Balboa Park After Dark
May
26
Sep 1

Balboa Park After Dark

  • Japanese Friendship Garden

Balboa Park After Dark is a new program which will run from May 26 through September 1 (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend). By further activating Balboa Park with extended hours at the museums, in conjunction with Food Truck Fridays, and public entertainment, we hope to make Balboa Park even more of a nighttime destination for locals and visitors.

Children's Summer Camp
Jul
10
Jul 28

Children's Summer Camp

  • Japanese Friendship Garden

Summer camp season is back again! Join the Japanese Friendship Garden for another fun week immersed in Japanese culture. This year, summer camp participants will experience hands on activities ranging from garden aesthetics, basic botany, flower arrangements, dance, music, storytelling, language, games, sushi rolls, candy sushi, painting, manga art, taiko drums, yukata, and more! 

Yokai Omatsuri
Jul
21
7:30 pm19:30

Yokai Omatsuri

  • Japanese Friendship Garden

Come get spirited away at our Japanese Pop Culture Party! This year, the super natural will be taking over our Inamori Pavilion on July 21st! The evening will be accompanied by food and activity booths run by yokai, a live DJ and performances, and a super natural costume contest!

Obon Festival
Aug
4
Aug 5

Obon Festival

  • Japanese Friendship Garden

Visit this page regularly for the latest updates for our Obon Festival!

18th Annual Gala and Dinner
Aug
17
5:30 pm17:30

18th Annual Gala and Dinner

  • Japanese Friendship Garden

Recognizing the tradition of excellence in serving one’s community, the
Japanese Friendship Garden annually honors select community members
for the NIWA Award for Outstanding Community Leadership.

Sake Talks
Jul
18
5:00 pm17:00

Sake Talks

  • Japanese Friendship Garden

"Culture Identity Among People of Mixed Heritage"

With San Diego being a city home to a variety of people from different parts of the world, culture identity remains an important topic to those just arriving and those that have called San Diego home for their whole lives. July’s Sake Talk will explore this topic further by discussing cultural identity among people of mixed heritage. A panel of community leaders and local San Diegans that identify as a person of mixed heritage will share and discuss their experiences growing up and how it impacts their lives today. 

The evening will be held in the Japanese Friendship Garden's Inamori Pavilion with doors opening at 4:30 PM. The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A portion with the evening concluding with a social where guests will be treated to sake and hors d'oeuvres.

General admission ... $15
JFG member ... $10
Day of, at the door ... $20

Questions and concerns can be sent to events-marketing@niwa.org.

July Sake Talks Panelists

Dennis-Michael Broussard

Silk Road Productions

Place of birth: Milton, Florida

 

Joe Mazares

Council of Philippine America Organizations (COPAO)
Place of birth: San Diego, CA

Alexandra Butler

Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET)

Place of birth: Okinawa, Japan

Kimono Dressing
Jun
25
9:00 am09:00

Kimono Dressing

Experience the thrill of a Kyoto garden visit experience right here in Balboa Park, San Diego! The Japanese Friendship Garden is teaming up with longtime partner Yuko Niwa to provide a new yukata and kimono rental service at the Japanese Friendship Garden Activity Center. Visitors and members alike can enjoy strolling around the garden in true Japanese style.

Summer Solstice Celebration
Jun
20
6:00 pm18:00

Summer Solstice Celebration

  • Japanese Friendship Garden

A San Diego based private healing practice. Shamanic Soul Center serves individual clients through Personalized Healing Sessions incorporating Reiki, Shamanic Healing and Intuitive Guidance. It also offers groups events, classes, workshops, facilitation of ceremonies and distance healings.

The evening will include a walking meditation through the garden, a healing guided visualization, a ceremony of gratitude, and teachings on the significance of the summer solstice and how we can make best use of the powerful energies of this time of transition.

Sonobe making classes
Jun
8
Jun 30

Sonobe making classes

  • Japanese Friendship Garden

Working in partnership with the Japanese Friendship Garden, Momentum Learning and The AjA Project implemented a series of workshops that introduced students to the art of origami and photography with an emphasis on the use of abstraction and symbolism. On December 16, 2016, participants visited the Japanese Friendship Garden for a photographic field trip where they captured the colors, patterns and textures of the garden to symbolically represent aspects of their identity.  

