Activity Overview
Nestled in Philadelphia's verdant Fairmount Park, the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is a tranquil, lush, 1.5 acre oasis containing a traditional Japanese home and a pond filled with colorful fish in the midst of a hill-and-pond style, courtyard, and tea garden.
This Japanese landscape was first built to celebrate the centennial anniversary of our country. The house, originally constructed in Japan, was moved from the New York Museum of Modern Art in 1958 to reside permanently in Fairmount Park. For Philadelphia's bicentennial celebration, the area was renovated to resemble that of a 17th century Japanese home and garden.
Things to Do
Take a walk over the garden's quaint, wooden bridge that leads to the tea house.
Register for a public tea demonstration.
Admire the murals created and donated by Japanese painter, Hiroshi Senju, in the mid 2000's.
Strolling through these gardens, visitors will encounter cherry, plum and dogwood trees producing pretty pink and white petals. Azaleas, conifers, Japanese maples, a bamboo grove and a stone pagoda also adorn the grounds.
Shofuso Insider Tips
- Free tours of the house are provided if a docent is available.
- The property is not handicap accessible.
- Open weekends only in April and October.
