JAPANESE GARDEN

in the Washington Park Arboretum

Tea Events

Shoseian Teahouse

Chado, the Way of Tea

Summer 2009, Washington Park Arboretum Japanese Garden, Arbor of the Murmuring Pines Teahouse

Experience the Japanese culture of tea in the tranquil setting of the Shoseian teahouse. Chado is a gift of hospitality that, through the medium of powdered green tea, offers sanctuary for the spirit in which to experience renewal. Transmitted since the 17th century by the Urasenke Konnichian of Kyoto, Japan, Chado weaves together aesthetic, social and spiritual aspects of Japanese culture.

How To Take Part

Observe a demonstration for free, participate in a tea gathering by purchasing a tea ticket or attend a special seasonal event (prices vary). For participants, business attire or kimono is customary (kindly avoid jeans, bare feet, perfume and rings) and reservations are recommended. Presentations last approximately 40 minutes.

Dates and Times

June 2009
Observe a free Tea Demonstration (from the patio) presented by Shoseikai 'Friends of the Teahouse', on Saturday, June 27, at 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Optional tea-tasting tickets are $10, plus admission to the Japanese Garden.

Participate in a Tea Gathering (inside the teahouse) presented by Urasenke Foundation Seattle Branch on Wednesday, June 17, 24 at 2 p.m.; Thursday, June 18, 25 at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, June 7, 14, 21, at 1p.m., 2p.m., 3p.m. Tickets: $10, plus admission to the Japanese Garden.

July 2009
Participate in a Tea Gathering (inside the teahouse) presented by Urasenke Foundation Seattle Branch on Sunday, July 12, 19, 26 at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.; Wednesday, July 8, 15, 22, 29 at 2 p.m.; and Thursday, July 9, 16, 23, 30 at 2p.m. Tickets: $10, plus admission to the Japanese Garden.

TANABATA CHAKAI: Star Festival Tea Gathering Celebrate the star festival with a Tea Gathering presented by Shoseikai 'Friends of the Teahouse', on Sunday, July 5, at 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Tickets: $10, plus admission to the Japanese Garden.

August 2009
Observe a free Tea Demonstration (from the patio) presented by Shoseikai 'Friends of the Teahouse', on Saturday, August 22, at 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Optional tea-tasting tickets are $10, plus admission to the Japanese Garden.

Participate in a Tea Gathering (inside the teahouse) presented by Urasenke Foundation Seattle Branch on Sunday, August 16, 23 at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.; Wednesday, August 5, 12, 19, 26 at 2 p.m; and Thursday, August 6, 13, 20, 27 at 2p.m. Tickets: $10, plus admission to the Seattle Japanese Garden.

TSUKIMI CHAKAI: Moon Viewing Tea Gathering Celebrate the full moon with a Tea Gathering presented by Urasenke Foundation on Saturday, August 1 at 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:30 pm. Tickets: $20, plus admission to the Japanese Garden Moon Viewing Event. (Ticket sales for both teas and event admission will be available through Brown Paper Tickets --- to be announced).

MUGENKI NO SHIKI: Offertory Tea In remembrance of the 14th grand master of the Urasenke Tea tradition presented by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association, on Sunday, August 30, at 1 pm and 2 pm. Tickets: $10, plus admission to the Japanese Garden.

Tickets and Reservations

$10 per person. Tickets and reservations are available at the Japanese Garden or by calling (206) 684-4725. We recommend advance purchase.

For a complete listing of Chado demonstrations please visit the Urasenke Foundation Seattle Branch web site, www.urasenkeseattle.org.

Sponsored by the Urasenke Foundation Seattle Branch in cooperation with Seattle Parks and Recreation.