In the spirit of the Japanese ceremony Tōrō Nagashi, please join Shinzen Garden for our 41st annual floating lantern celebration on Saturday, August 15, 2026 Traditionally, this Japanese ceremony honors the memory of loved ones. During the festival of Obon, it is believed that ancestors come back to spend time with the living. On the […]
AUGUST 2026 BOOK SELECTION Convenience Store Woman by: Sayaka Murata The English-language debut of one of Japan's most talented contemporary writers, selling over 650,000 copies there, Convenience Store Woman is the heartwarming and surprising story of thirty-six-year-old Tokyo resident Keiko Furukura. Keiko has never fit in, neither in her family, nor in school, but […]
Join us Saturday, September 19, 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 to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help […]
Seasons of the Page: Non-Fiction Writing Every story has a season. In this engaging writing workshop at Shinzen Garden, participants will explore the art of non-fiction writing—learning how to transform personal experiences, observations, and real-life moments into compelling narratives. Inspired by the changing seasons and quiet beauty of the garden, this workshop will guide writers […]
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 […]
SEPTEMBER 2026 BOOK SELECTION A Pale View of Hills by: Kazuo Ishiguro From the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature and author of the Booker Prize–winning novel The Remains of the Day Here is the story of Etsuko, a Japanese woman now living alone in England, dwelling on the recent suicide of her […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Moments Between Leaves: Writing Small, Powerful Pieces Sometimes the most meaningful writing comes in small moments. In this reflective workshop at Shinzen Garden, participants will explore how brief pieces of writing—short reflections, micro-essays, poetic prose, and snapshots of experience—can capture powerful ideas and emotions in just a few carefully chosen words. Inspired by the quiet […]
Intro to Birding Discover the Birds of Shinzen Garden Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Have you ever wondered about the birds you see and hear around you? Join us for Introduction to Birding, a beginner-friendly workshop that will open your eyes to the fascinating world of birds and the joy […]
Join us Saturday, October 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 to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help […]
Kintsugi: The Art of Golden Repair Pottery Workshop Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Discover the beauty of imperfection through Kintsugi, the centuries-old Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. Rather than hiding cracks and flaws, Kintsugi embraces them, transforming damaged objects into something even more beautiful by highlighting their history and […]
Perspectives: Seeing the Garden Through a New Lens Photography Workshop Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Every photograph tells a story, and the way we choose to frame a scene can transform an ordinary image into something extraordinary. Join us for Perspectives, a photography workshop designed to help photographers of all […]
OCTOBER 2026 BOOK SELECTION Kokoro by: Natsume Soseki No collection of Japanese literature is complete without Natsume Soseki's Kokoro, his most famous novel and the last he completed before […]
Experience the beauty, mindfulness, and tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony at Shinzen Friendship Garden. Guests are invited to observe a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and learn about the customs, movements, and meaning behind this centuries-old practice. During the demonstration, you’ll discover how each thoughtful gesture—from the preparation of the tea to the placement of […]
An Intimate Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience Limited to 8 Guests Experience the Japanese tea ceremony in a uniquely personal and immersive setting at Shinzen Friendship Garden. Unlike our traditional tea ceremony demonstrations, where guests observe the ceremony, this exclusive experience invites you to participate fully in the ritual and traditions of Japanese tea. With only […]
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 […]
Blooms & Tea Floral Arranging Workshop Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Celebrate the beauty of autumn at Shinzen Garden with Blooms & Tea, a relaxing and creative workshop that combines the art of floral design with the timeless tradition of tea. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Garden, participants […]
Experience the beauty of art and nature intertwined at Art in the Garden, a unique strolling art show set in the serene surroundings of Shinzen Garden. Local artists will showcase […]
Pruning Japanese Maples Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Discover the art and science of pruning Japanese maples in this hands-on workshop led by Steve DaSilva, […]
Portrait & Family Photography Photography Workshop Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Learn how to create beautiful, authentic portraits in one of Fresno's most picturesque settings. […]
The Art of the Kimono Exploring Japan's Most Iconic Garment Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Step into the rich world of Japanese culture and tradition […]
Join us Saturday, November 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 to the care and maintenance of this beautiful space. Volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, and other seasonal projects that help […]