Spring is a time of magical transformation at Portland Japanese Garden. Warmer temperatures begin to populate our weather forecasts, flowers like azaleas and rhododendrons bloom, and the lush greens of our pines are joined by moegi-iro, a Japanese word for the fresh glowy energy of new leaf green. The soft beauty of spring can feel like jubilation here as the harsher elements of winter fade away, not to return until the year’s end. Don’t forget to consider a membership. In addition to supporting our mission of Inspiring Harmony and Peace, Garden members get exclusive entry before we open to the public at 10am. Now let’s take a look at all of the exciting things you can look out for in the coming weeks.
Mark Your Calendars
April 28 – May 4 | Get in Some Family Time During Children’s Week
No festival might be better suited to this vibrant time of year than Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day. Commemorated every May in Japan, Children’s Day celebrates the growth and good fortune of children. Just as the Garden did with O-Shogatsu (Japanese New Year) and Hina Matsuri (Doll’s Day) this year, we’re excited to share that we’re expanding our festival from one day to several so more of our guests have an opportunity to enjoy this beloved tradition.
- April 28 – May 4 | Perfect for visitors of all ages, our Family Studio invites folks to sit down, pick an activity, and linger during their visit to the Garden. Activities this week will include a special connection to Children’s Day.
- April 30 | “Cultural Talk: Koi” features two local experts who help the Garden take care of the koi in our Strolling Pond Garden.
- May 2 | “Cultural Performance: Koto, Cello, and Storytelling by SamaZama” offers a free performance of koto (Japanese zither) and cello accompanying a performance of the Japanese folk tale of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, a boy born from a peach who grows up to conquer some evil ogres.
- May 4 | And of course, our big festival celebration returns to the Garden. Come listen to taiko performances, learn origami, explore the garden using our special Discovery Map designed by Mike Bennett, and enjoy displays of koinobori, or cloth carp streamers.
May 6 | Gather with Your Fellow Members for an Afternoon Celebrating You!
As a special treat for our valued members, we’re opening the Garden on a day we’re typically closed for Member’s Day—an exclusive opportunity to experience its beauty in a more serene and intimate setting. This open-house style event is fun for the whole family with activities highlighting our programming, events, and community partners. The afternoon will conclude with the Annual Membership Meeting, where you’ll hear about the state of the organization from Executive Director, Lisa Christy and Board of Trustees President, Paul Schommer. Just remember, to attend you have to be a member!
Open Now Through September 15 | Explore the Fascinating Art of Katazome
Primarily used for elaborate patterns on kimono and yukata, katazome is a method of using exquisitely cut paper stencils and resist paste to dye fabrics. Today, katazome-created designs can be stand-alone art pieces, or are often found on noren curtains, futon covers, and furoshiki gift wraps. Our exhibition, Natural Patterns: Katazome Stencil Dyeing is now open in the Calvin and Mayho Tanabe Gallery and features the work of local Oregon artist Karen Illman Miller. Miller has practiced katazome for the past 30 years, infusing her designs with inspiration from the natural world and drawing from her background as a marine biologist.
Experience the Garden
Eat and Drink at the Umami Café
In addition to the world class green teas the Umami Café serves, guests can order a variety of different excellent foods and drinks to complement their Garden experience. Our mochi ice cream flights include chocolate, green tea, and mango flavors. We also have a rotation of different handcrafted sweets made by our local culinary partners that pair well with our teas or are great on their own!
Say Hello to Our Returning Bonsai
Our beloved display of bonsai return with the calling of spring! The art of bonsai, the creation of a miniaturized landscape that fulfills the human yearning for a connection to nature in the smallest of spaces, will be back on display on the Ellie M. Hill Bonsai Terrace with rotating seasonally resplendent specimens. Additional bonsai are located on the Jubitz Oregon Terrace, found on the second floor of Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. We’ll also be hosting an exhibition by the Bonsai Society of Portland on April 26 and 27! This exhibition will include dozens of bonsai from the Society’s members’ private collections, including several world-class examples of this ancient Japanese art form.
Celebrate the Moms and Mom-Like Figures in Your Life
The Garden is the perfect place to celebrate the folks with that maternal touch on Mother’s Day. You can stroll the Garden, grab a tea and something to snack on at the Umami Café, or enjoy time in the Family Studio. If your plans are already made for the day, don’t forget our Gift Shop. It offers a unique mix of hand-selected Japanese and Japanese-inspired gifts and souvenirs. You can peruse and purchase from a variety of curated items that, even with a trip to Japan, might be difficult to come across.