Seasons of Verse – November Poetry Series
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, […]
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, […]
We invite you to experience the breathtaking beauty of Shinzen Garden’s fall colors. Enjoy a peaceful stroll among the Japanese maples with a warm cup of tea and a traditional Japanese rice cracker during our Autumn Color viewing. Sunday, November 23, 2025 10:00 am - Noon This event is included with paid garden admission. Garden […]
Where Culture Meet in Nature: The Story of Japanese Gardens in the West REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR HERE Why have Japanese gardens captured the imagination of Western audiences for centuries? […]
Join us January 17, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute […]
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 […]
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
VIRTUAL EVENT Japan is a country of museums. There are more than 1,200 art museums yet this fact is often little known outside its borders. They are sprinkled throughout Japan […]
Join us February 21, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute […]
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 […]
Explore the art of haiku and nature-inspired poetry while learning traditional Japanese forms. Through guided exercises and observation of the seasonal beauty of Shinzen Garden, attendees will craft their own haiku and short-form poetry.
Join us March 21, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and contribute […]
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 […]
Whispers of the Garden: Finding Inspiration to Let Your Writing Bloom Surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Shinzen Garden, this writing workshop invites participants to slow down, observe, and reconnect with their creative voice. Just as gardens grow through patience and care, meaningful writing often begins with quiet moments of reflection and inspiration. In this […]
San Diego Regional Workshop – Presented by NAJGA Join the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) for a three-day immersive learning experience celebrating the beauty, artistry, and craftsmanship of Japanese […]
Join us Saturday, April 18, 2026 for a rewarding Volunteer Day at Shinzen Garden! This hands-on event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded community members, and […]
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 […]
The Way of Matcha: The Art & Culture of Japanese Matcha Discover the beauty, tradition, and cultural significance of matcha in this immersive workshop at Shinzen Garden. Rooted in centuries of Japanese tea culture, matcha represents more than just a beverage—it is a symbol of mindfulness, harmony, respect, and tranquility. In this hands-on experience, participants […]
Capture the beauty of Shinzen Garden while learning the fundamentals of photography in this engaging Photography 101 workshop. Designed for beginners, this hands-on class will introduce you to essential camera settings, composition techniques, and how to use light to create stunning images. Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or simply want to better understand […]
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 […]
Petals to Pages: Journal & Mindful Writing Slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with your thoughts through the calming practice of mindful journaling. Set within the peaceful surroundings of Shinzen Garden, this workshop invites participants to explore writing as a tool for reflection, creativity, and personal awareness. Through guided prompts and gentle mindfulness exercises, participants […]