OCTOBER 2025 BOOK SELECTION Epitaph for a Peach by: David Mas Masumoto A lyrical, sensuous and thoroughly engrossing memoir of one critical year in the life of an organic peach farmer, Epitaph for a Peach is "a delightful narrative...with poetic flair and a sense of humor" (Library Journal). David Mas Masumoto is a third-generation farmer, […]
RESCHEDULED TO NOVEMBER 15, 2025 Seasons of Verse is a curated poetry reading series held inside the peaceful landscape of Shinzen Garden, featuring four unique events that align with the rhythm of the seasons. The series will showcase the vibrant voices of Fresno-area poets and offer one open mic event to welcome emerging and community writers. […]
Immerse yourself in the golden hues of autumn during “Golden Fields and Falling Leaves”, a watercolor class at Shinzen Garden. This workshop will guide you in capturing the warm tones, soft textures, and graceful movement of fall foliage through brush and watercolor techniques. Surrounded by the garden’s natural beauty, participants will find inspiration in the […]
Let’s Create with Canon! We’re so excited — Canon is bringing 80 camera and lens combos for people to use during the workshop! It’s the perfect chance to explore new gear, […]
Celebrate the colors of the season with “Autumn Hues”, a watercolor class at Shinzen Garden on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Surrounded by the rich reds, golds, and oranges of fall, you’ll explore techniques for blending seasonal shades and capturing the beauty of the garden’s autumn landscape. This workshop is perfect for both beginners and experienced […]
Let’s Create with Canon! FREE EVENT WITH PAID GARDEN ADMISSION We’re so excited — Canon is bringing 80 camera and lens combos for people to use during the workshop! It’s the […]
Cozy up with creativity at “Sweater Weather”, a watercolor class at Shinzen Garden on Saturday, November 8, 2025. This workshop embraces the crisp air and warm tones of autumn, guiding you in painting seasonal scenes inspired by the garden’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a first-time painter or a seasoned artist, you’ll enjoy a relaxing afternoon […]
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER. NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON Seasons of Verse is a curated poetry reading series held inside the peaceful landscape of Shinzen Garden, […]
JANUARY 2026 BOOK SELECTION The Traveling Cat Chronicles by: Hiro Arikawa We take journeys to explore exotic new places and to return to the comforts of home, to visit old acquaintances and to make new friends. But the most important journey is the one that shows us how to follow our hearts… An instant international […]
Ume Bloom Viewing Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 10am - 1pm Enjoy a cup of hot tea and a Japanese rice cracker while you view the beauty of the Ume blooms. Included with paid garden admission - $5 for adults and $1 for children
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 […]
Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Shinzen Garden Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Shinzen Garden as we present a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 11:00 am. This unique cultural experience offers guests an opportunity to witness the graceful art of tea preparation and savor matcha in a serene […]
Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Shinzen Garden Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Shinzen Garden as we present a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 1:30 pm. This unique cultural experience offers guests an opportunity to witness the graceful art of tea preparation and savor matcha in a serene […]
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 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 Murakami). “Ms Ice Sandwich” is a name I made up, of course. I thought of it the minute I first saw her. Ms Ice Sandwich’s […]
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 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 […]
Join us for a free docent-led tour on select Sundays, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of its serene landscapes and cultural significance. During the tour, our knowledgeable docents guide guests through the garden’s features, including the Clark Bonsai Collection, stroll gardens, traditional architecture, and tea houses, offering insights into Japanese culture and garden […]
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, […]
Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Shinzen Garden Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Shinzen Garden as we present a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 11:00 am. This unique cultural experience offers guests an opportunity to witness the graceful art of tea preparation and savor matcha in a serene […]
Join us for a free docent-led tour on select Sundays, providing visitors with an in-depth exploration of its serene landscapes and cultural significance. During the tour, our knowledgeable docents guide guests through the garden’s features, including the Clark Bonsai Collection, stroll gardens, traditional architecture, and tea houses, offering insights into Japanese culture and garden […]
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 […]
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 […]