Join us at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 4 as the Seattle Japanese Garden celebrates First Viewing, a re-opening event welcoming the general public inside the gates for the first time in 2018.

First Viewing begins with the dramatic flair of a Shinto blessing, which is a formal ceremony that has been conducted in Japan since ancient times. The blessing will usher in auspicious ki—life energy—for a successful new year and will be conducted by Reverend Koichi Barrish of Tsubaki Grand Shine in Granite Falls, WA.

Trained guides will be available to give complimentary tours of the Seattle Japanese Garden, deepening the experience of strolling the garden by sharing insights on the garden’s history, design, and spiritual principles. The 45-minute tours begin at the ticket booth starting at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The Tateuchi Community Room will also have its doors open to the public, where visitors can enjoy a complimentary cup of tea.

Admission is $6 adults; $4 youth 7-17, students with ID, and seniors 65+; kids 6 and under are free.

Advance ticket sales can be purchased at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3346193

Seattle Japanese Garden is located at 1075 Lake Washington Blvd., Seattle. More event details and photographs from past events are available at www.seattlejapanesegarden.org.