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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Join us Saturday, May 16, 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 […]
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, […]
Join us Saturday, June 20, 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Join us Saturday, July 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]