Experience a formal "thick tea" ceremony conducted in the tea house.  This demonstration is led by practitioners from the Omotesenke Tea School visiting from the Princeton and New York regions.

Please note that Koicha (thick tea) has a smooth, thicker and more intense flavor than Usucha (thin tea) using a double amount of tea powder with less water.

Space is limited - only 4 guests may attend.  This demonstration takes place in the tea house, and guests will be required to sit on the floor for the duration of the program. Guests are asked, but not required, to wear plain white socks. 

Members must sign in to receive a $5 discount during checkout.

Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Shofuso! Members of Urasenke Philadelphia will demonstrate a tea ceremony, and then provide guests with a bowl of matcha (green tea) and a wagashi (Japanese traditional seasonal sweet.) 

Be prepared to sit on the floor for the duration of the program. Limited chairs are available. Capacity is limited to 25 people per session. Members must sign in to receive a $5 discount during checkout.

Refund Policy: Refunds will not be given for cancellations less than 1 week from the event. Please email info@japanphilly.org with any questions.

Members Only Admission and Programs are exclusive benefits for Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia Members! On the first weekend of the month May through October we offer access to Shofuso from 5 PM - 7 PM.

Not a member? Join now to register and attend Members Only Admission or Programs!

The Philadelphia Obon Festival continues a new Shofuso tradition, to light lanterns and float them on Shofuso’s pond. This night of remembrance and commemoration is dedicated to those no longer with us. Each registered participant will be able to choose if they would like to launch floating lanterns on Shofuso’s pond or simply observe the serenity of the experience. The ceremony will take place from 7:30pm-9:30pm, but guests are not required to arrive right at the start of the program.

Obon is a series of Summer events in Japan based on Buddhist and ancestral worship that enshrine and celebrate the spirits of ancestors. Typically, people return to their hometowns to celebrate Obon each year. Families gather, clean their graveyard and the shrine in their house, and light lanterns to welcome the spirits home. After the spirits spend a few days with family, the Bon-Odori dancers form a circle under the lanterns to guide the spirits back to the otherworld.

Please Note: In the case of rain or other inclement weather, a rain date has been chosen for each lantern floating ceremony. August 9th will be pushed back to August 10th and August 16th will be pushed back to August 17th (Still from 7:30pm-9:30pm). This will be decided at least 12 hours in advance.

How to Purchase Tickets

Click on 'other dates' and 'other times' and find a time and day you would like to come. Type in the desired amount next to the tickets you would like to buy and click on 'add to cart'. Fill in your personal information and click on 'check out' to complete your purchase. You will receive an email with "Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia - eTickets" as the subject line: click the link in this email to access the barcode tickets and have them ready to scan at the admission window.

OPENING HOURS: Shofuso is open rain or shine Tuesday through Sunday, 11am to 5pm from the end of March to the end of October, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm from November through mid December.

Read Carefully:

• Tickets can be purchased online up to four weeks in advance. Depending on availability, timed tickets are also available for in-person purchase at Shofuso.
• General admission tickets allow entrance to Shofuso on the selected date at the selected time. We ask all visitors to please arrive within 15 minutes after the start time on their tickets. Late arrivals may be switched to the following available time slot or refused entry, depending on capacity.
• ALL TICKETS ARE FINAL AND NON REFUNDABLE.
• Photoshoots are not permitted during regular open hours.
• Please be sure not to leave any valuables in your car due to a recent spate of break-ins in Fairmount Park targeting cars with clearly visible bags and laptops. Before visiting, double-check that to see that you have your wallet, camera and other personal items. We are not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or contents.
• Guest passes require a free reservation and must be presented upon arrival. Please select “Promotional Ticket” at checkout if you have one.
• JASGP Members enjoy free, priority access to Shofuso and can come in anytime we are open without a reservation. 

Join us for Shichi-Go-San!!

PLEASE READ:

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your start time.
• If you are bringing your own kimono, please be sure that you have ALL pieces of the kimono with you
• Only purchase tickets for children dressing in kimono and getting their photos taken
• Note that Shichi-Go-San is for 3 and 7 year old girls and 5 year old boys. We cannot accommodate any children over 7 years old.
• For sibling packages (multiple children) and hair & makeup packages please contact us directly at info@japanphilly.org to learn more about pricing

If you have any questions, please email info@japanphilly.org.

Registration deadline is 10 days prior to the photoshoot date.

No refunds will be processed for cancellations less than 14 days prior to the photoshoot

Experience a traditional tea ceremony demonstration at Shofuso.  This demonstration is led by practitioners from Omotesenke Domonkai Eastern Region, USA visiting from the Princeton and New York regions.

Please note that this demonstration will involve the standard Usucha thin tea.

Be prepared to sit on the floor for the duration of the demonstration. Limited chairs are available.

Members must sign in to receive a $5 discount during checkout.