Garden Updates
Preparing for El Niño: Portland Japanese Garden Gets Ready for a Wet Winter
Learn more about how the Garden is preparing for what experts are predicting will be one of the strongest El Niños in recent memory.
News & Photos
Garden Updates Garden History
Stone Mason Behind Zagunis Castle Wall Returns to Portland Japanese Garden
In September, Portland Japanese Garden was delighted to welcome back an old friend: Suminori Awata. A fifteenth-generation Japanese stone mason, Awata’s talents were tapped by the Garden in 2016 to construct its impressive Zagunis Castle Wall, an 18.5-foot tall and 185-feet long granite structure believed to be the first of its kind built outside of Japan.
Culture, Art, & Education
Closer to Living Things: The Light-Filled World of Yuri Kinoshita, Washi Artist
From June 27 through September 14, 2026, Portland Japanese Garden featured Woven Light: Washi Sculptures by Yuri Kinoshita in its Calvin and Mayho Tanabe Gallery. Yuri Kinoshita, the artist whose work was exhibited sat down to discuss her background and the inspiration behind her contemplative and magical creations.
Culture, Art, & Education
Seven Places to Find the Best Fall Colors in Portland, Oregon
Portland Japanese Garden has been honored by many as one of the best local places to visit in autumn, so we thought we’d offer suggestions on standout spots (very) near and further out for anyone who cherishes the crimson and gold of the season.
Garden Updates
Where the Garden Meets You: Student Interns Survey Emotional Shift in Garden Visitors
In summer of 2026, Portland Japanese Garden welcomed two college interns, Yuto Stratton and Hayden Eberwein, to the organization’s Marketing and Communications Department. For their capstone project, they designed and conducted an intercept survey exploring how the Garden shifts the way visitors feel.
Culture, Art, & Education
Cultural Partner Spotlight: Kaori Funaki, Mizuhiki Artist
Portland Japanese Garden is honored to have the dedicated support of local artists, musicians, and practitioners who share their expertise and talents with our guests at cultural demonstrations and performances. They help us pursue our mission of Inspiring Harmony and Peace by shining light on Japanese culture as a form of cultural diplomacy. One such individual is Kaori Funaki, an internationally recognized mizuhiki artist based in Tokyo, Japan.
In the News
From Country Living Magazine: Portland Japanese Garden Among 5 Gardens Worth Planning Vacation Around
In a recent article in Country Living Magazine, Portland Japanese Garden was named among five U.S. gardens “worth planning a vacation around.”
Garden Updates
Oregon and Toyama Celebrate 35 Years of Sister State Relationship at Portland Japanese Garden
In August, Portland Japanese Garden partnered with Business Oregon to celebrate 35 years of the sister-state relationship between Oregon and Toyama.
Culture, Art, & Education
Cultural Partner Spotlight: Pete McDonnell, Kumihimo Artist
Portland Japanese Garden is honored to have the dedicated support of local artists, musicians, and practitioners who share their expertise and talents with our guests at cultural demonstrations and performances. They help us pursue our mission of Inspiring Harmony and Peace by shining light on Japanese culture as a form of cultural diplomacy. One such individual is Pete McDonnell, kumihino artist.