Introducing the new Japanese Teahouse
A hand-crafted addition to the historic gardens
Established more than 100 years ago, the Japanese Gardens at Hatley Park are now a peaceful and free oasis for visitors from near and far. This year, we welcome the addition of a Japanese Teahouse, the first installation of a multi-phase revitalization project.
The teahouse offers experiential and cultural learning opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the broader Victoria community.
Nestled in the southwest corner of the Japanese Gardens, the teahouse blends seamlessly with the natural style and aesthetic created by original garden designers Isaburo Kishida and Tadashi Noda.
The sustainably sourced Douglas Fir structure was designed and built by renowned landscape architect Hayato Ogawa and a team of supporting consultants and contractors. It features sliding doors, high open ceilings, white screen panels and uses natural sources for heating and cooling.
Visiting the teahouse
Beginning in 2025, tea ceremony demonstrations will be available for small groups during spring, summer and fall seasons.
Check back later this year for more information.
Generous donors bring the vision to life
The new teahouse is funded solely by donors, with special thanks to lead donors Ira Hoffecker-Sattler and Matthias Sattler, and over 500 donors to RRU’s Vision in Bloom appeal.
And thanks to the generous support of local philanthropist Andrew Beckerman and RRU Alum Eve Martin and spouse Paul, every donation to the teahouse through the Vision in Bloom appeal is being matched, dollar-for-dollar.