Japanese House in Fairmount Park

As the largest city-owned park system, Fairmount Park is more than just a sightseeing destination but a historic landmark of the city. This vast park system boasts quite a number of historic mansions of the 17th and early 18th century including a Japanese House and Garden.

To get a bird's-eye view of all historic buildings in Fairmount Park, please visit:

Fairmount Park Historic Sites

http://www.fairmountpark.org/HistoricSites.asp

Now you might be wondering how did the Japanese House and Garden come into existence on the land of Philadephia? Actually, it's kind of political history. In 1954, the Japanese House and Garden was sent to the Museum of Modern Art in New York as a goodwill gift from the America-Japan Society of Tokyo. In 1958, it was presented to the city of Philadephia.

The Japanese House is called Shofuso by locals, literally meaning "Pine Breeze Villa". It's actually an authentic replica of a 17th-century house and garden built in shoin-zukuri style. This exquisite pond-aside Japanese house blends perfectly into the tranquil, secluded and lush landscapes of the park. See the photo of Shofuso Japanese House in winter shot by some visitor:

Photo of Shofuso

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hbphoto/213811649/

Fond of Japanese culture? The Shofuso is a great place to snapshot the authentic Japanese residence. There you can walk barefoot on the tatomi-mat floors and appreciate the inventive mind of architect. Or you may sit down on the veranda and gaze upon the shoal of fish in the pond outside of Shofuso. The Tea House is a must see. If lucky, you might encounter the elaborate tea ceremony which takes place once a month there.

Doesn't it sound appealing? Before scheduling a Japanese culture tour, pack the following visiting info along with you.

The Shofuso is available for visiting May through October. The house is closed from November to April. The open hours are 10:00 am - 4:00 pm from Tuesday to Friday and 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on weekends. Admission price is $4. For senior citizens and students with ID, discounted rates are available.

The Shofuso Japanese House sits on the west side of Fairmount Park. The street address is North Horticultural Drive and Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131. As the house is now supported by Friends of the Japanese House and Garden, the mailing address is Friends of the Japanese House and Garden, Ohio House, 4700 States Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19131. Contac number is 215-878-5097.

Generally, you don't need to make a reservation for visiting. Yet for groups of ten or more, you'd better let them know you're coming simply by giving a call. For more visiting info, please visit:

Visiting Info

http://www.fairmountpark.org/JapaneseGarden.asp