The head gardening curator of Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center in Philadelphia calls it a feeling.
"It's almost like you're not in Philadelphia anymore," says Sandi Polyakov. He says entering these grounds can transport you to another time and place.
"The setting, the architecture, it's all there to convey a sense of feeling. The idea of peace and emptiness and quiet beauty were very important in 16th-century Japan. These traditions have carried on for hundreds of years including today."
In particular, it's the 16th-17th century Japan that Shofuso specializes in. The house was built in 1953 and given to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 1958, it was donated to Philadelphia where it has stood as a cultural center, museum and beautiful destination ever since.
People are getting more and more interested in Japanese culture says Kazumi Teune. She's the Executive Director of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia.
"Our mission is to share the Japanese culture in Philadelphia. People are embracing shogun culture, anime, samurai, sake and it's all here. Throughout the year we have programs that celebrate the Japanese culture.
For more information and to lose yourself in a zen Buddhist temple and beautiful grounds of Shofuso please visit japanphilly.org
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