On an upcoming Sunday morning in Pasadena, the gentle sound of a bamboo ladle (chashaku) stirring matcha (finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves) in a lacquered bowl (chawan) marks the start of a centuries-old tradition. This year, the 6th Annual Pasadena Festival of Tea invites visitors to experience a meticulously curated celebration of tea culture, held at the historic Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden on April 6. From the precise, meditative movements of a Japanese tea ceremony to the aromatic depth of Chinese and Korean brews, the event promises a sensory journey through East Asia’s most cherished beverage.
An Immersion in Tradition
Tea has long been more than just a drink—it is an art form, a spiritual practice, and a reflection of history. This year’s festival highlights the nuanced tea traditions of Japan, China, and Korea, each with its own philosophy. Mikko Nakatomi, a noted tea practitioner, will guide visitors through the formalized Japanese Chadō, or “Way of Tea,” at the Niko-an Teahouse, demonstrating the harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility that define the ritual. The festival will also introduce guests to different tea preparation techniques, including the Gongfu Cha from China, which emphasizes precision and the relationship between tea and nature, and Darye, Korea’s traditional tea ceremony focused on relaxation and natural simplicity.
The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden, originally designed between 1935 and 1940 by renowned Japanese landscape designer Kinzuchi Fujii, provides an authentic backdrop for the festival. As one of the few intact pre-World War II Japanese gardens in Southern California, its winding pathways, koi ponds, and historic teahouse serve as an ideal setting for this immersive cultural experience.
A Meeting of Craft and Taste
The festival extends beyond the tea itself, offering a marketplace that showcases artisan craftsmanship. Julie Bagish, a ceramic artist, will present a collection of handcrafted tea wares, blending functionality with aesthetic tradition. The festival’s Takara-ten Gift Shop will feature vintage Japanese collectibles, including kimonos, baskets, and intricate tea sets, allowing visitors to bring a piece of history home.
Adding to the experience, the Matcha Café, hosted by Shingo Murayama of TTT, will serve ceremonial-grade matcha, offering an educational glimpse into its preparation and its well-documented health benefits. Studies from institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and tea culture experts confirm that traditional tea practices contribute to relaxation, improved metabolism, and heart health, reinforcing tea’s historical connection to wellness.
A Cultural Nexus in Pasadena
Pasadena has played a significant role in preserving and celebrating Asian cultural heritage. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden itself is a landmark of pre-World War II Japanese-American history, maintaining its status as a space for education and appreciation of traditional aesthetics. The Pasadena Festival of Tea adds to this cultural legacy by providing a venue for artisans, tea practitioners, and enthusiasts to gather in support of sustainable and ethically sourced tea practices.
As visitors sip, learn, and engage with tea artisans, the festival serves as both a celebration and an education—a moment to pause and appreciate the quiet elegance of tea culture.
270 Arlington Drive, Pasadena, CA 91105. Phone: (626) 399-1721. Website: www.japanesegardenpasadena.com
Event date: Sunday, April 6, 2025. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tickets: Visit website for pricing and registration details.
