A Hidden Kyoto-like Gem in Philadelphia
đ If you want to "teleport" to Kyoto in just a second while in Philadelphia, donât miss this hidden gem of a Japanese gardenâShofuso Japanese House and Garden, a secret spot even locals love! Every corner is filled with Japanese aesthetic charm, and the photo-worthy rate is 200%! đ¸ đ¸ Attraction Quick Facts đ Address: Lansdowne Dr & Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131 đ Transportation: Drive (use navigation) or take Bus Route 38 directly; itâs a 15-minute ride from downtown. đŤ Tickets: $14 for adults (free admission on Wednesdays! Student ID gets a discount). â° Hours: AprilâOctober, 11amâ5pm (closed on Tuesdays) đ Must-See Highlights 1ď¸âŁ Edo Period Tea House Itâs the only remaining wooden building in Edo style in the entire United States! The tatami tea house is filled with the gentle scent of hinoki (cypress) wood. Push open the window, and youâll see a koi pondâwhen sunlight filters through the washi (Japanese paper) doors, the scene is so beautiful itâll make you tear up đ. 2ď¸âŁ Karesansui (Dry Landscape) Garden Philosophy White sand mimics ocean waves, and moss represents small islands. Sit on the engawa (veranda), listen to the tinkle of wind chimes, and your restless mind will be instantly soothed. ⨠Pro tip: Wear a plain-colored long dress for stunning backlit photos! 3ď¸âŁ Seasonal Romance: Cherry Blossoms & Maple Leaves In April, weeping cherry blossoms fall like snow (nighttime cherry blossom light-ups are absolutely breathtaking! đ¸). In November, maple leaves blaze like fire. Every season brings a unique surpriseâyouâll never be disappointed. đ Visiting Tips âď¸ Shoes off at the door: Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on! âď¸ Tea ceremony performances are held every Saturday (reservation required on the official website). âď¸ The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a 5-minute walk awayâperfect for combining into a one-day Citywalk. âď¸ The garden is small; for fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or 1 hour before closing. đľ Standing in front of Shofusoâs bamboo fence, I suddenly remembered a line from Looking for Sen no Rikyu: âOnly beautiful things can make me bow my head.â Itâs such a wonderful, time-bending experience to encounter this kind of Eastern aesthetics on the streets of Philadelphia! #PhiladelphiaTravel #NorthAmericaHiddenGems #JapaneseGarden #CherryBlossomPhotography #AtmosphericCh