Schauffele Plaze in Ardmore, PA
Enjoy all the fun of a Japanese Street Fair with traditional music, dancing, games, crafts, food and more.
-- Saturday Sept. 12th, 2:00 - 9:00 PM
Tickets $10, children 12 and under free. More info at https://ow.ly/FlCc50ZEYX2
September 13
JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY BY URASENKE PHILADELPHIA TEA SCHOOL
Experience a traditional tea ceremony in the tea house at the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center.
-- Sunday, Sept. 13, demos at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM
Tickets and info: https://ow.ly/pHvc50ZEYXv
September 26th
OTSUKIMI MOON VIEWING PARTY AT SHOFUSO
Otsukimi is a Japanese holiday that celebrates the harvest moon. Join us after hours to watch the moon rise over Shofuso’s pond.
--Saturday, Sept. 26, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tickets and info: https://ow.ly/ois950ZEYXw
We hope you see you next month!
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Horticultural & Lansdowne Drs
Philadelphia, PA
19131
Opening Hours
| Tuesday | 11am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 11am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 11am - 5pm |
| Friday | 11am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 11am - 5pm |
| Sunday | 11am - 5pm |