Originally constructed in Japan in 1953, the Shofuso Japanese House & Garden is one of the most beautiful and peaceful historic sites in the Philadelphia area.  Located in West Fairmount Park, Shofuso’s architectural design is meant to reflect the conditions of seventeenth-century Japan, offering you the rare opportunity to experience authentic Japanese culture without having to cross the Pacific.

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Junzo Yoshimura as a gift to America by the people of Japan, Shofusa was carefully moved to Philadelphia piece by piece in 1958 after being exhibited in the courtyard of New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The site on which it stands was originally the location of several other Japanese-style structures dating back to the 1876 Centennial Exposition.

Soothing and peaceful in aura, Shofuso features a tea garden, waterfall, and viewing garden complete with koi pond and an island.  In 2004, after visiting the site and admitting that he could sense “the presence of Japan”, acclaimed Japanese contemporary artist Hiroshi Senju was commissioned to create twenty full-scale murals for the gardens.  Perfectly complimenting the color scheme and atmosphere of the Shofuso’s buildings and their surrounding flora, these murals add to the already entrancing ambience of the traditional Japanese architecture.

Come explore these beautiful Philadelphia gardens today and let yourself be transported back to seventeenth-century Japan!

Tel: (215) 878-5097

Email: info@shofuso.com

Address

Shofuso Japanese House & Garden


Horticultural and Lansdowne Drives


Philadelphia, PA

19131

Hours of Operation

April: Saturday & Sunday (11am-5pm)

May – September: Wednesday – Friday (10am-4pm), Saturday & Sunday (11am-5pm)

October: Saturday & Sunday (11am-5pm)

CLOSED November - March