Akari Dreams - enchanted date night
December 9, 2026 | 6pm - 8pm
Celebrate the holiday sea-zen with a night of enchantment at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum.
On this evening, we invite you to experience the garden in an entirely new light. Wander the illuminated Lower Garden, including exhibits such as the Kannon Bosatsu and the Azumaya, as symphony harpist, Naomi Alter, fills the garden with music.
Capture the moment with custom poetry and professional photos at the famous Earth Bridge, creating the perfect keepsake from your night. Take in the full experience with Japanese-inspired drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or simply enjoying your own company, let the gentle hum of the harp’s music lead you down akari, or glowing, pathways as you experience the holiday magic found throughout the garden.
Linger in the moment. Dream of the Garden. Your date night awaits.
*This is a 21+ event. All guests will be required to show a valid ID at check-in.
Tickets
Standard: $80/person
JFGM Members: $70/person
Ticket Includes:
Hors D’oeuvres and 2 drink tickets (alcohol or non-alcohol)
Professional photo and poem keepsake
Access to Lower Garden Lightscape and Harpist Performance
*Refund requests must be submitted in writing via email no less than 30 days prior to the event.
**Akari Dreams is an after-hours private event in the Lower Garden. Although your ticket does not include parking, we are happy to provide our shuttle service from the Organ Pavilion parking lot down to our Lower Garden private events entrance.
*This is a 21+ event
Thank you to our 2026 akari dreams partners
Questions, Please email private-events@niwa.org
*This event will take place rain or shine
In the event of rain, all activities will be relocated to the Lower Garden koi deck and indoor space.