Find Posts By Topic

Japanese Garden opens March 6 with ‘First Viewing’

Join us at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 6 as the Seattle Japanese Garden celebrates First Viewing, a re-opening event welcoming the general public inside the gates for the first time in 2016.

First Viewing begins with the dramatic flair of a Shinto blessing, which 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 Shine in Granite Falls, WA.

First Viewing will also include a rededication of the original sign that hung at the garden in 1960, when the garden first opened to the public. As part of the rededication, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jesús Aguirre will recognize and honor the Yorozu family, whose landscaping company was among the diverse group of partners that collaborated to bring the garden to its inception.

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 12:30 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 an exhibit of archival photos depicting the Japanese Garden’s 55-year history.

Admission is $6 adults; $4 youth 6-17, students with ID, and seniors 65+; kids 5 and under are free. Advance ticket sales open on February 14 and can be purchased at http://firstviewing2016.bpt.me.

Seattle Japanese Garden is located at 1075 Lake Washington Blvd., Seattle. More event details and photographs from past events are available at www.seattlejapanesegarden.org.

Japanese Garden Photo

Photo credit: Aurora Santiago