Shofuso: Pine Breeze in Fairmount Park
Tucked inside West Fairmount Park is one of Philadelphia’s most tranquil and culturally rich spaces—Shofuso, the Japanese House and Garden.
Shofuso (松風荘), which translates to “Pine Breeze Villa”, is a traditional 17th-century-style Japanese house with an accompanying strolling garden, koi pond, and tea house. It reflects the spirit of wabi-sabi, a philosophy that embraces simplicity, imperfection, and transience.
A Brief History
- Built in 1953 in Japan using traditional techniques and materials
- Gifted to the United States as a gesture of post-war friendship
- Reassembled in Fairmount Park in 1958
- The garden was designed by Tansai Sano, a master garden architect from Kyoto
- Maintained today by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
Features
- Shoin-style house with sliding fusuma screens and tatami mats
- Tea house and tea garden path (roji)
- A koi pond, stone lanterns, and cherry blossom trees
- Seasonal plantings and cultural programming, including tea ceremonies and ikebana
A Living Connection
Shofuso isn’t just a structure—it’s a living cultural experience. Every spring, its cherry blossoms attract thousands, and every detail of the space invites reflection, harmony, and respect for nature.
“To enter Shofuso is to step out of time.”