The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Japan America Society opens Shofuso gardens in Philadelphia
The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia reopened its Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center in West Fairmount Park effective Wednesday, with CDC and Philadelphia guidelines in effect to operate safely.
Shofuso is one of the first gardens to open in Philadelphia, and, while visitors will not have access to inside of the house at this time, the doors will be open for people to see the beauty of the Japanese house.
Hours of operation for Shofuso will be Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices are $12 for adults; $8 for senior citizens, children age 5 to 17 and students with a college ID; $2 for ACCESS Cardholders with photo ID, plus up to four family members at $2 each. Members, children under the age of 5 and active duty military ID holder plus up to five family members are free.
“We are thrilled to finally welcome guests to Shofuso, once again,” said Kim Andrews, executive director of JASGP. “We know the gardens will be a place of respite and reflection and an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and the significance of our gardens.”
In order to open, the following arrangements and adjustments have been made:
• Capacity in the gardens will be limited at 30 people per hour. Tickets are first come, first served.
• Everyone, including visitors over the age of 2, will be required to wear a mask in accordance with Philadelphia guidelines.
• There will be hand sanitizing stations throughout the grounds.
• There will be two port-a-potties on the grounds that will be cleaned hourly.
• There will be 6-foot markers starting at the front gate and leading down the path with stanchions allowing people to wait in line safely.
Additionally, nearby on the grounds of the Horticultural Center, Parks on Tap, an open air beer garden with food options, will be open daily (www.parksontap.com). Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.
Shofuso is located at Lansdowne and Horticultural drives in West Fairmount Park. For more information, call 215-878-5097 or visit japanphilly.org/shofuso.