Photo by Jeff Lantz Images
Join us at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 1 as the Seattle Japanese Garden celebrates First Viewing, a re-opening event welcoming the general public inside the gates for the first time in 2015.
First Viewing begins with the dramatic flair of a Shinto blessing. The Shinto blessing is a formal ceremony that has been conducted in Japan since ancient times. The blessing will usher in auspicious ki –life energy– for a successful new year and will be conducted by Reverend Koichi Barrish of Tsubaki Grand Shrine in Granite Falls, WA.
Trained guides will be available to give complimentary tours of the Seattle Japanese Garden, deepening the experience of strolling the garden by sharing insights on the garden’s history, design and spiritual principles. The 45-minute tours begin at the ticket booth starting at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
The Tateuchi Community Room will also have its doors open to the public. Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea while taking in a juried photography exhibit curated by artist and instructor Ray Pfortner, featuring the best of fall color images in the garden submitted by his students.
The event is free with garden admission: $6 for adults 18-64, $4 for youths 6–17, senior adults 65+, college students with ID and people with disabilities, and free for kids younger than 6. Annual passes may be used to gain entry to the event.