Learn About Our Various Educational Programs
See below for a list of our upcoming special programs followed by a list of our regular program offerings.
Upcoming Special Programs
Our Regular Programming
All class dates and times listed below is per our normal schedule. However, exceptions can occur now and then so feel free to contact our office at 619-232-2721 if you would like to confirm any class sessions. For more detailed information contact our Program Coordinator at either programs@niwa.org or 619-232-2722 x 1505.
Kimono Dressing with Yuko Niwa
4th Sunday/month | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Pricing by the hour
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. Clothing and dressing done by a professional. RSVPs and walk-ins welcome.
Sake Talks
August 15, 2017 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Pacific Paranormal Investigations
General Admission: $15
JFG Members: $10
Day of, at the door: $20
Chi Kung with Christian Drugan
Fridays | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Members: $6, General: $8 (attend 5 & the 6th class is free)
Join Practitioner Christian Drugan in the art of Chi Kung. This class focuses on using breath to movement techniques for self-healing and cultivation of Chi energy. The postures and movements are fun and gentle. Anybody at any age can practice Chi Kung.
PHOTO CREDIT: DOMINIC NEPOMUCENO
Yoga Classes
Wed, Thu | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Members: $8/class, General: $12/class (attend 5 & the 6th class is free)
Gentle Yoga - Wednesdays with Lisa Hampton 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Hatha Yoga - Thursdays with Timothy Weir Schultheis 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Relax your body & calm the busy mind! Enjoy a mindful yoga class in the peaceful serenity of the Garden. Practitioners of all levels are welcome. Please bring a mat & water, and avoid heavy foods before class. Mornings can be cool, so dress in comfortable layers.
Go Club with Ted Terpstra
Wednesdays | 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Free with JFG admission
Go, the national game of Japan, is the oldest board game in the world. This introductory class is intended for students, but all are welcome to attend. Classes are typically held in the Activity Center. Each class will include instruction and time for individual games.
Photo Credit: Dominic Nepomuceno
Meditation with Yumi Rakers
Tuesdays | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
*Except for 3rd Tuesday
Free with JFG admission
Meditation is a great tool for relaxation and peace of mind which also helps us deal with negative thoughts, emotions and situations. Your instructor will teach several techniques including breathing to guide you. Meditation will be held in front of the “Sekitei” (rock garden) viewing room. The bare simplicity of the raked white gravel and grey rocks absorbs our thoughts and is devoid of clutter. One is able to gaze without judgment, without criticism, nothingness, reaching the quietude of oneself.
Sogetsu-style Ikebana Class with Yumi Rakers
Tuesdays | 9:30 am - 11:30 am
$15/session or $50 for four sessions
This weekly Sogetsu School ikebana class is designed for a wide range of talents from novices to advanced students. Please bring your own kenzan, a shallow container, Ikebana (gardening) scissors, flowers and branches.
Craft Club
First Monday/month | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$10 annual fee for club membership
The craft club meets the first Monday of each month. Each session, the group makes unique items which the Garden offers for sale at the main entrance. The crafts include book markers, note cards, and gift cards.
Tea Ceremony Demonstration
Presented by Urasenke San Diego Association
*The Urasenke San Diego Association will be on summer break until September!
Koto & Shakuhachi Demonstration
Presented by Kyoko Takeda (koto) & Jon Crick (shakuhachi)
Free with JFG admission
***It is generally held once per month on the second Saturday of the month, but occasionally it may be held on a different date than usual. Check our calendar for specific dates.
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.