The Enchanted Garden Hiding In Pennsylvania You’ll Want To Visit This Spring
Slip away from reality just for a moment when you stroll through an enchanted garden in Pennsylvania. Feel a sense of peace wash over you as you marvel at the fairy tale footbridge, gentle waterfall, and endless rows of blooming cherry blossom trees.
Nestled in Fairmount Park, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden first debuted as an exhibit for the Museum of Modern Art in New York City in 1953 before it was relocated to Philadelphia several years later.
Explore the charming garden but be prepared for uneven surfaces. The garden is not handicap accessible and consists of rough terrain that was common in 17th century Japan.
Added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 2013, the charming house and garden welcome thousands of visitors, hailing from an estimated 20 countries, annually.
Remove your shoes - socks or stockings are required - for your tour of the historic house. Stroll through the house on a self-guided tour or go on a guided tour led by a docent, if available.
Guests at the tea ceremony, which requires advanced registration, will enjoy a demonstration of the traditional ceremony as well as a bowl of green tea and a Japanese treat.
Join other guests at such regular events as the meeting of the Conversation Club, which provides visitors with an opportunity to chat about all things Japanese and to practice their Japanese and English speaking skills.
Learn classical Japanese dances by enrolling in one of Shofuso's dance lessons or, if you're more musically inclined, sign up for the taiko drum lessons.
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden also offers summer camps for third through sixth graders with each weekly session focused on an aspect of Japanese culture, such as the games and toys of Japan.
Slip away to the enchanted Japanese garden Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April through October.
Have you ever visited this enchanted garden in Pennsylvania? Share your experiences below! Not too far from Shofuso House and Garden, you’ll also find the picture perfect Chanticleer Garden.
