This teahouse was built in 1949, by skilled craftsmen in Kyoto, Japan, and then shipped to California as a gift for retired businessman Royce Greatwood. The teahouse was reassembled in the Greatwood's Hope Ranch lemon orchard. In 1958, the home and orchard became the property of the John H. Esbenshade family. In 1998, with the help of the Santa Barbara-Toba Sister City Organization, the Esbenshades donated this unique teahouse to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, where it is being preserved and appreciated by visitors in this beautiful naturalistic setting.

The rich cultural tradition of Cha-do (Japanese tea culture), graces this teahouse. It was given the name Shin Kan An, meaning, “ Look Through the Heart,” by the 15th generation Hounsai Oiemoto (now Hounsai Genshitsu Daisosho) of the Urasenke Tea School. The name was generously given in honor of Heartie Anne Look, a teacher of Ikenobo Flower Arrangement and Japanese culture for many years in the Santa Barbara community. Shin Kan An, is currently used for authentic Chanoyu tea ceremony events and classes.