Special Group Tours Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is a replica of a 17th century upper-class residential house. Shofuso contains all the elements of a traditional house, regardless of economic status: tatami mats, shoji screens, and hibachi heaters. New in 2007 are 20 murals created by the revered contemporary Japanese artist, Hiroshi Senju. These murals appear on the fusuma (interior sliding doors) throughout the house and the tokonoma wall. In front of the house is a garden with many traditional Japanese plants and koi fish. There is also an excellent example of a teahouse where a tea master would perform the tea ceremony.The Journal of Japanese Gardens ranked Shofuso as the third most impressive Japanese garden in the US. The garden that surrounds the 16th century residential house actually consists of three garden: the main viewing garden, the tea garden that surrounds the tea house and courtyard garden between the main house and the bathhouse. Learn about individual plants used in the garden and the principals that determine their placement in the garden. Groups will also have an opportunity to taste a bowl of traditional Japanese matcha on the veranda. Matcha or green tea in powered form is served to guests during a tea ceremony. A seasonal sweet is also served to balance the taste of the tea. To make your visit to the Japanese House and Garden more enjoyable, please take note of the following: - In keeping with Japanese custom, visitors must remove their shoes before entering the House and leave the shoes at the entrance. Shoes must not be worn on the veranda. All members of your group must wear or bring socks. Bare feet are not permitted. However, shoes must be worn in the garden. - The site is not wheelchair accessible. Canes, crutches and walkers must have rubber tips to protect the floor and the dirt removed before entering. - Late arrival will be permitted only if the schedule allows. If you know your group will be late, please call and inform the staff as soon as possible and every effort will be made to accommodate late arrivals. Please note the next scheduled tour will be given priority. - There are no restrooms at the site. A portable toilet is located in the parking lot and a public restroom is available at the Horticulture Center. - Groups will be able to visit our gift shop, which includes many unique Japanese items including chopsticks, origami paper, books and toys.  TIME The Japanese House and Garden is open for group tours April 1 through October 31, 2008 Tuesday - Friday 10 am to 3 pm and Saturday - Sunday 11 am - 4 pm. It is possible to make special arrangements for tours on Monday. Allow 30 minutes to an hour and half for this tour, depending on the package.CAPACITY A docent of the house can accommodate groups of up to 30 people. Tours of the garden can accommodate 10 people at a time. See below for specific package combinations allowances. The Japanese House and Garden is a fragile artifact and the FJHG are committed to its preservation. We appreciate your understanding in this regard. FEES Fees are $3.00 per person per tour. Additional $3 is charged for tea tasting on the veranda. The group admission fee is due 30 days prior to your tour. If you are making tour arrangements less than 30 days in advance, admission fees should be paid at the time of the reservation. A non-refundable $15.00 processing fee is required to reserve your tour and should accompany your registration form (see below). This fee is separate from the admission charge. The processing fee is due 7 days after calling to book your reservation. It may be paid by check or credit card. Please make checks payable to Friends of the Japanese House and Garden. REFUND Refunds of 50% will be made for tours that cancel with at least one-week advance notice. Tours may be rescheduled based on availability. PICNIC GROVE Groups may use the picnic grove adjacent to the Japanese House and Garden to eat their sack lunch brought from home.. HORTICULTURE CENTER The Horticulture Center of Fairmount Park is located in the vicinity of the Japanese House. Tours of the Horticulture Center may be made by calling 215-685-0096. Tours must be arranged in advance. |
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