The Garden as a Story: Writing with Nature’s Wisdom This workshop will explore storytelling techniques by drawing parallels between the elements of a Japanese garden—stones, water, trees, and pathways—and narrative structures. Attendees will create nature-inspired stories that weave together history, environment, and personal insight. Meet Our Garden Writing Coach - Jackie Heffron Williams is an […]
THIS IS A VIRTUAL EVENT Take part in a free virtual conversation with Kiku Hughes, author of Displacement. Get an insight on the historical and personal impact that the WWII Japanese American incarceration camps have had, and the intergenerational issues they’ve left behind. Saturday, May 17, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm PT REGISTER HERE […]
Discover the traditional technique of Matsu no Mekaki (pine tree decandling) in this hands-on workshop led by Certified Aesthetic Pruner, Steve DaSilva. This workshop is designed to help you refine and shape pines for health and beauty. Decandling, or selectively removing spring candles, is a crucial practice for controlling growth, encouraging back budding, and achieving […]
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, June 8, 2025. This unique cultural experience offers guests an opportunity to witness the graceful art of tea preparation and savor matcha in a serene setting. Join […]
Join us for a free docent-led tour on select weekends, 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 […]
Join us June 21, 2025 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 preserve […]
Seasons of Stories is a new book club at Shinzen Garden that invites readers to gather in the natural setting of the garden to explore literature inspired by Japanese culture and explore books from Japanese American authors. We will be diving into a thoughtfully selected book each month and enjoy meaningful conversations surrounded by […]
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. Included with paid Garden […]
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 their work throughout the garden, creating a peaceful and inspiring outdoor gallery for the community to explore. As you stroll through the pathways, enjoy a […]
Creative Writing Workshop Whispers of the Bamboo: Reflective Writing Workshop This creative writing workshop will focus on journaling, memoir writing and mindfulness-based storytelling. Participants will engage in guided reflections and writing exercises to deepen their connection with nature and their personal experiences. $25 for members | $45 for non-members Suitable for ages 12+
VOLUNTEER SATURDAY ON JULY 19, 2025 HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO HEAT Join us July 19, 2025 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 […]
JULY BOOK SELECTION Facing the Mountain: An inspiring Story of Japanese American Patriots in World War II By Daniel James Brown In the days and months after Pearl Harbor, the lives of Japanese Americans across the continent and Hawaii were changed forever. In this unforgettable chronicle of war-time America and the battlefields of Europe, Daniel […]
Join us at Shinzen Garden for the 80th Commemoration Ceremony of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings—a solemn tribute to peace, remembrance, and resilience. Through reflection, music, and community, we honor the lives lost and renew our commitment to a more compassionate world. All are welcome to share in this moment of unity and hope.
Garden Tour on Saturday, August 16 at 10:30 am. The tour is included with paid garden admission ($5 per adult | $1 per child/senior)
Garden Tour on Saturday, August 16 at 5:30 pm. The tour is included with paid garden admission ($5 per adult | $1 per child/senior)
In the spirit of the Japanese ceremony Tōrō Nagashi, please join Shinzen Garden for our 40th annual floating lantern celebration on Saturday, August 16, 2025. 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 2025 BOOK SELECTION Before the Coffee Gets Cold by: Tashikazu Kawaguchi In a small back alley of Tokyo, there is a café that has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. Local legend says that this shop offers something else besides coffee--the chance to travel back in time. Over the […]
Join us September 20, 2025 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 preserve […]
SEPTEMBER 2025 BOOK SELECTION The Miracles of the Namiya General Store by: Keigo Higashino From exactly midnight until daybreak, the Namiya General Store advice box will be reopening for one night only. When three delinquents hole up in an abandoned general store after their most recent robbery, to their great surprise, a letter drops through […]
Fresno Koi Show hosted by the Central California Koi Society September 27 & 28, 2025 inside the Woodward Park Group Activities Area The Fresno Koi Show is one of the longest-running events of its kind in the Nation. Local and out-of-area hobbyists and enthusiasts exhibit their prized koi fish and share their passion and knowledge […]
Dive into the graceful beauty of koi fish with Flowering Fins: Painting Koi in Watercolor, an inspiring watercolor workshop as we explore the graceful beauty of koi fish! In this two-hour class, you’ll explore the fluid nature of watercolor as you bring these graceful fish to life. Led by talented local artist Noelle Correia, this […]
As the seasons change, so do the needs of your pine trees. Join us for Akifuku Sentei (秋ふく剪定), a specialized workshop on the fall thinning of pines, where you'll learn how to selectively remove needles and small branches to improve airflow, reduce disease risk, and enhance branch structure for future growth.
Discover the art of capturing breathtaking garden landscapes in our Garden Views: Landscape Photography workshop. Perfect for beginners to seasoned pros, this hands-on class at Shinzen Garden will focus on capturing the expansive beauty of garden landscapes, pathways, bridges, and architectural elements. Led by the pros at Horn Photo, you'll learn wide-angle composition, how to […]
Open to writers of all levels, this workshop will encourage creative expression through short stories, personal essays, and poetic musings. Using Shinzen Garden’s natural beauty as inspiration, participants will develop their voices and craft compelling narratives.
Join us October 18, 2025 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 preserve […]