The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden, known for its tranquil beauty and serene ambiance, is bringing back the much-awaited Pasadena Festival of Tea after a long hiatus. The fourth annual celebration promises to be an exquisite event that will delight tea and garden lovers alike, just in time for Mother’s Day!
To be held on Sunday, May 14th, at the garden’s traditional Japanese teahouse and Arlington Drive location, the three-session festival will feature six local tea vendors representing Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and contemporary fermented and herbal tea traditions. Guests will receive a custom-made tasting cup at check-in, and the tea specialists will offer samplings of their teas, along with expert knowledge and advice.
For the young ones, additional cups can be purchased for just $2 each. And for those looking for an extra-special experience, a limited number of guests can enjoy the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstrations held in the garden’s Niko-an Teahouse. Tea practitioner Mikko Nakatomi will serve guests Japanese tea and sweets while sharing information about the history and traditions behind the tea ceremony.
The festival will also feature ceramic artist Julie Bagish and her Japanese-style tea ceremony wares, and the garden’s gift shop, Takara-ten, will be open with an array of antique and vintage items, including a special sale of vintage kimonos.
Admission is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can attend for free. Registration is required for admission and special programs.
Make sure to register for this unique and unforgettable event, which promises to be a beautiful way to celebrate Mother’s Day. There are three sessions available at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. And for those attending the Tea Ceremony Demonstrations, sessions will be held at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Located at 355 W. State St., there’s free parking available at the corner of S. Orange Grove Dr. and W. State Street, and it’s just a short walk north on Orange Grove to the garden on Arlington Drive. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the magic of the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden and the Pasadena Festival of Tea this Mother’s Day!
