Discover Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Philadelphia
Inside Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park, the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is the embodiment of centuries-old Japanese design and heritage, presented as a traditional tea house and nationally ranked garden. Owned by the city of Philadelphia and operated by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, Shofuso is a non profit historic site and tourist attraction that welcomes over 30,000 visitors annually. There are guided tours that explore the architectural details of the Japanese house and garden, educational programs, and activities like feeding koi fish under the 80-year-old weeping cherry tree that give visitors a deeper understanding and appreciation for Japanese culture.
The History of Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Shofuso, meaning "Pine Breeze Villa," originally began as a temporary exhibit series, “House in the Museum Garden”, at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City in 1953. These exhibits showcased different architectural styles that influenced mid-century modern American design. As part of this series, Shofuso House, designed by Japanese architect Junzo Yoshimura using traditional materials and techniques, was constructed in Nagoya, Japan. In 1954 it was gifted by Japan to America, to feature in the courtyard of the MoMA as part of their exhibition series. This gift also symbolised post-war peace and friendship between both nations.
After the MoMA exhibition concluded, Shofuso found a new home in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. The house was reassembled in Philadelphia in 1957-58, and the surrounding garden was redesigned by Japanese landscape designer Tansai Sano to complement the new structure in the 17th-century style. Shofuso officially opened to the public on 19th October 1958.
Shofuso’s relocation to Philadelphia was significant. The house was reconstructed on a site adjacent to the location of America’s first Japanese garden, built for the 1876 Centennial Exposition. This site had also hosted a 14th-century Japanese Buddhist temple gate, known as the "Japanese Pagoda" until it was destroyed by fire in 1955. Shofuso’s relocation here marked a continued Japanese presence in the area.
Creating the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
The Shofuso Japanese House
The Shofuso Japanese House was modelled after the guest house of Kojo-in, a sub-temple of Mii-dera in Ōtsu, built in 1601. The Shofuso House features classical Japanese elements with its attached desk, staggered shelves, toko-no-ma alcove, and chodai-gamae (built-in ornamental doorway). The architect, Yoshimura, skillfully adapted the original design to fit within the courtyard of MoMA, adding a kitchen, bath, and tea house to create a living space that would educate the American public about traditional Japanese architecture.
One of the most striking features of the house is the hinoki bark roof, the only one of its kind outside Japan, constructed with cypress wood harvested with special permission from Japan’s National Forestry Agency. Using authentic Japanese carpentry the house, including the roof, was built with a minimal use of nails.
The Murals of Hiroshi Senju
Inside Shofuso, 20 captivating murals named “Waterfall,” which replaced the original artworks destroyed by vandalism in the 1970s, are hung on the walls. These murals were created and donated by Japanese painter Hiroshi Senju who was inspired by the garden’s waterfall. They are painted on mulberry paper using a custom "Shofuso colour" derived from elements within the house and garden. Visitors can learn about the creation process of these murals and the artist’s inspiration as they explore the house.
On 27th April 2007, the City of Philadelphia announced it would become “Senju Day” in honour of Hiroshi. This was a mark of appreciation for not only the artist but for what Shofuso could do for America, fostering cultural respect and acting as a bridge between them and Japan.
Shofuso Japanese Gardens
The gardens at Shofuso are a masterpiece of traditional Japanese landscape design, most recently updated by expert gardeners from Kobe, Japan. Modelled in the Momoyama style of the early 17th century, the garden includes a koi pond, tea garden, and courtyard garden, creating a peaceful outside space that invites contemplation and relaxation.
The original garden was designed by Tansai Sano, a landscape architect from Kyoto, whose family had been caretakers of the famous dry garden at Ryoan-ji temple for six generations. The garden was further modified by Ken Nakajima, who added a waterfall and new planting schemes.
Maintaining Shofuso
Over the years Shofuso fell into disrepair and had to undergo restoration efforts, particularly for Philadelphia’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976. These were funded by the Japan-America Society. The Friends of the Japanese House and Garden (FJHG), a nonprofit organisation formed in 1982, took on the responsibility of maintaining and preserving Shofuso.
In 2016, FJHG merged with the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASGP). The merged organisation continues to manage Shofuso, overseeing restorations and expanding its educational programmes. The recent addition of a pebble beach along the central pond in 2021, based on original 1957 drawings, reflects ongoing efforts to improve the site.
Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden hosts various tea ceremonies, educational programs, and cultural events. One of which is the annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. Organised by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASGP) with generous support from Subaru of America, Inc., this festival celebrates the gifting of 1,600 cherry trees from Japan to Philadelphia in 1926.
Origins of the Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival began humbly in 1998, focusing on the planting efforts by JASGP in Fairmount Park. Their initial goal of planting 1,000 cherry trees was achieved in 2007. Over the years, the festival has expanded, drawing thousands to celebrate across the city.
Sakura Weekend
The centrepiece of the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival is Sakura Weekend, a three-day extravaganza scheduled in April each year. This free event transforms Fairmount Park into a hub of Japanese cultural festivities. The weekend kicks off with cultural performances at The Fallser Club. Then over the next couple of days visitors can enjoy live performances including taiko drumming, traditional dance, and vocal recitals. There is also an art market, selling Japanese-inspired crafts and merchandise, sushi-making classes with Madame Saito, and calligraphy demonstrations by Master Ebihara Rogen.
Visiting Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
When visiting Shofuso, the correct etiquette is for guests to remove their shoes before stepping inside the house. Socks or stockings are necessary inside the house, with shoe coverings available for those unable to remove their footwear. This practice ensures the preservation of the tatami mats and promotes a respectful experience of Shofuso.
Shofuso's garden is a highlight of any visit, featuring a hill and pond design, a tiered waterfall, quaint bridges, and a 90+ year-old weeping cherry tree. The garden's centrepiece is its collection of world-class koi—pause by the pond to catch glimmers of them beneath the surface. Fish food is available if you wish to feed them.
No visit is complete to Shofuso Japanese House and Garden without the Passport Fulfilment. This allows visitors to get their passport stamped at the admissions window, a tradition which is performed at temples in Japan.
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