With the AjA Project's new exhibition, "Reflect | Unfold", opening in the Inamori Pavilion, we will be offering guests to make their own sonobe! When you purchase admission to "Reflect | Unfold" during the dates below, you'll be able to participate in a sonobe making class! See below for dates and time for upcoming classes. 

June 8 | June 15 | June 20 (Free Tuesday) | June 30
Each class is held from 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM.

  • General ... $4 + JFG admission
  • JFG members ... $3
Sonic Impact Concert
Jun
2
5:00 pm17:00

Sonic Impact Concert

  • Japanese Friendship Garden

For one night only, Sonic IMPACT will be performing at the Inamori Pavilion! This special event is FREE with JFG admission.

"By celebrating culture, Sonic Impact transforms musicians and listeners into cultural ambassadors, empowering them to become leaders in the intercultural conversation that alone can plow through the deadlock, reopening vital communication channels via a language of inclusion, connecting us at the most intimate level."

Children's Day
May
5
11:00 am11:00

Children's Day

  • Japanese Friendship Garden

Children’s day is a national Japanese holiday celebrated on May 5th. Traditionally, this day was known as Boys Day and was set aside to honor fathers and sons, much as Girls Day on March 3 celebrates mothers and daughters. Koinobori means “carp streamer” and they represent the fish in many different colors. They are traditionally flown in Japan in celebration of Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s day since carp are considered the most spirited fish who fight their way upstream using their strength and determination, overcoming all obstacles in their path.

The Big Exchange
May
1
May 31

The Big Exchange

Membership has its privileges! The Big Exchange gives members of participating organizations reciprocal admission at 35 museums, historic sites, gardens, and more throughout San Diego County during the month of May!

The Edo Marionette Puppet Theater
Apr
30
2:00 pm14:00

The Edo Marionette Puppet Theater

  • Japanese Friendship Garden

Come and witness the spectacular EDO MARIONETTE GROUP (江戸糸あやつり人形劇場団）on tour at the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego on Sunday, April 30, 2017! The Edo Marionette Group presents and preserves fine and sophisticated marionettes from the 17th century with performances of "Kappore", "Yoidore--A Drunkard", "Kurokami--Black Hair", and "Shishimai--Lion Dance"

8th Annual Membership Tea
Apr
15
10:00 am10:00

8th Annual Membership Tea

  • Inamori Pavilion

The Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego will be hosting the 8th Annual Membership Tea for our loyal members.This year we are proud to host the event in our beautiful Inamori Pavilion. Come join us for a morning of tea, light refreshments, and fun-filled activites.

12th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
Mar
10
Mar 12

12th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

From March 10-12, enjoy the Japanese custom of hanami - appreciating the beauty of cherry blossom flowers! Each day will also be accompanied by various food vendors, cultural performances and demonstrations, and a plethora of family friendly activities! 

Urasenke Tea Ceremony Class
Feb
25
Apr 1

Urasenke Tea Ceremony Class

The Urasenke San Diego Association will hold its autumn tea ceremony class beginning February 25. Learn about the history of the tea ceremony, tea drinking etiquette, and how to properly use fukusa linen and sensu fans during a tea ceremony!

The International Coming of Age Ceremony
Jan
8
3:30 pm15:30

The International Coming of Age Ceremony

Location: Inamori Pavilion

When: Sunday, January 8 at 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Co-hosted by Azunakai and the Japanese Friendship Garden.

The Coming of Age Ceremony (Japanese: "Seijin-shiki") is an important rite of passage for many young Japanese adults in Japan, just turning twenty. Many of them attend a ceremony at their local community center, dressed in traditional kimono or western suits to celebrate the new chapter in their lives. Unmarried women have the chance to wear the elaborate long-sleeved kimono called furisode. Families and friends will take many photos together on this occasion.

This year JFG hosts its second international Coming of Age Ceremony. Students from all cultures and backgrounds are highly encouraged to attend this event. When possible, please wear the traditional clothes of your culture to represent it and bring an exciting dynamic to the event.

Kimono and hair dressing is available (sold in separate packages). Please arrive at least one or two hours prior to event and schedule an appointment with kimono dresser Yuko Niwa at yukoniwa@gmail.com or 858.752.2206. Kimono rentals start at $65 for the first six students and $70 thereafter.

