Three magic events at the Kurimoto Japanese Garden located at the Devonian Botanic Garden on May 3!
1. Japanese Children’s Day
Time: 11AM – 3PM
In Japan, children have their own national holiday in early May – Kodomo No Hi, or Children’s Day. Families fly colourful carp-shaped streamers (koinobori), display special dolls and ornaments and celebrate children on this festive day. Come see giant koinobori flying in the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, make your own carp streamer and other Japanese crafts to take home with you, and listen to Japanese folktales. Enjoy the early spring Garden and be sure to visit the butterflies in our Tropical Showhouse.
Other activities include traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and guided walking tours of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden.
Children’s Day activities are included with general admission. Extra charge for Tea Ceremonies.
Free admission for Garden Seasons Pass holders and Friends of the Garden members.
2. Japanese Tea Ceremony
Experience Japanese culture in a unique setting. Traditional tea offerings are hosted at the Ozawa Pavilion, an authentic Japanese Tea House set in the tranquil Kurimoto Japanese Garden. Japanese sweets and tea are provided to guests, as well as an explanation of the tearoom and tea ceremony.
The tea ceremony is presented by the Matsukaze Chanoyu Association (Wind in the Pines Tea Association), a group of volunteers dedicated to preserving the tradition of the Japanese tea offering. Tickets are $7.50 for a seated indoor tea ceremony, and are paid directly to the volunteer group (cash only). The ticket price helps to offset the cost of imported tea and sweets.
Free guided tours of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden will also be offered at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm – a wonderful opportunity to learn about the fascinating history and symbolism behind this special garden.
Sitting times for May 3, 2015:
10:30 am – Ro Ceremony (performed in small tea room) Max. 5 participants
11:15 am – Ro Ceremony Max. 5 participants
12:45 pm – Furo Ceremony (performed in the large tatami room, with most guests seated on chairs in the adjoining vestibule). Max. 15 participants
1:30 pm – Furo Ceremony Max. 15 participants
2:15 pm – Furo Ceremony Max. 15 participants
Order tea ceremony tickets online through the Matsukaze Chonoyu Association’s website.
Regular admission rates apply. Friends of the Garden and Season Pass holders get free admission to the Garden.
$7.50 charge for tea ceremony tickets, payable to Matsukaze Chonoyu Association.