By Will Lerner On January 31, Living Traditions returned for a new installment in what has become an anticipated annual tradition of conversations and talks exploring the most iconic facets of Japanese culture and traditions. Launched in 2020 as a joint project of Japan Institute of Portland Japanese Garden and Japan Society, 2026 was the third year …

Spring is a special time in Portland—after bundling up and slowing down during gray winter months, the arrival of bright pink cherry blossoms is the harbinger of sunnier spring days to come. Learn more about four places in Portland where you can enjoy these beautiful blossoms.

At the beginning of 2026, and after a series of events that had created a sense of unease in its home city, Portland Japanese Garden made the decision to offer free admission from 1:30 to 3:30pm on Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10 with the hopes that it might help bring calm and compassion to its community. We chatted with some of the people who were visiting us during this time to learn why they honored us with their presence.

Despite feeling very much like an oasis tucked away from an urban environment, Portland Japanese Garden is only a stone’s throw from one of its host city’s most beloved areas, referred to casually as Northwest Portland.

Because there is so much to do in Washington Park to complement your visit to Portland Japanese Garden, it can be a little overwhelming trying to plan out a visit. To help out, we’ve put together an itinerary for you.

Here is a helpful itinerary so you can plan the perfect day of Portland garden visits, starting at Portland Japanese Garden!

Portland Japanese Garden was selected as one of 16 partners to celebrate the city’s thriving cultural scene through the Google Arts & Culture Platform. Portland is the first city in the Pacific Northwest to be featured.

Portland Japanese Garden Members have a unique opportunity to purchase the Garden’s shimenawa, which was recently on display in celebration of the new year. Shimenawa are stylized and twisted rice straw ropes used for ritual purification and can be found at Shinto Shrines, Torii gates, and trees and landmark rocks in Japan. They indicate the …