Eligibility requirements: Young adults ages 18-22 years of age

INSTRUCTIONS

Please carefully read the price categories and registration instructions below:

The cost of participating in the International Coming of Age Ceremony is as follows:

GENERAL FEES

Participant Entry $15 - (includes full access to the garden, Inamori Pavilion, the ceremony, refreshments, and professional photographs.

$15 Participant fee is waived upon purchase of 3 or more $25 guest entries. Please enter the discount code "2017" when prompted to take advantage of this discount.

In addition, please send at least three of your childhood photos to be shown on a possible slideshow at the ceremony.

Guest Entry $25 (student guests with valid ID are $15) (children 12 and under are free)- (includes same full access described above, except guests sit separately from the participants during ceremony)

Kimono Rental Starting from $65 (sold separately)  - Kimono rentals are  arranged separately through Yuko Niwa at a bargain price. For participants bringing their own kimono and wished to be dressed, there is a $25 fee. Please contact Yuko at yukoniwa@gmail.com or 858.752.2206. Photos available upon request. Be sure to mention the Japanese Friendship Garden Coming of Age Ceremony to be eligible for this price. Read further conditions below.

PHOTO PACKAGE

Professional grade exclusive photo session available only with $20! 
- 15min photo session in the beautiful Japanese garden
- Including 15 to 20 selected high quality photos, memorable DVD and the shipment. 
- Registration
      1) Guest those who order kimono dressing: Please contact to Rental KimonoYUKO ( photo session could be scheduled as a part of Kimono dressing).
      2) Guest those who order only the photo session:  Please contact to Pacific Fusion Photography (pacificfusionsd@gmail.com) 

KIMONO PACKAGE

1. Kimono Rental is limited to 12 people (8 women and 4 men). Once all 12 kimonos are rented out, kimonos are available upon request but additional cost. 

2. Hair dressing is also available upon request (additional cost). (Limited to 6 people)

3. Please view the attached photos below of your kimono and make a request by email with the kimono description and number. 

4. Please arrive at least one to five hours prior to event (9am - 1pm) and schedule an appointment with kimono dresser Yuko Niwa.  

The day of the ceremony students can enter the garden at the front entrance and change into their kimono at dressing rooms provided at the Inamori Pavilion in the lower garden. Separate parking and entry through the bottom garden can be arranged with prior notice and proof of registration.

 

If you have any further questions, please contact Frederic Hewett at programs@niwa.org

Vege-Stamps: Make your own stamps!
Dec
20
10:30 am10:30

Vege-Stamps: Make your own stamps!

Date & Time: Tuesday, December 20 from 10:30am to 12:00pm
Location: Our plaza in the Upper Garden just outside of our office building
Fee: Free with admission, but donations are greatly appreciated to help keep our programs going strong!
Instructor: Shuku

Vege-Stamps, create your own stamps and holiday cards with sweet potatoes, okra, and lotus roots. This eco-friendly, creative, and fun gift will be the talk of your family event. Classes are free of charge and open to all. Donations gratefully accepted.

Preregistration is not required.

Shichi Go San
Nov
12
Nov 19

Shichi Go San

Shichi-Go-San (Meaning 7-5-3) is one of the most widely practiced traditions in Japan. Girls of age three and seven years old and boys of age three and five years old will be celebrated for the well-being and growth in traditional kimonos and photographed in our beautiful Garden.

Date & Time: November 12, 13 and 19 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
Fee: Garden Members: $110 per child (10% sibling discount applies), $150 per adult.
Non-Members: $120 per child (10% sibling discount applies), $160 per adult.

Registration and details to come.

In the meantime, contact JFG Program Coordinator Frederic Hewett at 619.232.2722 or at programs@niwa.org.

Cooking with Kids!
Nov
5
Nov 19

Cooking with Kids!

cooking with kids banner.jpg

Additional Location Info: 

In Kitchen at JFG Lower Garden, Across from Inamori Pavilion

We are excited to announce a fun-filled three part series cooking class at JFG! Our Cooking With Kids class is now offering themed cooking classes on November 5th, 12th, and 19th

Fee:

$25 Package A (1 adult, 1 child)
$30 Package B (1 adult, 2 children)
$40 Package C (2 adults, 1 or 2 children)


Instructor: Rachel Filtz
 

Whether you able to participate in all three classes, or just want to try one out, you and your child will have a fun bonding experience while also learning new plant-based recipes that encourage your child to appreciate eating in a healthy way.

See below for details!

