Editing Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

{{Infobox Park
| name = Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
| image =
| image_caption = Shofuso Japanese House reflected in the koi pond
| type = Japanese garden / Cultural site
| location = Fairmount Park (West)
| coordinates = 39.9790,-75.2130
| area = 1.2 acres
| established = 1958 (current house)
| operated_by = Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
| features = Historic Japanese house, tea garden, koi pond, cherry blossoms
| hours = Seasonal (April-October); check website
| transit = SEPTA bus to Belmont Mansion Drive
| website = https://japanesehouse.org
}}

'''Shofuso Japanese House and Garden''' (松風荘, "Pine Breeze Villa") is an authentic Japanese house and garden located in [[Fairmount Park|West Fairmount Park]], considered one of the finest examples of Japanese residential architecture in North America. The house was originally built for display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York before being relocated to Philadelphia in 1958.<ref name="shofuso">{{cite web |url=https://japanesehouse.org |title=Shofuso Japanese House and Garden |publisher=Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Shofuso offers a contemplative escape and authentic cultural experience within Philadelphia's largest park.

== History ==

=== Original Construction ===

The house was built in '''1953''' in Nagoya, Japan:
* Designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura
* Traditional 17th-century style
* Constructed using traditional methods
* Built for exhibition at MoMA

=== Museum of Modern Art ===

'''1954-1957:''' Displayed in MoMA's sculpture garden:
* First traditional Japanese building in US since WWII
* Critical and popular success
* Helped rebuild US-Japan cultural relations

=== Philadelphia Installation ===

'''1958:''' Moved to Fairmount Park:
* Reassembled on current site
* Garden designed by Japanese craftsmen
* Ongoing restoration and enhancement
* Major renovation in 2007

=== The Murals ===

'''Hiroshi Senju murals''' added in 2007:
* Contemporary paintings on sliding screens
* Commissioned specifically for Shofuso
* Blend traditional and modern aesthetics
* Internationally significant art installation

== Features ==

=== The House ===

'''Traditional Japanese architecture:'''
* Post-and-beam construction
* Tatami mat rooms
* Shoji screens
* Tokonoma alcove
* Engawa veranda

=== The Garden ===

'''Japanese landscape design:'''
* Koi pond (heart-shaped)
* Stone lanterns
* Viewing stones
* Carefully pruned plants
* Winding paths

=== Cherry Blossoms ===

'''Sakura viewing:'''
* Multiple cherry trees
* Spring bloom celebration
* Hanami (flower viewing) events
* Peak typically early-to-mid April

=== Tea Garden ===

* Traditional tea house
* Tea ceremony demonstrations
* Authentic tea garden design
* Seasonal programs

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Seasonal:''' April through October
* Wednesday–Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM
* Saturday–Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
* Closed Monday–Tuesday
* Check website for current schedule

=== Admission ===

* Adults: ~$12
* Seniors/Students: Reduced
* Children under 3: Free
* Check website for current pricing

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' Horticultural Drive, West Fairmount Park (near Please Touch Museum)

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Bus 38 to Belmont Mansion Drive
* Walk from Memorial Hall area

'''By Car:'''
* Parking available on Horticultural Drive
* Enter park via Belmont Avenue

=== Tips ===

* Remove shoes before entering the house
* Photography is welcome (no flash inside)
* Cherry blossom season draws crowds—arrive early
* Combine with a visit to other Fairmount Park sites
* Tea ceremonies require advance registration

== Programs ==

=== Events ===

* '''Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival''' — Spring celebration
* '''Obon Festival''' — Summer lantern event
* '''Tea ceremonies''' — Traditional demonstrations
* '''Cultural programs''' — Year-round

=== Education ===

* School field trips
* Japanese culture workshops
* Architectural tours
* Garden design programs

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' — Surrounding park
* '''[[Please Touch Museum]]''' — Adjacent (Memorial Hall)
* '''[[Smith Memorial Playground]]''' — Nearby
* '''[[Belmont Plateau]]''' — Overlook nearby
* '''[[Philadelphia Zoo]]''' — Short drive

== See Also ==

* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Morris Arboretum]]
* [[Bartram's Garden]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://japanesehouse.org Shofuso Japanese House and Garden]
* [https://myphillypark.org Fairmount Park Conservancy]

{{#seo:
|title=Shofuso Japanese House and Garden Philadelphia - Fairmount Park's Japanese Treasure
|description=Guide to Shofuso, Philadelphia's authentic Japanese house and garden in Fairmount Park. Traditional architecture, koi pond, cherry blossoms, and tea ceremonies.
|keywords=Shofuso Philadelphia, Japanese garden Philadelphia, Fairmount Park attractions, cherry blossoms Philadelphia, Japanese house Philadelphia, tea ceremony Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]
[[Category:Gardens]]
[[Category:Arts and Culture]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]