PROGRAMS & EVENTS
CALENDAR VIEWALL UPCOMING EVENTS
Shinzen Garden’s full lineup of classes, workshops, special programs, volunteer opportunities and more.
CLASSES
Shinzen Garden offers an assortment of Japanese culture and art classes thaught by experienced instructors. Participants can purchase individual classes or an all-session pass depending on the offered class.
CULTURAL DEMONSTRATIONS
Experience Japanese culture at one of our live demonstrations. Each demonstration offers our visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. Enjoy sado (tea ceremony), koto (a traditional stringed instrument) and kitsuke (kimono culture) and more
EXPLORE CULTURAL DEMONSTRATIONS
LEARN AND GROW SESSIONS
Gardens connect us with nature and one another. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, our Learn and Grow education sessions give you a chance to explore your interests in gardening, native plant studies, composting and more.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Shinzen Garden provides informative and unique experiences for all ages through our special programs. Here visitors will find lectures, films, performances, special events, and more!
EXPLORE SPECIAL PROGRAMS
WORKSHOPS
Shinzen Garden hosts several workshops on diverse cultural arts and Japanese Garden aesthetics. Most workshops run at least an hour and half to two hours and include garden admission in the price. Registration for workshops close 48 hours before the class start time.
REGISTRATION: Shinzen Garden offers an assortment of Japanese culture, art classes, workshops and Learn and Grow sessions taught by experienced instructors. Participants can purchase individual classes or an all-session pass depending on the type of activity.
AGE REQUIREMENT: Please note that unless otherwise stated as “Youth”, all classes, workshops and sessions are for adults and teenagers 15 years and older.
LOCATION: All classes, workshops, sessions and special programs will take place inside Shinzen Garden. These activities will be held outdoors and are subject to rescheduling due to weather.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS
May 2025
Karikomi & Tamamono: Cloud Pruning
Karikomi & Tamamono: Cloud Pruning
Botanical Watercolor Class #3
Botanical Watercolor Class #3
Intermediate Japanese Language Course May
Intermediate Japanese Language Course May
Botanical Watercolor Class #4
Botanical Watercolor Class #4
Free Garden Tour May 10 at 11am
Free Garden Tour May 10 at 11am
Free Garden Tour on May 10 at 1 pm
Free Garden Tour on May 10 at 1 pm
Seasons of Verse Poetry Series
Seasons of Verse Poetry Series
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - May 17
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - May 17
Art of Bonsai 10:30 am Workshop
Art of Bonsai 10:30 am Workshop
Writing Workshop #1 - The Garden as a Story
Writing Workshop #1 - The Garden as a Story
Art of Bonsai 1:30 pm Workshop
Art of Bonsai 1:30 pm Workshop
June 2025
Matsu no Mekaki Pine Decandling Workshop
Matsu no Mekaki Pine Decandling Workshop
Free Garden Tour on June 14 at 10am
Free Garden Tour on June 14 at 10am
Free Garden Tour on June 14 at 5pm
Free Garden Tour on June 14 at 5pm
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - June 21
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - June 21
Seasons of Stories Book Club Launch
Seasons of Stories Book Club Launch
July 2025
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - July 19
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - July 19
August 2025
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - Aug. 16
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - Aug. 16
September 2025
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - September 20
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - September 20
Flowering Fins: Painting Koi in Watercolor Class
Flowering Fins: Painting Koi in Watercolor Class
October 2025
Akifuku Sentei Fall Thinning of Pines
Akifuku Sentei Fall Thinning of Pines
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - October 18
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - October 18
November 2025
Momiji-zukuri: Pruning Japanese Maples
Momiji-zukuri: Pruning Japanese Maples
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - November 15
3rd Saturday Volunteer Day - November 15
Become a Member
A membership to Shinzen Friendship Garden supports the 5-acre garden with its unique landscape and architectural features, the exquisite Clark Bonsai Collection, and programs and festivals promoting Japanese art and culture in the Central Valley.