VISITOR CENTER ACTIVITIES

Origami Instruction:10am-2pm Origami is the art of Japanese paper folding. Keiko Hall will provide instruction on how to create origami art.

Calligraphy Instruction: 10am-2pm Calligraphy is an artistic writing form utilizing a brush and ink. Sachiyo will provide instruction on how to create calligraphy writing.

Top Spinning: 10am-2pm A favorite past time for Japanese children is top spinning. Try a spinning top to see how long it goes.

Makko ho: 12pm-2pm Tomoko Morganelli has been practicing Makko ho, a Japanese style of stretching, for over 10 years and will be offering mini demonstrations in the Visitor Center at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm.

Bonsai Display: 10am-2pm Rock River Bonsai Society will be presenting a stunning display of bonsai trees.

318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL / 815.229.9390 P

andersongardens.org / info@andersongardens.org /

Opening Day CelebrationMAY 4 , 2013at Anderson Japanese Gardens

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Bujinkan: 10am-2pm The Bujinkan Shingitai-Ichi Dojo of Rockford invites you to watch Bujinkan, the “Divine Warrior Arts,” on the Garden of Reflection lawn.

Iris and Day Lily planting: 10am-2pm Children and parents are encouraged to plant an Iris or Day Lily shoot and take it home to plant in their own gardens. Plants generously provided by Carlson Growers.

Kendama: 10am-2pm Similar to the American ball and cup game, Kendama is a traditional Japanese game that guests can try at the viewing deck near the West Waterfall.

Okinawa Dance Group Performance times: 10am, 11:30am, 1pm The Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai will be performing Okinawan dance and traditions under the Pavilion.

Japanese Folk Musician Performance times: 10:45am, 12:15pm, 1:45pm We are delighted to have Hiroya Tsukamoto, a guitarist and singer originally from Kyoto, Japan. Hiroya now lives in New York and will be performing Japanese style folk music under the Pavilion.

Gravel Raking: 10am-2pm Dry rake gardens are prevalent in Japanese gardens. Patterns in the gravel can be found throughout Anderson Japanese Gardens. Guests can try their hand at creating a dry rake garden at the Guest House circle near the Main Gate.

Guest House Tours: 10am-2pm The Guest House, not ordinarily open to general visitors will be available to tour throughout the day. One of the docents will be offering Guests House tours at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm. Please register for the tour at the admissions counter in the Visitor Center. Please note, participants will be required to remove their shoes in the Guest House.

Carp Flags: 10am-2pm Children and parents are encouraged to create a carp flag in celebration of Children’s Day, a Japanese Holiday that occurs on May 5th. Carp flag can be made with Misty Swift on the Floating Deck in the Garden of Reflection.