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Japanese Tea Gathering: Shiwasu -1st seating

Date: Sat, Dec 5, 2026

Time: 11:45 AM - 1:15 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: Shiwasu -1st seating

Dress in warm layers because the teahouse does not have heating.

When
Dec 5
Sat, Dec 5, 2026
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
Ages
All ages
Price
$68
dukegardens
Japanese Tea Gathering: Shiwasu -1st seating
Outdoors

The Japanese Tea Gathering: Shiwasu is an intimate, guided tea ceremony led by tea master Chizuko Sueyoshi in the Durham gardens. Guests walk together to the historic teahouse to experience a moment of quiet reflection, complete with a bowl of whisked green tea and a traditional sweet. This program is designed for adults and children ages 12 and older. Tickets cost $68 per person, though Duke Gardens members receive a 20% discount. The teahouse is not climate-controlled, so you will want to dress warmly for the weather. Seating is on the floor, but you can request a chair in advance by emailing the gardens education department. Keep in mind that parking at Duke Gardens requires a fee, and the walk to the teahouse takes about 15 minutes. If you are looking for a calm, screen-free activity to share with your teenager, this gathering offers a rare chance to slow down. It is a thoughtful way to spend a Saturday morning connecting over a beautiful cultural tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age limit for the tea gathering?
This event is open to participants ages 12 and older, making it a great fit for parents and teenagers.
Is there chair seating available at the teahouse?
Standard seating is on the floor, but you can request a chair during registration by emailing GardensEducation@duke.edu.
How much does parking cost at Duke Gardens?
Duke Gardens charges a parking fee of $2 per hour, which you can pay at the onsite kiosks.

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$68

Dec 5

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Japanese Tea Gathering: Shiwasu -1st seating runs Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM. It repeats 1st saturday of each month.

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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