US2011 - Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Located in Fairmount Park, Shofuso is America’s only 17th century-style Japanese mansion.

 

 

Originally built in Japan in 1953 using traditional techniques and materials, it was exhibited in the courtyard of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Then in 1958, it was moved to its current site in Philadelphia.

 

 

While attending the Sakura Sunday event, we decided to check out the Shofuso House.

 

 

During the short 20-minute guided tour, we had a brief ran through on each of Shofuso’s room, with explanations on their purposes and significances.

 

 

Interestingly, in keeping with the Japanese tradition, as visitors are required to remove their shoes, everyone was given a pair of paper-made slippers (which can be taken home as souvenirs).

 

 

But, the major highlight of the visit was the Japanese Garden.

 

 

Designed by Sano Tansai in 1958, the garden is currently ranked the third best in the whole of North America.

 

 

Through  this visit, I am now really curious to see how the best Japanese garden in North America looks like!!