The Shinwa-En Tea Garden at California State University, Dominguez Hills is located within the inner courtyard of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Building. Designed in 1978, the garden is unusual in its setting while simultaneously reflecting authentic elements of a traditional Japanese tea garden and tea house.
Without a doubt, this was one of the most unusual Japanese gardens I have visited. The garden seemed strikingly out of place, seemingly crammed into a three-level courtyard. At first glance, the structure appears to be an authentic tea house surrounded by carefully arranged plantings and traditional garden features such as stones, a tsukubai water basin, a small pond, stone lanterns, and a variety of ornamental plants. There is also a traditional-style veranda along the front of the structure where visitors can stand and view the garden.
However, one quickly discovers that the structure is an illusion. It is not an actual tea house but a realistic façade concealing a large concrete stairwell leading down into the courtyard.
Although the garden appeared somewhat toy-like when viewed from above, it reflected the principles of traditional Japanese garden design better than many larger, more open gardens I have visited. As an educational introduction to the study of Japanese gardens, it serves as a successful model for students to examine and experience.