 

November 5th - Tea Party! (This class is full)

Come join us in this special offer to participate in a tea party at JFG! You and your child will have a blast working together to create your own tea party with delicious tea and treats all while enjoying the scenic beauty of JFG

November 12th- Mix It Up!

Measure it, pour it, mix it, bake it! You and your child will have fun baking and decorating delicious cupcakes that are plant-based! Our baking class strives to teach children the basic steps of baking, and the essential cooking skills that will help encourage your child to feel good about creating something from scratch.


November 19th- Thanksgiving, the Plant-Based Way!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to enjoy this holiday than to participate with your child in our Thanksgiving themed plant-based cooking class! This special class will incorporate old nostalgic Thanksgiving traditional food all while adding a new, healthy twist!

Sign up while there are is still availability!

Rachel has a Master's of Education in Humane Education, and has over 10 years' experience teaching children and adults of all ages. She has a 4-year-old son who loves to cook with her in the kitchen, and who has inspired her to teach other families just how fun and easy plant-based cooking can be. In her free time, she likes to do yoga, hike around San Diego and spend time with her husband, son, and their furry family. Rachel is also currently pursuing a certificate in plant-based nutrition. 

Connecting with Nature Program
Sep
20
10:00 am10:00

Connecting with Nature Program

The Japanese Friendship Garden is collaborating with Jeanne's Garden Program for Children on an all-inclusive workshop on Japanese folklore and fairy gardens. Create your own kodama tree spirits and kokedama moss balls. Take home your crafts! All proceeds go to fund this program and other garden programs throughout San Diego County.

Date & Time: September 20 (Free Tuesday) | 10:00am - 2:00pm
Fee: Garden Members: $15 members, $35 non-members

Direct any questions to JFG Program coordinator Frederic Hewett at 619.232.2722 or to CWN Director Jeann'e Waterford at 619.675.7956.

Tea Ceremony Class Autumn 2016
Sep
10
Oct 8

Tea Ceremony Class Autumn 2016

Additional Location Info: 

Activity Center at the Japanese Friendship Garden

Saturdays, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, & 10/8, 11am - 12pm

Register Today!

Impress your Japanese friends and family with your sophistication about Japanese tea culture. The Urasenke San Diego Association will hold its Autumn Tea Ceremony Class beginning September 10, 2016. Learn about the history of the tea ceremony, tea drinking etiquette, and how to properly use fukusa linen and sensu fans during a tea ceremony. The teachers are experienced, friendly, and enthusiastic about passing these traditions to the San Diego community. These five-session adult introductory classes are $50 for members and $60 non-members. All materials are included in the price. Students should be available for all five Saturday classes. Please join us for this special cultural experience! 

Instructor: Urasenke Club of San Diego

Time and Place:: Saturdays 11AM - 12PM at JFG Activity Center

Dates: September 10, 17, 24, October 1 & 8.

Contact Info:
Frederic Hewett
619-232-2722
programs@niwa.org

Purchase/Registration Link:
Registration for Class

Maximum Capacity:
6
Minimum Attendance:
3

Jul
14
Aug 12

Summer Camp 2016

Welcome back new comers and returnees!

July is summer camp season at JFG and we are looking at another exciting year ahead of us. At the JFG Summer Camp children will have the chance to immerse themselves in a variety of Japanese cultural activities ranging from painting, bonsai pruning, flower arrangement, karate, go (chess game), language lessons, taiko, and MORE!

While the exact itinerary is still being planned, please mark down the following camps in your calendar. Each camp is a weeklong, Monday through Friday, 9am - 12pm, by grade level. 


July 11 - 14,       grades 1-2   


July 18 - 22,      grades 3 - 5


July 25 - 29,     grades 6 - 8


August 8 - 12,   grades 6 - 8 TAIKO SUMMER CAMP

 

Price is $100 per camper (member rate) and $115 for non-members.

Registration is now open. Check periodically for itinerary updates.

 

If you have any inquiries, please reach out to Frederic Hewett, JFG Program Coordinator, at 619.232.2722 or programs@niwa.org. 

 

More updates to come.

 

Contact Info
Frederic Hewett
6192322722
programs@niwa.org

Maximum Capacity:
28

Minimum Attendance:
15

Cooking With Kids at JFG
May
26
Jul 9

Cooking With Kids at JFG

Additional Location Info: 

In Kitchen at JFG Lower Garden, Across from Inamori Pavilion

Throughout the summer, JFG will be hosting a series of cooking classes for children and their families. The recipes are plant-based, delicious, and fun. 

