Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is a two-acre historic garden estate in a residential neighborhood of Pasadena, California, available for private events and special celebrations. Designed by renowned landscape architect Kinzuchi Fujii between 1935 and 1940 for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns, it is recognized as the only intact example in the United States of a major Japanese-style garden created for a private residence in the years leading up to World War II. Following a comprehensive restoration completed in 2013 under the direction of Dr. Takeo Uesugi of Cal Poly Pomona, the property was reimagined as a shared space for the community. The garden features a hill-and-pond stroll garden with a 25-foot waterfall, an arched wooden bridge, Japanese granite statuary, and a formal teahouse overlooking the pond — all framed by mature sycamore, oak, and Japanese maple trees. Private event rental provides exclusive use of the entire property, accommodating up to 120 seated guests or 150 for standing receptions. The intimate teahouse is available for smaller gatherings of up to 15. The setting has hosted weddings, corporate retreats, holiday parties, concerts, recitals, and celebrations of life.