Whispering Pine Tea House

About

The Whispering Pine Tea House, also known as Shoseian, is a traditional Japanese teahouse located in the Brand Park Japanese Garden in Glendale, California. The teahouse was built in 1974 through the combined efforts of the Sister Cities of Glendale and Higashi-Osaka, Japan. It is one of the few traditional Japanese teahouses open to the public in the United States and represents the spirit of goodwill, lasting peace, and friendship between the people of Japan and the United States. The teahouse is nestled at the foot of the Verdugo Mountains beside a koi pond in a charming Japanese-style garden setting, providing a tranquil and picturesque retreat for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and serenity of Japanese culture.

The teahouse is an official tearoom designated by the Fifteenth Grand Tea Master of the Urasenke School of Tea in Japan. It was named “Shoseian” or “Whispering Pine Teahouse” by the Grand Tea Master and is a unique blending of western and eastern design, reflecting the spirit of cross-cultural community. The teahouse hosts various events related to many aspects of Japanese Art and Culture, including tea ceremonies, martial arts, calligraphy, and flower arranging. The Friends of Shoseian, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, was founded to maintain and preserve the beauty and serenity of the Shoseian Teahouse and the Japanese Friendship Garden for future generations to enjoy. Their mission is to promote the teahouse and garden through various events, ceremonies, and classes connected to Asian arts and culture.