Japan House will be open from 12 – 4pm for Homecoming on Friday, October 20. Please stop by and have a bowl of tea and sweet at our Homecoming Matcha Café, browse our Mottainai Bazaar goods, and enjoy the gardens!
Catch up with fellow University of Illinois alumni, friends, or family with a bowl of freshly-whisked matcha and a wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet) as you visit the inside of Japan House. There is no formal tea ceremony offered but guests will be able to still enjoy a bowl of matcha and a special Illini-themed wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet).
To ensure a tranquil experience, pre-orders are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are welcomed but may be limited if the building is at capacity due to high traffic. Guests will be asked to remove their shoes upon arrival to enter the building, or to use provided shoe covers. Guests are encouraged to bring a fresh pair of socks to wear inside.
Enjoy the beautiful Japanese gardens from the inside and admire the view of the Japanese tea rooms. See the equipment and elements of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, as well as be introduced to other special events and workshops available to the public throughout the year.
Guests are encouraged to shop from a selection of handcrafted and imported items, as well as matcha and tea ceremony equipment. Cash, credit cards, and Apple Pay/GoogleWallet are accepted.
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FAQs
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Japan House is located in the Arboretum at the University of Illinois at 2000 S. Lincoln Avenue between Kirby/Florida and Windsor Road. Parking is available in the lot to the north of Japan House (F-31 at St. Mary's Road and Lincoln) and to the south of Japan House (F-32 on Lincoln across from the Vet Med complex). Spaces are marked with a placard and must be paid with Mobile Meter (https://mobilemeter.us/) or Park Mobile (https://parkmobile.io/ ) phone apps, or by calling 217-207-3033.
There are bike racks near both parking lots. The MTD Raven comes near Japan House on Lincoln Ave but buses also service PAR/FAR and you may walk from there to Japan House.
The front door is located on the north side of the building.
Questions about accommodations or accessibility?
Please email japanhouse@illinois.edu if you have any questions. The Illini-themed wagashi will contain gluten as it is made with flour. The matcha latte is made with dairy milk. If you have any food allergy concerns, please contact japanhouse@illinois.edu. A gluten-free option will be available upon request.
Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
Yes, ticket transfers are possible with a minimum of 48 hours advance notice and if there is space in the new time requested. Please contact japanhouse@illinois.edu if you have any questions.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
You do not have to bring your ticket. We will just need your name to check in.
The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?
The purchaser of the ticket can go to "My Tickets" and change the name to whomever will be attending.
What is the refund policy?
You registration is refundable if you contact us at japanhouse@illinois.edu at least 48 hours before the date of the event.
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
We welcome all to enjoy our matcha cafe. Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult at all times and can be calmly seated and respectful of the facility and other guests.
