"Shoseian" Whispering Pine Teahouse & Friendship Garden (Glendale, California)

 park, garden, tea house, Japanese garden

1601 West Mountain Street

Teahouse: Open by reservation every 3rd Sunday for events related to Asian Arts & Culture.
Friendship Garden: Monday - Thursday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

FACILITY DESCRIPTION

* The traditional teahouse was built in 1974 through the combined efforts of the Sister Cities of Glendale and Higashi-Osaka, Japan. It is one of the few traditional Japanese Teahouses open to the public in the United States.

* The Teahouse represents the spirit of goodwill, lasting peace and friendship between the people of Japan and the United States.

* Given the name "Shoseian" or "Whispering Pine Teahouse" by the Fifteenth Grand Tea Master of the Urasenke School of Tea in Japan, the Teahouse is designated an official Tearoom. Dr.Yamazaki of Higashi-Osaka provided initial support for the Teahouse and Gardens.

* The Teahouse, which was designed by architect Hayahiko Takase, is a unique blending of western and eastern design and an apt expression of the spirit of cross-cultural community.

* Through recent cooperative efforts by the City of Glendale and Friends of Shoseian, the Teahouse was refurbished and established as a Landmark Building by the Glendale Historical Society.

* Nestled at the foot of the Verdugo Mountains beside a koi pond in a charming Japanese-style garden setting, the Teahouse is in a unique position to outreach to the community of Glendale and greater Los Angeles.

* The Japanese Friendship Garden surrounding the tea house is available for weddings and other special events.