Join us for First Viewing, a re-opening event welcoming the general public inside the gates for the 2017 season.

*Advance purchase tickets or Annual Passes are required for guaranteed entry to the Shinto Blessing ceremony.

First Viewing begins with the dramatic flair of a Shinto blessing at 11 a.m. A Shinto blessing is a formal ceremony that's been conducted in Japan since ancient times. The blessing will usher in auspicious ki –life energy– for a successful new year and will be conducted by Reverend Koichi Barrish of Tsubaki Grand Shrine in Granite Falls, WA.

Guides will be available to give complimentary tours of the Garden, deepening the experience of strolling the garden by sharing insights on the garden’s history, design and spiritual principles. The 45-minute tours begin at the ticket booth starting at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.

The Tateuchi Community Room will also have its doors open to the public. Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the ICHI-GO ICHI-E digital painting exhibit by local artist Season Yoshida.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

11am Greetings in Courtyard
11:15am Ceremonial Opening of the Gates
11:20am Shinto blessing ceremony by Rev. Koichi Barrish
noon ICHI-GO ICHI-E exhibit open in the Tateuchi Community Room
12:30pm Guided tour
1:30pm Guided tour