Shofuso

08/31/2026

Enjoy an intimate Otsukimi moon-viewing party at Shofuso!

Otsukimi (moon-viewing) is a Japanese holiday that celebrates the harvest moon and is usually observed in September and October. Join us after hours to watch the moon rise over Shofuso’s pond.

The evening's entertainment will include:

- Shakuhachi performance by Dr. Nora Nohraku Suggs
- Tea by Urasenke Tea School
- Dango Rolling Demonstration
- Sake Tasting

Saturday, September 26
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives
Philadelphia, PA 19131

General Admission $70 | JASGP Members $60
Entertainment and refreshments are included. Festive/cocktail attire is requested.

Register Online: https://ow.ly/cJoj50ZFnsh

08/29/2026

Can't wait for next year's Cherry Blossom Festival? Then come out to Aki Matsuri, our 2nd annual Fall Festival in Ardmore, PA!

There will be activities for all ages at the Festival:

- Taiko drumming by Casual Fifth and Kyo Daiko
- Traditional music and dancing by the Seabrook Minyo Dance Group
- Japanese Association Band and Dancers
- Keystone Japan Club Children’s Song and Dance
- Origami, mini Chochin lantern, and Uchiwa Fan “Make-and-Take” crafts
- Play Japanese games to win prizes, such as YoYo Tsuri (YoYo Balloon Fishing)
- Cosplay Fashion Show
- Karaoke
- Japanese food
- Vendors
and more!

Come out for the day and enjoy the fun of a street fair in Japan!

Saturday, September 12th
2:00 – 9:00 PM
Schauffele Plaza
Lancaster Ave &, Cricket Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003
Admission: $10, Children 12 and under Free

08/27/2026

Join us for the 15th Annual Ikebana Exhibition Opening Reception at Shofuso!

September 3rd, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Shofuso is proud to host an exhibition to honor Ikebana International Philadelphia Chapter 71 and their continued support. Members of I.I. Chapter 71 generously provide Shofuso with beautiful ikebana arrangements weekly during the season, adding beauty to our historic site.

The Ikebana arrangements are provided by practitioners of multiple schools of ikebana and presented throughout the house, garden and on the veranda. Exhibitors from Ikebana schools will speak on their arrangements and explain the meaning behind their work.

6:00 ~ 6:05 pm: Opening Remarks by Deborah Dickinson, Exhibition Chair for the Main Line Sogetsu Branch, Sogetsu Teacher Somu Level
6:05 ~ 6:10 pm: Ikenobo School Arrangements by Hazel Bliss, Ikebono Professor
6:10 ~ 6:15 pm: Ohara School Arrangements by Ann Perry, Chairperson Shofuso Exhibit
6:15 ~ 6:20 pm: Ichiyo School Arrangements by Mary Jane Risch, Ichiyo Master
6:20 ~ 6:25 pm: Sogetsu School Arrangements by Deborah Dickinson, Sogetsu Teacher
6:25 ~ 6:35 pm: Q&A

TICKETS:
General Admission $10
JASGP Members: Free
JASGP Member Guests: $5

Register Online: https://ow.ly/HB2150ZFcTC

The Exhibition will run from Friday, September 4th through Sunday, September 6th, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and is included with admission to Shofuso.
Reserve Timed Tickets: https://japanphilly.org/shofuso/visit/

08/25/2026

Explore the beautiful arts and culture of Japan this September with Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia! Visit our website https://ow.ly/UFRE50ZEYXs to purchase tickets and learn more about these and other programs offered by JASGP.

EVENTS CALENDAR

September 3-6
15th ANNUAL IKEBANA EXHIBITION AT SHOFUSO
Honoring Ikebana International Philadelphia Chapter 71 , who generously provide Shofuso with beautiful ikebana arrangements every week during the season, adding beauty to our historic site.
--Opening Reception Thursday, Sept. 3rd from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Tickets and Info: https://ow.ly/GZKT50ZEYX1
--Exhibition Friday -Sunday, Sept. 4th-6th, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Included with Admission to Shofuso: https://ow.ly/vZt550ZFbKq

