The Durham-Toyama Sister Cities Pavilion, dedicated in 2007, is a symbol of the special partnership between Durham, N.C., and Toyama, Japan, Sister Cities since 1989.
This small, refined garden pavilion functions as a venue for chanoyu, the preparation and service of Japanese tea in a traditional manner. Duke Gardens’ intimate Japanese Tea Gatherings are very popular with visitors seeking to know more about Japanese culture. Please see our adult education page to get to the latest seasonal programs, including teas.
The pavilion is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, except during special events. There are no refreshments served at the tea house except during the Tea Gatherings.
Steeped in Tradition
Our State magazine profiles the centuries-old Japanese ritual that is practiced in the teahouse at Duke Gardens. Here, the Japanese Tea Practitioners of Durham, led by Chizuko Sueyoshi, guide guests in chanoyu, the traditional Japanese way of tea. Learn more
Honored Guests Visit Duke Gardens For Tea Gathering
Duke University and Duke Gardens were honored with a visit from Yuko Kishida, the spouse of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Kristin Cooper, first lady of North Carolina, and Mio (Yamamoto) Maeda, spouse of the consul general of Japan in Atlanta, who took part in a traditional Japanese tea gathering in the Gardens. Learn more >
Japanese Tea Gatherings Duke Gardens is delighted to host Japanese tea gatherings in the Durham-Toyama Sister Cities Pavilion & Garden a few times per year, depending on the availability of the Japanese Tea Practitioners of Durham, who are the hostesses of the teas. The dates are decided as the year progresses, and registration is available on our website. The tea gatherings have a very small capacity (usually 6-8 participants) and nearly always sell out quickly. Please check our Adult Education webpage to see when teas have been added. You can also subscribe to our free monthly e-newsletter using this form to learn more about what’s happening in the gardens.
Questions about the Durham-Toyama Sister Cities Pavilion?
Please contact us at gardens@duke.edu.