SeeCalifornia.com

SARATOGA, CALIF.–The oldest Asian estate and garden in the Western Hemisphere is filled with wonderful ceremonies, festivals and traditions. Among them is the annual Chakai (Tea Gathering) which takes place today, Oct. 28, 2012. Guests wander through the gardens and watch students of Omotesenke, Urasenke and Mushanokoji Senke traditions prepare thick or thin teas–Koicha and Usucha–as well as tea sweets. Tea preparation is an art in Japanese culture and this event is one of the best Bay Area opportunities to see it first hand. Cost: $60, call: (415) 731-4327.

On Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. the  kids’ rite of passage festival Seven-Five-Three (SichiGoSan) for three- and seven-year-old girls and three- and five-year-old boys includes youngsters dressed in kimonos celebrating entry into middle childhood. Possibly originating in the Heian Period (794 – 1185) the ages 3, 5 and 7 are consistent with East Asian numerology which claims that odd numbers are lucky. For $150- $200 parents or relatives can rent kimonos for the kids,  get help with Kimono dressing service, a photo and Japanese candy. Contact: hakoneichiban@gmail.com

Hakone is open to the public daily except for Christmas and New Year’s days. A small fee is charged, see hakone.com for prices and hours.  Hakone is owned by the City of Saratoga and administered by the Hakone Foundation, which hosts festivals, concerts and a variety of entertainment and classes.