September 12
AKI MATSURI FALL FESTIVAL at Schauffele Plaze in Ardmore, PA
Enjoy all the fun of a Japanese Street Fair with traditional music, dancing, games, crafts, food and more.
-- Saturday Sept. 12th, 2:00 - 9:00 PM
Tickets $10, children 12 and under free. More info at https://ow.ly/FlCc50ZEYX2

September 13
JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY BY URASENKE PHILADELPHIA TEA SCHOOL
Experience a traditional tea ceremony in the tea house at the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center.
-- Sunday, Sept. 13, demos at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM
Tickets and info: https://ow.ly/pHvc50ZEYXv

September 26th
OTSUKIMI MOON VIEWING PARTY AT SHOFUSO
Otsukimi is a Japanese holiday that celebrates the harvest moon. Join us after hours to watch the moon rise over Shofuso’s pond.
--Saturday, Sept. 26, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tickets and info: https://ow.ly/ois950ZEYXw

We hope you see you next month!

08/17/2026

The Philly Japanese Conversation Club at Shofuso is a free monthly program for Japanese and English speakers of all levels to practice their language skills, share language resources, learning methods, and practice reading and typing Japanese together. It is a safe space for people to make connections within the community. Members are encouraged to share links to resources and pose questions to other members of the group.

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
West Fairmount Park
Horticultural and Lansdowne Drives, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Participation is Free, but Registration is Required
https://ow.ly/aVyQ50ZAumy

08/07/2026

Just a reminder, the Japanese Yoshuku Calligraphy Workshop is next Wednesday at Shofuso!

In this hands-on workshop you will create the character Hasu (Lotus) and learn about it's connection to the Obon holiday.

The workshop will include:
- Introduction to Azumi’s new book, “YOSHUKU: The Japanese Art of Manifesting”
- Discussion of a chapter relevant to Obon
- Azumi will lead a short, guided meditation
- Calligraphy session (materials will be provided)

Wednesday, August 12
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Tickets: $75 - includes a copy of Azumi's new book, "YOSHUKU: The Japanese Art of Manifesting".
(JASGP Members must login first to receive a $10 discount)
https://ow.ly/xy0m50ZtS5b

Reserve your place today for this unique event!

Wednesday, August 12 5:30 – 7:30 PM Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives, Philadelphia, PA 19131 | Directions Tickets: $75 – Includes a copy of Azumi& #82…

08/06/2026

PLEASE NOTE: The Saturday, August 8th Mukaebi Obon Lantern Floating Ceremony at Shofuso has been moved to Sunday, August 9th due to rain in the forecast. The time and schedule for the event will be the same, from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. Anyone who has already purchased tickets will be contacted with more information.

Okuribi Lantern Floating Ceremony is still scheduled for Saturday, August 15th and there are still tickets available. Please visit our website for more information. https://ow.ly/hPAn50Zx74L

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you for these beautiful nights of remembrance at Shofuso.

07/29/2026

There are only 2 weeks until the Japanese Yoshuku Calligraphy Workshop at Shofuso with Azumi Uchitani! In this hands-on workshop you will create the character Hasu (Lotus) and learn about it's connection to the Obon holiday.

The workshop will include:
- Introduction to Azumi’s new book, “YOSHUKU: The Japanese Art of Manifesting”
- Discussion of a chapter relevant to Obon
- Azumi will lead a short, guided meditation
- Calligraphy session (materials will be provided)

Wednesday, August 12
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
Lansdowne and Horticultural Drives, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Tickets: $75 - includes a copy of Azumi's new book, "YOSHUKU: The Japanese Art of Manifesting".
(JASGP Members must login first to receive a $5 discount)
https://ow.ly/xy0m50ZtS5b

Space is limited - Reserve your place today for this unique event!

07/24/2026

Thank you to Hiromi Senju and Kyoko for visiting Shofuso and sharing their knowledge about the care and preservation of Hiroshi Senju’s fusuma paintings.

During the visit, Kyoko demonstrated the proper method for carefully cleaning and maintaining the painted surfaces. We look forward to welcoming them back later this year as we continue working together to preserve Hiroshi Senju’s artwork and Shofuso for future generations.

Photo L-R: Kyoko, Hiromi Senju, Candice Graham (Shofuso Site Manager), Mirai Yasuyama (JASGP Board Member and Shofusu Heritage Campaign Committee Co-Chair), Alexander Polyakov (Garden Curator and Preservation Director)