Japanese Cultural Center
Japanese Cultural Center
4.2
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.2
43 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
12
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
1
justbrb
Williamsville, NY195 contributions
Oct 2022
We went to the Japanse Cultural Center last week for the Traditional Tea Ceremony. It was wonderful, there is a small garden area (mostly rock gardens) and it was very ccalming and beautiful. We learned during the Tea Ceremony that many of the rocks had been brought to the garden from Japan. Before the ceremony there was a short presentation about why/how the center came to be and how it was designed and built. The cerenony was interesting to watch and the sweets and tea we were given to eat/drink were tasty.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
momofmany10
Paradise, MI7 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
I took my 9 children, 4 grandchildren, and a young friend of my grandchildren to the Japanese Cultural Center where we met one of my dear friends and her daughter for a traditional Tea Ceremony. It was absolutely amazing! We drove 2.5 hours to attend this event, and four of our attendees were preschool aged children. There was a peacefulness in the delightful Tea House, and the children immediately relaxed and began to observe our host. We were given a lot of the history and culture of a traditional Tea Ceremony, and then we watched them perform one. This was followed by having sweets and tea served to each of us. Even my 2 year old granddaughter LOVED participating and she drank her own bowl of tea, and then asked to drink some of mine. It was beautiful! After the ceremony was over, we went outside and toured the garden. I highly recommend this activity. If you have a group of 10 or more, call to set up a private Tea Ceremony. It will be worth the low $8/person fee, even if you have to drive across the state. It is absolutely lovely.
Written July 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tia R
Lincoln Park, MI33 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
My partner and I are very into Japanese culture, and decided this would be a nice stop for something to do on our way through Saginaw.
We did almost miss it! Google Maps marks the location as where the walking entrance in - the driveway is actually on S. Washington Ave, before you turn onto Ezra Rust Rd! There is a tiny sign that says "Japanese Gardens Parking" so don't miss it!
The gardens themselves were a little underwhelming. You must keep to the path, but unfortunately there is very little path to walk on. I wish we could have gone closer to the lake or around more scenery but we didn't want to break the rules.
The $5 tea house tour is absolutely adorable and worth it. We were greeted by the sweetest and funniest Japanese woman who was more than willing to tell us the history of the tea house, the importance of the way it was build, and a general knowledge on traditional tea ceremonies, (since we were not there on a designated tea ceremony day) She was worth the trip 100%, I loved her. She made us the best cup of green tea I've ever had, and two traditional Japanese sweets - an adzuki bean agar jelly and a soft, sweet cookie.
After your tour, you're given complimentary postcards and origami. Very cute!
We did almost miss it! Google Maps marks the location as where the walking entrance in - the driveway is actually on S. Washington Ave, before you turn onto Ezra Rust Rd! There is a tiny sign that says "Japanese Gardens Parking" so don't miss it!
The gardens themselves were a little underwhelming. You must keep to the path, but unfortunately there is very little path to walk on. I wish we could have gone closer to the lake or around more scenery but we didn't want to break the rules.
The $5 tea house tour is absolutely adorable and worth it. We were greeted by the sweetest and funniest Japanese woman who was more than willing to tell us the history of the tea house, the importance of the way it was build, and a general knowledge on traditional tea ceremonies, (since we were not there on a designated tea ceremony day) She was worth the trip 100%, I loved her. She made us the best cup of green tea I've ever had, and two traditional Japanese sweets - an adzuki bean agar jelly and a soft, sweet cookie.
After your tour, you're given complimentary postcards and origami. Very cute!
Written August 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jess51bum
Roseville, MI113 contributions
Aug 2020
Very disappointed. It took about 5 minutes to see the place. What you see in the pictures is it. We made reservations to have Tea and Snack for $5.00 but when we got there no one was to be found. The house was locked and the outside was kind of dirty and cobwebs. Maybe going when the cherry blossoms are in and doing the actual tea service would give better rating.
