Scheduled group tours are available for groups of 8 to 40 people. For our regular admission visitors, pick up tours are available subject to staff availability.

Our group tours lead you through each of Shofuso’s rooms, explaining the purpose and significance of all the main features of the site. Although Japanese homes today reflect modern living, many elements of traditional Japanese houses are still found in Japanese homes today.

To make your visit more enjoyable, please take note of the following:

  • In keeping with Japanese tradition, visitors must remove their shoes before entering the house. Please wear socks or stockings; bare feet are not permitted. Please note that the temperature inside the house is the same as outside, so please wear thick socks during cooler temperatures!
  • While in the garden, however, shoes must be worn. Remember, socks that have touched dirt are no better than shoes.
  • Because Shofuso reflects conditions of seventeenth-century Japan, it is not accessible to wheelchairs or scooters. Shofuso is not easily accessible to users of walkers, canes, or prosthetics, and such devices may require a soft protective covering to preserve our historic flooring.
  • Late arrivals will be permitted dependent upon the schedule. If you know your group will be late, please call and inform the staff as soon as possible, and every effort will be made to accommodate late arrivals. Please note the next scheduled tour will be given priority.
  • Portable toilets are located at the site and a public restroom is available nearby at the Horticulture Center.
  • 48-hour notice of cancellations are required for partial refunds.

Capacity

Our minimum reservation is for 8 people and the maximum is 40 people inclusive of chaperones. Reservations for groups of less than 8 people will be charged as if 8 visitors were present. Shofuso is a fragile artifact and the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia is committed to its preservation. We appreciate your understanding in this regard.

Pricing and Add-ons

A non-refundable $25 scheduling fee is required to book your tour and should accompany your registration form. Group tours cost $5 per person for a 1 hour guided tour. The first chaperone is free for school groups and any additional chaperones will be charged $5 per person.

If your group is interested in adding programs to your guided tour we offer tea tasting ($12 per person), traditional Kamishibai storytelling geared towards children’s groups ($3 per person), and fish food to feed our award winning Koi fish collection ($1 per person).

Scheduling

Shofuso is open for group tours Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, March through October. April and early May are always in high-demand, and we suggest scheduling as far in advance as possible to ensure availability during this period.

Allow at least an hour for a tour. Additional time is generally available if you would like to have time to enjoy our gardens or gift shop.

Please email Michael Lewis, Program Coordinator, at mlewis@japanphilly.org for availability.

Horticulture Center

The Horticulture Center of Fairmount Park is located in the vicinity of the Japanese House. Tours of the Horticulture Center may be made by calling 215-685-0096. Tours must be arranged in advance.

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