What to KnowPasadena Festival of TeaSunday, April 12Storrier Stearns Japanese GardenThree timed sessions: 10 a.m. to noon, noon to 2 p.m., and 2 to 4 p.m.$20 (purchase online); samples for sipping will be available, with eight tea vendors visiting the lovely groundsA traditional tea ceremony demonstration in the property’s Niko-an Teahouse is $25 (this sells out each year, so purchase early)The garden is also open on select dates; find information, and purchase a ticket, at the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden website
The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden might be dubbed a “hidden gem” by many plant people and lovers of gorgeous, tucked-away green spaces, but tea lovers who’ve sipped a fine brew at the Pasadena plot know that this serene spot is a perfect place to enjoy an uplifting spring Sunday.
Once part of a private home, the air-bright, light-filled, ultra-lovely space boasts a beautiful Niko-an Japanese teahouse as a centerpiece, a peaceful water feature, and sun-dappled pathways made for contemplative strolling.
And in the springtime, at least over the last seven or so years? Something has been bubbling and brewing and beckoning locals, from Pasadena and beyond, who adore luscious leaf-based sips.
For while the garden is open on select days throughout the calendar, the Pasadena Festival of Tea serves as the stand-out Storrier Stearns celebration.
The sippable and celebratory gathering will simmer April 12, and tickets are now available for purchase.
There are three sessions to consider — the first two-hour time block begins at 10 a.m. — and eight tea-focused stations will dot the grounds, giving guests the chance to chat with tea experts, examine various brewing processes, and sip a gorgeous sencha or matcha while basking in the soft sunlight that’s synonymous with this special garden.
Glenburn Fine Tea, Bana Tea, and other tea-smart pros will call upon the joyful and tea-riffic to-do.
There’s another exquisite event taking place during the main happening, and a separate ticket is required. It’s the demonstration in the Niko-an teahouse with tea practitioner Mikko Nakatomi, a gathering that has become so popular that tickets sell out weeks ahead of time.
A spot to shop for tea-inspired gifts, as well as cute items, garden postcards, wearables, and other fine finds, is erected for the event, too.
If you’d like to visit the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden before the tea festival for a quiet stroll in the leafy location, it is open from 3 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 28; admission is $15.
And soon, in just a few weeks? The garden will open for a few hours on Sundays, and on Fridays, too; do keep tabs on other opening dates, hours, prices, and more at this site.
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