A Garden Where Art, Nature, and Tradition Converge…
Visiting Meijer Gardens, crowned as the #1 sculpture park in the U.S. for the last three years (#2 in 2026) by USA Today, is a bucket list experience. While the park itself opened 30 years ago, the exquisite Japanese garden—a centerpiece of the park—was unveiled just over ten years ago after over a decade of meticulous planning. With its timeless horticultural style, this garden marries centuries-old traditions with the Meijer Gardens’ mission to harmonize the art of the garden with that of sculpture. And, bonus! This beautiful garden has a teahouse which hosts a monthly Japanese tea ceremony—the art of chanoyu—during summer months.
The Japanese Garden and Teahouse at Meijer Gardens
Three essential elements define Japanese gardens: rocks, water, and plants. The plants, to my mind, create the magic—bringing vibrant seasonal changes and bursts of color. What distinguishes this Japanese garden is the integration of contemporary sculptures by world-renowned artists. These pieces ground the garden with their modern, thought-provoking dimensions, yet honor the tradition’s aesthetic philosophy.
A serene Japanese teahouse offers a few lucky visitors on select dates an intimate glimpse into the art of chanoyu, the traditional tea ceremony. Master craftsmen constructed the teahouse in Japan, then shipped it to Michigan and reassembled it using authentic tools and techniques. Its harmonious design ensures that the teahouse is visible from nearly every vantage point within the garden.
Experiencing Chanoyu: The Japanese Tea Ceremony
Before entering, guests remove their shoes. They are then invited to reflect on Ichi-go ichi-e—a concept that celebrates treasuring the unrepeatable nature of each moment. The term reminds us to cherish every gathering, even with the same people in the same place, for that will surely differ from previous such gatherings.
Matcha and Ceremony: Craft, Mindfulness, and Gratitude
Inside the teahouse, skilled tea masters in elegant kimonos demonstrate the ritual cleansing of utensils and the preparation of matcha—finely ground green tea. Narration (in English) accompanies the hour-long ceremony, which centers on mindfulness, humility, and the beauty of simple elements like light, water, and the glow of a charcoal fire. The tea master serves matcha in Shigaraki ceramics, crafted by skilled artisans and fired in one of Japan’s oldest kilns. Each bowl, designed for aesthetic and functional perfection, is presented with its most beautiful side facing the guest, reinforcing the ceremony’s emphasis on gratitude and intention.
Wagashi: Traditional Japanese Sweets for the Tea Ceremony
Alongside the tea, guests savor wagashi—a traditional Japanese sweet crafted by a century-old shop (Tomoe) in the Prefecture of Shiga, Michigan’s sister state. These delicate confections, made from sugar, grains, agar, and fruit, evoke the beauty of nature across the seasons. Among them, the shogu wagashi, takes inspiration from the Japanese iris traditionally associated with strength and resilience, showcases vibrant colors tinted from bean paste.
Below: Wagashi colored to celebrate fall
The wagashi tradition, rooted in “the art of the five senses,” has evolved over time into a sophisticated culinary expression. These edible works of art reflect Japan’s cultural appreciation for seasonal beauty, with motifs like autumn’s ripe persimmon or spring’s blooming irises.
Why the Japanese Tea Ceremony Still Matters Today
The rich history of this ceremony must be treasured within our chaos-filled days. Settle into quiet reflection and gratitude, remembering Ichi-go ichi-e. Yes! This is truly once-in-a-lifetime.
Plan Your Visit to the Japanese Tea Ceremony at Meijer Gardens
Spots are still available for select time slots on:
- May 16
- June 20
- July 18
- October 17
A list of available and sold out classes (with waitlists) is available here. (To see the three time slot listings for any date, use the calendar and click on the dates noted above.)
- $140 members | $150 non-members
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
New this year, from May through October, Meijer Gardens is offering monthly third Sunday Japanese handmade ceramic classes where you are able to create your own matcha cup and whisk holder set or a pour over coffee cup set. On those same dates, the teahouse is open for you to peek in and absorb the magical views of the Japanese garden.
