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Kodomo no Hi, Children’s Day

Children’s Day festival will return to the Garden for the first time in two years!

Kodomo no Hi, also called Children’s Day, is celebrated each year in Japan on May 5 to celebrate the growth and good fortune of children. Come celebrate the beloved family tradition at Portland Japanese Garden.

Taiko drumming at the Pavilion, Children’s Day 2016

A range of family-friendly activities, including taiko drumming, a scavenger hunt, and take-home craft activities, makes this the perfect festival for kids of all ages.

In Japan, cloth carp streamers, or koinobori, are flown outside of homes and public buildings to bring good fortune to children. Koi symbolize courage and determination as they swim upstream and through powerful waterfalls.

Below is an instructional video by our cultural partner, Yuki Origami, with a step-by-step guide on how to make origami koinobori.

Many programs will be taking place at various times and locations around the Garden. Please see the program below for an overview:

Time Event Location
10:30 & 11:30amTaiko performance by enTaikoPavilion East Veranda
10:30am-2:30pm Scavenger Hunt*Various locations in the Garden
All Day Koinobori DisplayCathy Rudd Cultural Corner

*Don’t forget to pick up a self-guided treasure hunt map as well as a take-home craft kit at the Tateuchi Foundation Courtyard!

Longtime partner of the Garden, Portland Coffee Roasters, will be preparing and serving complimentary coffee to visitors during this event. Thank you, Portland Coffee Roasters!