Discover Japan’s Storied Traditions from Master Artisans

Embrace the rich cultural heritage of Japan as the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum (JFGM) kicks off an illuminating Master Series unpacking treasured practices that still ripple worldwide today.

JFGM Master Series: Food Experiences

Through January 28, San Diegans can connect with visiting Kyoto craft and culinary masters for an insider’s glimpse at exquisite tea ceremonies and the meticulous kaiseki dining aesthetic they inspire (cha kaiseki cuisine is the practice of serving multi-dish meals during a tea ceremony).

Expect beautiful workshops and tasting tours that unlock Japan’s living culture far beyond the tourist veneer as you learn directly from Japanese artisans about their history and craft.

Open House—Japanese Cultural Experiences Kyoto Craftsmanship
Thursday, January 25 | 5 PM–6:30 PM | $30/$40 per person

Chef Ozawa and Chef Kimura will prepare small bites to enjoy during the Linked Artisan Association presentation showcasing the remarkable journey of contemporary Japanese craftsmen in Kyoto who preserve tradition while also forging new artistic paths. There will be a small showcase featuring authentic works by Kyoto craftsmen.

Dinner With Craft Set
Friday, January 26 & Saturday, January 27 | 6 PM–8 PM | $400 per person

Chef Ozawa and Chef Kimura will serve cha kaiseki prepared with local San Diego ingredients in a cha kaiseki setting. You’ll be able to take home handmade Japanese items created just for this event: ceramic bowl (soryu gama) + lacquered wooden soup bowl (tsutsumiasakichi urushi shop) + kyo yuzen furoshiki (sachi manabe).

Lunch Only
Sunday, January 28 | 12 PM–2 PM | $250 per person

Chef Ozawa and Chef Kimura will serve cha kaiseki prepared with San Diego ingredients in a cha kaiseki setting.

JFGM Master Series: Traditional Japanese Craft Workshops

For an authentic hands-on journey, join master artisans leading traditional textile dyeing, ceramic glazing, and more specialized craft sessions throughout the week.

Kintsugi Hybrid Workshop
January 23 | 3 PM–4:30 PM
Instructor: Takuya Tsutsumi (Tsutsumi Asakichi urushi)
Location: JFGM Education Center
Non member $140 | JFGM Member $120

Kumihimo (Braided Cord) Hybrid Workshop
January 24 | 3 PM–4:30 PM
Instructors: Shun Hatta + Showen Kumihimo
Location: JFGM Education Center
Non member $100 | JFGM Member $90 

Yuzen Hybrid Workshop
January 24 | 3 PM–4:30 PM
Instructor: Sachi Manabe/Morphoshere
Location: JFGM Education Center
Non member $110 | JFGM Member $100 

Stone Lantern Tour
January 27 | 10 AM–12 PM
Instructor: Taka Saida
Location: Upper and Lower Garden
Non member $20 | JFGM Member $10

See you there!

Japanese Friendship Garden is located at 2125 Park Blvd. Ste. #2, San Diego, CA 92101. For more info, visit the website here and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

See you there, San Diego!