The Way of Tea: Japanese Culture
A Pathways Event
Kurimoto Japanese Garden
September 13, 2026 | 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden for a celebration of culture and connection.
After a highly popular debut in 2025, Pathways in the Kurimoto Japanese Garden returns. Start the afternoon with the Kita No Taiko Drummers; enjoy music, martial arts, displays, performances, tea ceremonies with the Matzukaze tea group and delicious Japanese food. End the evening by floating a lantern in the pond as darkness falls, a serene and beautiful experience. New this year, the “Way of Tea” - a demonstration, sampling and discussion among cultures that share an appreciation for a shared cup of tea, all in their own unique ways – with representatives of Japanese, Indigenous and South Asian cultures.
Featuring:
- Kita no Taiko Drummers
- Tea Ceremonies with Matzukaze Chonoyu Tea Group (sold out)
- Shinobue Flute and Piano with the Fake Samuraiz
- Martial Arts Demonstrations
- Sturgeon Kendo
- Gojukai Karate
- Bonsai Displays
- Ikebana Flower Arranging Displays
- Special Presentation and Demonstration: The Way of Tea (no registration required)
- Family Crafts and Games
- Cyanotype Workshops (sold out)
- Japanese Food Boxes from Nom (order in advance by Sept. 6)
- Modern Matcha Lattes with Chasen Matcha
and more…
Advance booking is recommended - get faster admission at the gate! Garden Members get free admission.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
- Most activities are included with purchase of general admission to the Garden; however extra charges apply for food, Matsukaze tea ceremony tickets, cyanotype workshops and floating lanterns.
- For your comfort, bring your folding chair and dress for the weather.
- This event will run rain or shine. In the event of rain, most activities will be moved indoors or under shelter. There are no refunds if it rains. However, if there is a severe weather warning issued by Environment Canada, the Garden may delay or cancel the event and refunds may be issued.
Japanese Food Boxes
Add a delicious Japanese food box from Nom to your ticket order! Available in Regular or Vegetarian, each box is crafted for one person to enjoy and priced at $27/box. Pre-orders are now closed. There will be some food boxes for purchase at the event, while supplies last.
- Your Regular Food Box will include: Sunomono, Inari Sushi, Kabocha Pumpkin Nitsuke, Salmon Nanbanzuke, Chicken Karaage, Takoyaki, Ebi Mayo, Eggplant Agedashi, Dashimaki Tamago
- Your Vegetarian Food Box will include: Sunomono, Wafu Tomato, Inari Sushi, Edamame Tofu, Kabocha Pumpkin Nitsuke, Vegetable Agedashi, Dashimaki Tamago, Cauliflower Karaage, Grill Miso Eggplant
Introduction to Botanical Cyanotype - SOLD OUT
Discover the historic art of cyanotype photography while drawing inspiration from the beautiful surroundings of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. Using light, water, and plants, participants will create unique works of art through a guided, hands-on process in a small-group setting.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of cyanotype photography, a versatile process that can be practiced in both indoor and outdoor settings. All materials and instruction are provided, and no prior experience is necessary.
The workshop will be held mostly indoors in the beautiful Temperate Showhouse Education Room. Ages 16+.
$60/person + tax
Includes all materials, two-hour workshop and admission to the Garden (including the “Pathways: Way of Tea” event in the Kurimoto Japanese Garden).
September 13, 2026 - SOLD OUT
Two workshops:
3:00-5:00 p.m. or
5:30-7:30 p.m.
About the Instructor
Originally from Japan, Nozomi Kamei moved to Norway for high school, then to Canada for college and university. Her photography began as a way to share life with distant loved ones—and has grown into an intuitive, mindful practice. Working with digital, film, and cyanotype processes, she explores themes of connection, presence, and harmony across cultures and seasons
Floating Lanterns
Send a floating lantern on the Kurimoto Japanese Garden pond, along with your wishes or messages to loved ones. You can decorate your lantern or let it A beautiful, serene way to end the day, lantern floating begins at 7 p.m. until the event concludes at 8 p.m. Lanterns will be available for purchase at the event, while supplies last.
$5/lantern + tax
Schedule of Events
3:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony with Kita no Taiko Drummers
Starting at 3:00 p.m.
- Ikebana (Flower Arranging) Display - Ikonobo Ikebana Club
- Bonsai Display - Bonsai Society
- Japanese Food - Nom
- Modern Matcha Lattes - Chasen Matcha (purchase at Garden, while supplies last)
- Origami for families and games for for kids (3-5 p.m.)
3:00 p.m. Cyanotype Workshop #1 (SOLD OUT)
3:45 p.m. - Matsukaze Tea Ceremony #1 (SOLD OUT)
3:45 p.m. - Shinobue Flute and Keyboards with the Fake Samuraiz
3:45 p.m. - Martial Arts Demonstration - Gojukai Karate
4:15 p.m. - Martial Arts Demonstration - Sturgeon Kendo
4:30 p.m. - Matsukaze Tea Ceremony #2 (SOLD OUT)
5:15 p.m. - The Way of Tea - a demonstration and storytelling about sharing a cup of tea, from multiple unique cultural perspectives. No registration required.
5:30 p.m. Cyanotype Workshop #2 (SOLD OUT)
7:00 p.m. - Float a lantern in the pond and add to a beautiful display to honour your ancestors and mark the end of summer. Decorate it, write a message or simply let it float unadorned. Lanterns cost $5 and can be purchased online, while supplies last.
*Schedule is subject to change
The Pathways Series of events creates routes to understanding between cultures through art, music, food, performances, workshops and talking together.
The Pathways Series is supported by
For more information, contact uabg.info@ualberta.ca