FEBRUARY 2026 BOOK SELECTION The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea by: Hiro Arikawa Thirteen-year-old Noboru is a member of a gang of highly philosophical teenage boys who reject the tenets of the adult world — to them, adult life is illusory, hypocritical, and sentimental. When Noboru’s widowed mother is romanced by Ryuji, […]
Unwind beneath the open sky with a deeply restorative Sound Bath set within the tranquil beauty of Shinzen Garden. Surrounded by nature, you’ll be guided through a meditative experience using soothing tones and gentle vibrations designed to calm the mind, relax the body, and restore balance. As the sounds wash over you, stress melts away […]
MARCH 2026 BOOK SELECTION The Setting Sun by: Osamu Dazai Set in the early postwar years, it probes the destructive effects of war and the transition from a feudal Japan to an industrial society. Ozamu Dazai died, a suicide, in 1948. But the influence of his book has made "people of the setting sun" a […]
Slow down, look closely, and let nature guide your brush. In this botanical watercolor class at Shinzen Garden on April 18, 2026, participants will explore the delicate beauty of leaves, flowers, and seasonal plant life while learning foundational watercolor techniques in a serene garden setting. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this class […]
APRIL 2026 BOOK SELECTION Ms. Ice Sandwich by: Mieko Kawakami In her English language debut, “ceaselessly growing and evolving”novelist Mieko Kawakami renders an adolsecent voice with laser precision (Haruki […]
Step into the garden and discover the calming art of Kokedama, the Japanese technique of creating living “moss balls” that blend nature and design. In this hands-on workshop at Shinzen Garden, you’ll learn how to shape, plant, and wrap your own kokedama while enjoying the serene beauty of the garden around you. Guided by an […]
Slow down, look closely, and let nature guide your brush. In this botanical watercolor class at Shinzen Garden on May 16, 2026, participants will explore the delicate beauty of leaves, flowers, and seasonal plant life while learning foundational watercolor techniques in a serene garden setting. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this class […]
MAY 2026 BOOK SELECTION Heaven by: Mieko Kawakami With profound tenderness and sensitivity, Japanese literary superstar Mieko Kawakami turns her unique gaze onto the causes and effects of violence. Raw but revelatory, this novel stands as a dazzling confirmation of Kawakami's standing as one of her country's most insightful and compelling novelists. In Heaven, […]
Bring color, movement, and a touch of elegance to your painting practice in this botanical watercolor class inspired by the peacocks of Shinzen Garden on June 20, 2026. Guided by an instructor, participants will learn watercolor techniques while capturing the iridescent feathers, graceful forms, and natural surroundings of these iconic birds. Designed for all skill […]
JUNE 2026 BOOK SELECTION The Guest Cat by: Takashi Hiraide A bestseller in France and winner of Japan's Kiyama Shohei Literary Award, The Guest Cat, by the acclaimed poet Takashi Hiraide, is a subtly moving and exceptionally beautiful novel about the transient nature of life and idiosyncratic but deeply felt ways of living. A […]
Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Blumes and Tea, a delightful workshop held in the serene setting of Shinzen Garden. Registered attendees will enjoy sipping traditional Japanese tea while learning to create a fresh, seasonal floral bouquet inspired by the garden’s natural elegance. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll explore balance, color, and […]
JULY 2026 BOOK SELECTION Kitchen by: Banana Yoshimoto With the publication of Kitchen, the dazzling English-language debut that is still her best-loved book, the literary world realized that Yoshimoto was a young writer of enduring talent whose work has quickly earned a place among the best of contemporary Japanese literature. Kitchen is an enchantingly […]
Step into the garden and discover the calming art of Kokedama, the Japanese technique of creating living “moss balls” that blend nature and design. In this hands-on workshop at Shinzen Garden, you’ll learn how to shape, plant, and wrap your own kokedama while enjoying the serene beauty of the garden around you. Guided by an […]
Let your brush flow like water in this botanical watercolor class inspired by the koi of Shinzen Garden on September 26, 2026. Participants will learn watercolor techniques while capturing the graceful movement, vibrant colors, and symbolic beauty of koi swimming among lotus and reflections. This class is welcoming to all skill levels and offers a […]
Slow down, look closely, and let nature guide your brush. In this botanical watercolor class at Shinzen Garden on October 24, 2026, participants will explore the delicate beauty of leaves, flowers, and seasonal plant life while learning foundational watercolor techniques in a serene garden setting. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this class […]
Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Blumes & Tea, a delightful workshop held in the serene setting of Shinzen Garden. Registered attendees will enjoy sipping traditional Japanese tea while learning to create a fresh, seasonal floral bouquet inspired by the garden’s natural elegance. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll explore balance, color, and […]