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Japanese Tea Gathering: Moon Viewing Tea

Date: Sat, Oct 24, 2026

Time: 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM

Venue: Onsite at Duke Gardens – directions to follow, Durham

Price: $68

Category: Outdoors

Join tea master Chizuko Sueyoshi and members of the Japanese Tea Practitioners of Durham for a moment of respite in the Duke Gardens teahouse, where you will experience the centering calm of a Japanese tea gathering in the Urasenke tradition. Enjoy the aesthetics, poetry and serenity of this rich tradition over an enticing bowl of whisked green tea and a Japanese confection. Guests will be escorted on a 15-minute walk to the teahouse, where seating is on the floor unless a chair is requested upon registration by emailing GardensEducation@duke.edu . For ages 12 and up. Fee: $68; 20% discount for Duke Gardens members with discount code. Parking: Fees apply Location: Onsite at Duke Gardens. Accessibility: This is a small group program that takes place indoors in a non-climate controlled space with floor seating, in a location that requires outdoors traveling on a combination of paved and unpaved paths with some uneven surfaces and moderate inclines.

Outdoors · Durham

Japanese Tea Gathering: Moon Viewing Tea

Email the gardens ahead of time if you need a chair instead of floor seating.

When
Oct 24
Sat, Oct 24, 2026
6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
Ages
All ages
Price
$68
dukegardens
Japanese Tea Gathering: Moon Viewing Tea
Outdoors

The Japanese Tea Gathering: Moon Viewing Tea is an evening cultural event in the Duke Gardens teahouse featuring traditional whisked green tea and seasonal confections. Led by local tea practitioners, this small-group gathering focuses on the calm, reflective rituals of the Urasenke tradition under the autumn sky. This event is designed for adults and teenagers ages 12 and older. Tickets cost $68 per person, though Duke Gardens members receive a 20 percent discount. Plan for a 15-minute walk from the main entrance to the teahouse, and note that standard seating is on the floor. If you require a chair, you must request one by emailing the gardens staff immediately after registering. Paid parking is available on-site, and the teahouse itself is not climate-controlled, so dress for the evening weather. It makes a wonderful weekend pick if you want to spend quiet, quality time with your teenager or enjoy a serene date night. The transition from the garden walk to the quiet teahouse offers a rare chance to unplug and appreciate the changing seasons in a beautiful Durham setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this event suitable for young children?
No, this gathering is strictly for ages 12 and up due to the quiet, reflective nature of the ceremony and the traditional floor seating.
Where do we park and how do we find the teahouse?
Paid parking is available at the main Duke Gardens lot. Guests will meet at the entrance and be escorted on a 15-minute walk to the teahouse.
What should I wear to the tea gathering?
Dress in comfortable layers because the teahouse is not climate-controlled, and wear socks since you will remove your shoes to sit on the floor.

Last updated

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$68

Oct 24

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Japanese Tea Gathering: Moon Viewing Tea runs Sat, Oct 24, 2026, 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM.

Getting There

Onsite at Duke Gardens – directions to follow is in Durham, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at Onsite at Duke Gardens – directions to follow

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen and water bottles — this one's outdoors
  • A blanket or low chairs for staking out a spot
  • Tickets or entry money — admission is $68

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