Mindfulness Lounge at the Japan House Los Angeles

Days: Mondays & Tuesdays *Subject to change.

Open: November | 11.25 – 11.26.2024
December | 12.03, 12.09 – 12.10, 12.16 – 12.17, 12.23 – 12.24, 12.30 – 12.31.2024

Time: 11:30 AM – 05:00 PM

Phone: 1 (800) 516-0565

Location: JAPAN HOUSE Salon, Level 5

Fee: Free

The “Mindfulness Lounge” program held in the JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Level 5 Salon invites visitors to take a step away from your busy day and experience Japanese-style mindfulness. We welcome guests to relax on comfortable Japanese mats and cushions, enjoy projections of beautiful scenery, listen to healing music and natural sounds, and smell fragrant aroma.

Relaxation

As you enter the space, you will see the goza carpet on the floor. Take your shoes off and sit on the goza, or on one of the zafu (meditation cushions) to experience the Japanese way of relaxing, or sit at the table and chair for some reading.

About Goza: Goza is a traditional mat made from woven natural igusa rushes. It is similar to tatami, a traditional interior floor covering, but lighter and portable. While tatami and tatami mats are generally made from igusa, these mats we use are made with Japanese washi paper. Please enjoy the texture by sitting on the goza.

Meditation

Guests are welcome to try zazen, or Japanese style meditation on the goza mat in our Mindfulness Lounge.

How to Start Mindfulness Meditation – in Seated “Zazen” Style

“Mindfulness meditation can take many forms – one of the most traditional is seated “zazen” practice with its roots in Japanese Zen Buddhism. Beginners can start exploring zazen in just a few minutes with this step-by-step guide”

A Journey into Japanese Carpentry

During the exhibition period for “Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill, and Spirit,” the Mindfulness Lounge will feature a collection of four videos in two periods, for visitors to discover the artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage behind the timeless practice.
Photos & Videography: Courtesy of the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

Monday, November 25 – Tuesday, December 24, 2024

• Kigumi House
• Heritage of Kumiko Crafts

Monday, December 30, 2024 – Wednesday, January 22, 2025

• Master Carpenter – The World of Temple and Shrine Carpenters
• Sukiya-Style Carpentry – Craftsmen Who Create Beauty

The videos will loop continuously during the Mindfulness Lounge’s operating hours

Take a moment to relax at the Mindfulness Lounge during open hours to experience the philosophies and techniques that shape Japanese carpentry, from the monumental temple structures to the refined beauty of kumiko woodworking.

*Please note that the Mindfulness Lounge will be closed during special events. Be sure to check specific operating dates in advance.