The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden isn't exactly new or completely unknown; the private, backyard hideaway was first constructed in the late 1930s and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. But actually visiting the Pasadena garden was another challenge entirely, reserved for occasional open houses and $6,000 weddings—a steal, if you ask us.
Starting today, the nearly two-acre garden and traditional tea house will open its doors on a weekly basis. The new Open Thursdays series will run in addition to the monthly Last Sundays; reservations for both can be made in advance for $7.50 or $10 at the gate.
The garden features two ponds, four bridges and a cascading waterfall, all centered around a Japanese tea house. Created in Japan by landscape designer and craftsman Kinzuchi Fujii, the original tea house was shipped to philanthropists Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns' backyard. It sat there until 1981 when it burned down; current owners Jim and Connie Haddad have since rebuilt and restored the tatami mat tea house according to original drawings, photographs and architectural plans.
Reservations for today are sold out but you can pick up a ticket to next week's open house. In the meantime, consider a trip to the tranquil Japanese gardens at the nearby Huntington Library or Descanso Gardens.