Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Historic Japanese Garden Venue in Pasadena
Founded in the 1930s as a private estate garden, our historic Japanese garden has been meticulously restored to serve as a shared cultural and community space. Designed by master landscape architect Kinzuchi Fujii, the garden features a 25-foot waterfall, an authentic teahouse, and rare examples of pre-WWII Japanese garden design in America. Under the guidance of Dr. Takeo Uesugi, we completed a six-year restoration from 2007-2013, preserving the garden's original architectural plans and historic integrity. Our mission focuses on cultural preservation, offering tranquil respite while maintaining sustainable practices that honor the garden's legacy. We provide unique event hosting opportunities, educational programs, and public access to this significant cultural landmark.Our team combines decades of expertise in landscape architecture, cultural preservation, and event management to ensure exceptional visitor experiences. The garden stands as the only intact example of Fujii's work and one of the few remaining pre-war Japanese-style gardens in the United States. We maintain strict adherence to preservation standards while making this historic space accessible to diverse audiences through carefully managed public programming. Our commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous press features and community partnerships that continue to expand our impact.
Services
Event Venue Rental
Photography Sessions
Filming Locations
Garden Tours
Cultural Events
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We offer exclusive access to the only intact pre-WWII Japanese garden by Kinzuchi Fujii in the US
- Our team includes experts in Japanese garden restoration and cultural preservation
- We provide unique event spaces with historic authenticity and natural beauty
- Our garden has been featured in major publications including the Los Angeles Times
- We maintain strict preservation standards while offering public access and educational programs
What people say
Stunning setting
Beautiful wedding location
Outstanding service
Peaceful and calming
Entrancing teahouse
Services
Event Venue Rental
Host intimate gatherings in our historic Japanese garden setting. Our venue accommodates up to 120 seated guests or 150 for standing events. The unique space features authentic Japanese architecture, serene water features, and mature shade trees that create a magical atmosphere for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. The garden's natural beauty provides a perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories.
Photography Sessions
Capture unforgettable moments in our meticulously maintained Japanese garden. The property offers diverse photographic opportunities including the Niko-an teahouse, cascading waterfall, koi ponds, and traditional bridges. Professional photographers and filmmakers can reserve the space for portrait sessions, engagement photos, wedding photography, and commercial shoots. The garden's authentic design elements provide a unique visual experience for all types of photography projects.
Garden Tours
Experience the history and beauty of our Japanese garden through guided tours. Visitors explore the original 1930s design elements including the dry riverbed, granite statuary, and the reconstructed teahouse. Learn about Kinzuchi Fujii's landscape architecture techniques and the garden's cultural significance. Tours highlight the restoration process and provide insights into Japanese garden design principles while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of this historic site.
Cultural Events
Participate in traditional Japanese cultural experiences within our authentic garden setting. The venue hosts tea ceremonies in the Niko-an teahouse, cultural workshops, and educational programs that celebrate Japanese heritage. These events provide opportunities to engage with Japanese traditions while enjoying the garden's serene environment. The space serves as a living cultural center that fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Historic Preservation
Maintain and protect one of America's most significant Japanese gardens through our preservation programs. The garden represents a unique example of pre-WWII Japanese-American cultural exchange and architectural achievement. Our conservation efforts focus on sustaining the original design elements while implementing modern preservation techniques. This ongoing work ensures the garden remains an authentic representation of Japanese landscape architecture for future generations to experience and study.
People
Jim Haddad
Chair
Dedicated steward of the garden, Jim Haddad leads preservation efforts while maintaining the garden's historical integrity. He works closely with landscape experts to ensure authentic restoration practices and oversees strategic planning for the garden's future.
Connie Haddad
Board Member
Actively involved in garden preservation, Connie Haddad contributes to community engagement initiatives and cultural programming. She plays a key role in maintaining the garden's connection to local and international Japanese cultural organizations.
Dr. Takeo Uesugi
Landscape Architect
Renowned landscape architect who led the garden's six-year restoration. Professor emeritus at Cal Poly Pomona, Dr. Uesugi ensured faithful adherence to original design principles while implementing modern preservation techniques during the garden's revitalization.
Deanie
Manager
Event coordinator and visitor liaison, Deanie manages day-to-day operations and guest experiences. She ensures seamless event execution while maintaining the garden's tranquil atmosphere, earning consistent praise for her warm, professional service.
Keiji Uesugi
Advisory Council
Landscape architect and member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Keiji Uesugi provides expert guidance on garden maintenance and preservation. His professional expertise contributes to maintaining the highest standards of Japanese garden design authenticity.
Questions
What are the garden's regular visiting hours?
The garden is open Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoons. Check our Events at a Glance page for specific times and seasonal variations.
How can I book a wedding or private event?
Contact us through our Contact Page to request a Property Use Permit. Our team will guide you through availability, requirements, and the booking process for your special event.
What makes this garden historically significant?
It's the only intact example of Kinzuchi Fujii's pre-WWII Japanese garden design in the US, representing important cultural exchange and landscape architecture history from the 1930s.
Can I take professional photographs at the garden?
Yes, we offer photography session rentals. Submit a request through our Contact Page to schedule your photo shoot in this unique historic setting.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes, we offer guided tours that explore the garden's history, design elements, and cultural significance. Contact us for group tour availability and special programs.
What sustainability practices do you implement?
Our preservation approach combines traditional Japanese garden techniques with modern sustainable practices to maintain ecological balance while protecting this historic landscape for future generations.
Reviews (5)
James Z.
Dec 28, 2021
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A small garden, not well maintained, pond is dirty. I have been to many japanese gardens and this is definitely not worth the $12 admission fee.
Jeffrey Kayne
Dec 02, 2021
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This place is a great find. The garden is so tranquil and relaxing. The tea house is amazing and authentic. There is so much history surrounding this unique Japanese Garden. Great for families to visit. A nice spot to simply relax and enjoy nature.
Gary Standke
Nov 16, 2021
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Once the backyard of a residential home now a large garden. Fine variety of plants with many places to sit and admire. A couple of ponds with Koi. Quite overgrown in areas. There are restrooms.
Deborah Newport Light Inspired Videos
Oct 04, 2021
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Beautiful Japanese Botanical Gardens. The property owners sat with us for awhile and gave us the history of the gardens which we so appreciated and enjoyed. This is a place to come and find peace. Stay for awhile.
Sarah
Oct 02, 2021
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Lovely garden! We had a wedding there and it was absolutely wonderful. Both the ceremony and reception were in the garden and we couldn't have been more pleased with how well everything went and how beautiful it was during both the day and evening.