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth K
Canton, MI282 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
Very obviously, the tea ceremony is their emphasis. Mine is gardens and I found theirs very disappointing. There are virtually no focal points as far as expected zen-like arrangements of rocks, sand, statues, interesting gnarled trees, ponds or whatever.
Written April 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UberLiciousLife
Great Lakes Bay, MI186 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
It was lovely but had no narration explaining the meaning of the tea ceremony.
The gardens are beautiful!
I can't say it was enticing enough to go again or recommend.
Taking photos there for a special occasion would be wonderful!
Wish it were more!
The gardens are beautiful!
I can't say it was enticing enough to go again or recommend.
Taking photos there for a special occasion would be wonderful!
Wish it were more!
Written July 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UberLiciousLife
Great Lakes Bay, MI186 contributions
Jul 2015
This is a nice place. The gardens are lovely but public has limited access to them.
They hold traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony dates in the summer that are open & free to the public.
I don't feel it is very inviting to the public as access & events are limited.
If you can go and find it open it is nice for a stroll in the gardens.
Spring is lovely when all is in bloom.
They hold traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony dates in the summer that are open & free to the public.
I don't feel it is very inviting to the public as access & events are limited.
If you can go and find it open it is nice for a stroll in the gardens.
Spring is lovely when all is in bloom.
Written November 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FlintTownJey
Flint, MI173 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
I had to get my steps in...even in the rain. It was still beautiful with an umbrella. I wish I had time to stay for the tea event, but was pressed for time. I plan to come back to try the tea.
Written April 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
preppygirl56
Midland, MI1,592 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
We really enjoyed the presentation recently at the tea house. The ceremony was demonstrated by three ladies. It was presented in front of the audience. During the ceremony, there was no talking. But they demonstrated how the tea was poured and how the tea and sweets were served. After the ceremony, they served Japanese sweets and green tea to everyone. The pace was very relaxing. The sweets were not very sweet, but made with kidney beans and other authentic products. The tea house is actually constructed on land that was deeded to their Japanese sister city. The history of the tea house construction was interesting and informative.
We were allowed to take photographs. The gardens around the tea house are also open to visit. They have two bridges, a nice water view and some statues.
There is no kneeling for people in the audience. We sat at very low tables on low benches. It was very comfortable. There is room for about 25 people in the audience. Reservations are needed. We were on a wait list and were called earlier in the day and were able to attend. The tea house is air conditioned and the doors were kept closed during the presentation.
We were allowed to take photographs. The gardens around the tea house are also open to visit. They have two bridges, a nice water view and some statues.
There is no kneeling for people in the audience. We sat at very low tables on low benches. It was very comfortable. There is room for about 25 people in the audience. Reservations are needed. We were on a wait list and were called earlier in the day and were able to attend. The tea house is air conditioned and the doors were kept closed during the presentation.
Written August 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lsines2015
Clare, MI46 contributions
Jul 2016
We visited this establishment on June 30th. We were there at 11:30 they were supposed to open at 12:00noon. No one was there except the grounds crew so we went across the street to the childrens zoo for a while and then called the center, they were open so we went back over. The tea and treat we received was very nice, the talk the lady gave was very educational and interesting. We mentioned we were there for my daughters birthday because she loves the Japanese heritage and the lady that established this gave her a special oragami "doll" - they also let you pick out a post card and oragami bird. We will be back.
Written July 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What does it cost to go and I also need directions to there from Benjamin and Congress Ave., I am new around the Saginaw area.
Written November 19, 2015
Admission to the gardens is free during hours of operation which is Tuesday-Saturday 12-4 PM from April 1st to October 31st. The cost to enter the Tea House for Tea and Tour is $5 per person. Weddings are $100 per hour, photography shoots are $30 per hour, Tea Ceremony reservations are $10 per person on the second Saturday of every month except for December, or you can schedule a private Tea Ceremony with a group of 10 or more people. Our address is 527 Ezra Rust Drive, but our parking entrance is off of Washington Ave.
Written December 2, 2015
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