The content for each class shall be updated soon. Please stay tuned!

 

Projected dates, 10:30am - 12pm

To purchase tickets click on date preference below:

 

May 26 - There's a Rainbow on My Plate!

Why is it important to eat the rainbow? Come find out while your child learns to get creative in the kitchen!

Recipe includes cashews and wheat

(Gluten-free option also available)
 

June 3 - Roll 'em Up!

It's veggie sushi time! You and your child will have a blast learning how to make veggie sushi while also learning the importance of eating wholesome and nutritious food!

Recipe may include soy

 

June 9 - Spring Into Summer Snacks

Who doesn't love snacks? Come join us for a fun-filled time where you can learn a couple nutritious and easy snack ideas for your kids while they measure, pour, mix and bake in the kitchen!

Recipe includes almonds and wheat

(Gluten-free option also available)

 

June 23,   June 30 & July 9,   Cute Kawaii Bento Boxes for Kids!

Come join this fun class where you will not only learn a few lunchbox ideas, but your kids will also enjoy creating cute and delicious bento boxes!

Recipe may include soy

Apr
29
7:00 pm19:00

JFG Bus Tour 2016

Friday, April 29 7am-7pm

 Please join the JFG for our annual Japanese garden tour on Friday, April 29. The tour will include a visit to the James Irvine Japanese Garden, Little Tokyo, and the Japanese American National Museum.

The fee is $90 for JFG members and $100 for non-members, which include round-trip travel in a luxury coach (with a restroom), museum admission, and docent tour. Lunch is not included.

 

The Tour Schedule (please check this webpage for updates)

7:00am -   Depart from JFG (Organ Pavilion Parking Lot)
7:45am -   Pick up at La Costa Park & Ride
10:00am - Arrive James Irvine Garden at JACCC
11:00am - Explore Little Tokyo, Free Time
1:00pm -   Arrive at Japanese American National Museum - 60 minute tour
2:00pm -   Self guided tour inside JANM
4:00pm -   Depart from JANM
6:15pm -   Arrive at La Costa Park & Ride
7:00pm -   Arrive at JFG (Organ Pavilion Parking Lot)

Order Tickets Here (only 28 seats available)

The James Irvine Garden is one of Little Tokyo’s best-kept secrets as the urban oasis isn’t accessible from the street. This tranquil garden is an ideal setting to while away a few minutes far from the hustle and bustle of the city. According to the community center, gardens carry great importance in Japanese culture—caring for the grounds is a form of art and spending time among the flora encourages harmony with nature—so walk the outer path for a complete view of the garden’s foliage, babbling stream and cascading waterfall.

Little Tokyo is a major historic, cultural and civic center for Japanese Americans living in Southern California, located in downtown Los Angeles, with its roots dating back into the 1880s. One of the three remaining Japantowns in California (including San Francisco’s Nihonmachi and San Jose’s Japantown), Little Tokyo has survived overt discrimination, the Great Depression, the forced removal of all persons of Japanese ancestry during World War II, various redevelopment projects and the general geographic dispersion of Japanese Americans. It persists today, anchored by its multi-generational family businesses, churches and temples, and non-profit community organizations. With its new businesses and new visitors, Little Tokyo continues to evolve with designs to maintain its links to its cultural and historic heritage.

The Japanese American National Museum is a world-class institution, accredited by the American Association of Museums and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Its members represent many different ethnic backgrounds and come from every state in America and 17 countries around the world. The current exhibits include "Common Ground" (a history of the Japanese American pioneers, the issei), and photographic histories depicted in "Two Views" and "Making Waves." Docents will lead the JFG tour group through the Common Ground exhibit.. The Two Views and Making Waves exhibitions will be self-guided . (www.janm.org)

 

Find out more information by contacting Frederic at programs@niwa.org.

Thank you for your support of JFG!!!

Order Tickets Here (only 28 seats available)

 

Japanese American National Museum

Little Tokyo

Contact Info

Frederic Hewett
6192322722
programs@niwa.org

Coordinator:
Frederic Hewett
Purchase/Registration Link:
Purchase Tickets Here

Maximum Capicity:
28

Minimum Attendance:
15