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Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

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Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
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 Official Site

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden (松風荘, "Pine Breeze Villa") is an authentic Japanese house and garden located in 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.[1]

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

History

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Original Construction

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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

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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

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1958: Moved to Fairmount Park:

  • Reassembled on current site
  • Garden designed by Japanese craftsmen
  • Ongoing restoration and enhancement
  • Major renovation in 2007

The Murals

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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

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The House

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Traditional Japanese architecture:

  • Post-and-beam construction
  • Tatami mat rooms
  • Shoji screens
  • Tokonoma alcove
  • Engawa veranda

The Garden

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Japanese landscape design:

  • Koi pond (heart-shaped)
  • Stone lanterns
  • Viewing stones
  • Carefully pruned plants
  • Winding paths

Cherry Blossoms

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Sakura viewing:

  • Multiple cherry trees
  • Spring bloom celebration
  • Hanami (flower viewing) events
  • Peak typically early-to-mid April

Tea Garden

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

Visiting

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Hours

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  • 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

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

Getting There

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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

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  • 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

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Events

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

Education

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

Nearby

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See Also

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References

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  1. ↑ "Shofuso Japanese House and Garden". Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025
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