Portland Japanese Garden’s mission is Inspiring Harmony and Peace. For more than 60 years, the Garden has promoted cultural understanding of Japan with locals and visitors from around the world through the beauty of the Garden as well as through cultural programs. Since the 1970s, the organization has brought together the community to celebrate traditional cultural festivals. Mark your calendars now and join us in a new year of Japanese celebrations! Further details as well as registration information will be available closer to each event date and will be announced in our weekly newsletter.
January 12 | O-Shogatsu, Japanese New Year
O-Shogatsu, or Japanese New Year, is a time of celebration for the start of a new year and hopes of happiness and prosperity to come. Activities include the exciting shishimai, or lion dance, a performance of the Ryomen Odori (double-masked dance), and other family-friendly activities. Make sure you click here to learn how we’ll be celebrating O-Shogatsu through specially-themed demonstrations and performances throughout early January.
March 2 | Hina Matsuri, Doll’s Day
The Doll Festival is a special time to pray for the growth and happiness of girls. It is also called Momo no Sekku, or “Peach Blossom Festival.” Visitors can appreciate a traditional display of dolls representing the Emperor and Empress with members of the Imperial Court. The event will also feature storytelling, songs, and an ikebana workshop for young Garden guests.
May 4 | Kodomo no Hi, Children’s Day
Children’s Day is observed in Japan as a day to honor all children in the hopes that they will grow up healthy and strong. Cloth carp streamers, or koinobori, are flown to bring good fortune to children. Come to the Garden with your family to listen to taiko music performed by children, create origami projects, and satisfy your curiosity about koi.
July 6 | Tanabata, the Star Festival
The Star Festival commemorates the one day a year the star-crossed lovers Vega, the Weaver Star and Altair, the Cowherder Star meet in the sky. Visitors can write a wish to be added to the colorful display of tanzaku, or wish strips, hanging from bamboo in the Garden’s Crumpacker Bamboo Allee. Visitors will also have the chance to hear the Tanabata story and listen to a taiko performance.
August 16 & 17 | O-Bon, the Spirit Festival
The Spirit Festival is an important Buddhist festival to honor ancestors and pray for the souls of the departed. The souls of the ancestors are believed to return to the world from beyond. The Garden’s O-Bon event features sutra chanting, name reading, and the quiet reverence of toro nagashi (lantern floating). This event is reserved for our members only.
August 23 | Bon-Odori, Summer Festival
A highlight of summer festivals in Japan is the bon-odori (盆踊り / Bon dance). Come gather as a community, learn some dances, see people dressed in yukata (cotton robes), and hear and feel the sound of taiko drums.
October 5, 6, & 7 | O-Tsukimi, Moonviewing
During Moonviewing, people gather to appreciate the moon’s beauty and pray for good fortune and an abundant harvest. At this festival, one of the most beloved at the Garden, guests anticipate the moonrise over the city skyline and Mt. Hood with a cup of tea and an opportunity to compose haiku as shakuhachi and koto music wafts through the air.