Celebrating Our History

The Strolling Pond Garden under construction in the 1960s. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Portland Japanese Garden: A Timeline of Events

In 1959, not long after the end of World War II, citizens from Portland and their sister city, Sapporo, Japan, came together to re-establish the friendship that had suffered from the divisions of this global conflict. These civic leaders’ intention was to heal the wounds of war by creating a garden designed to bring a better understanding of Japanese culture to Portland. On the hillside remains of an old and abandoned zoo, these intrepid individuals transformed a “hopeless” brownfield into a flourishing oasis. This nurturing of the land led to the nurturing of people, and generation by generation, harmony and peace grew alongside maples, pine, and moss. 

More than 60 years later, Portland Japanese Garden has expanded from its original 5.5 acres to 12. It now offers 250 events annually and has gone from a handful of staff to nearly 150 full-time employees, including more than 180 volunteers. Intentionally crafted to elicit feelings of serenity and tranquility, Portland Japanese Garden has educated millions of guests while simultaneously providing a space for inner peace and peace between people. Its presentation of Japanese culture, offered in a manner that requires no translation or previous knowledge of Japan, has transformed perceptions.  

Today, Portland Japanese Garden is considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan and among the foremost Japanese cultural organizations in the world.  

Portland Japanese Garden’s mission is: Inspiring Harmony and Peace 

1959 

The Sapporo Pagoda Lantern, a gift from the City of Sapporo to the City of Portland to celebrate becoming sister cities. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The Portland-Sapporo Sister City Association is established, just 14 years after the end of World War II. Four years later, Sapporo donates the iconic 18-foot, 5-tiered Pagoda lantern that is placed in the heart of the Garden.  

Portland’s City Council approves repurposing the abandoned Washington Park Zoo site, described as merely “a rock pile,” to be a Japanese garden. 

1962 

The Flat Garden, formerly the site of the Portland Zoo’s primate house, before its construction. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The Japanese Garden Commission is established by Portland’s City Council. 

Professor Takuma Tono of Tokyo Agricultural University is formally hired to design the Garden.  

The transformation of the old zoo begins with the removal of four feet of soil at the site of its primate house. This is where the Flat Garden would be constructed. 

1963 

Portland Japanese Garden’s original designer, Professor Takuma Tono of Tokyo Agricultural University, standing in the Sand and Stone Garden during its construction. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The inaugural meeting of the Japanese Garden Society of Oregon convenes in its first offices at 824 SW 5th Avenue in Portland.  

In the same year, Professor Takuma Tono of Tokyo Agricultural University is formally hired to design the new landscape. His initial plan includes four gardens: the Strolling Pond Garden, the Tea Garden, the Sand and Stone Garden, and the Flat Garden.  

1964 

Kinya Hira, Portland Japanese Garden Director (1964-69) as seen in the Flat Garden during its construction. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Kinya Hira, the first of the Garden Directors, arrives from Japan to carry out Professor Tono’s vision guided primarily from sketches and brief phone calls. Living in a trailer on the Garden’s grounds, Hira would become hospitalized after being the victim of a racist attack. He left Portland vowing never to return but was finally convinced to return for a Garden Director Reunion in 2010. Astonished by how Portland Japanese Garden had transformed the perception of Japanese culture in Portland, Hira shared, “So let this Garden be a reminder to us all. A reminder how the people of Portland had the courage to forgive and accept the culture of the once enemy. This Garden is a monument of peace.” Click here to read a letter Hira-san wrote about his time in Portland.

The Koto-ji lantern is gifted to the Garden from the Kenroku-en garden in Kanazawa, Japan.  

1965 

Portland Mayor Terry D. Schrunk (1957-73) speaking at the dedication of the Iyo Stone, in memory of Portland Japanese Garden’s first Board President, Phil Englehart. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Government officials continue to declare their support for building Portland Japanese Garden, with Portland Mayor Terry D. Schrunk and Oregon Governor Mark O. Hatfield stating: 

“Not only will [a Japanese garden] enhance the tourist appeal of our city, but it will serve to strengthen the close bonds that already exist between our peoples.” 

1966 

As seen in 1967: The Peace Lantern, not too long after it had been transported from its previous home at the International Rose Test Garden. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The Peace Lantern, a stone lantern first presented to the City of Portland by Yokohama Mayor Ryōzō Hiranuma in 1954 as a gesture of friendship and reconciliation, is moved into Portland Japanese Garden from the International Rose Test Garden after several bouts of vandalism. Standing in the Strolling Pond Garden ever since, it has inspired Portland Japanese Garden to donate handcrafted replicas of it to cities around the world. 

1967 

Portland Japanese Garden, opening to the public in 1967. Photo by KGW-TV.

The Garden formally opens to the public for the summer. There are 28,575 paid admissions before the Garden closes for winter. 

1968 

The Tea House during its construction in 1968. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The Kashintei Tea House is donated by Howard Vollum, founder of Tektronix, and Akio Morita, co-founder and Chairman of the Sony Corporation. The traditional structure is crafted in Japan, then disassembled, and shipped over in pieces. It is reassembled in the Garden and dedicated on June 1.  

A fifth garden, the Moss Garden, is added to the four garden styles. The Haiku stone arrives from Japan. 

Hoichi Kurisu, Garden Director of Portland Japanese Garden (1968-73), overseeing the placement of stones near the Moon Bridge. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Hoichi Kurisu succeeds Kinya Hira as the organization’s second Garden Director. 

1970 

Bonsai on display during a 1970s exhibition at Portland Japanese Garden. Photo by WIlliam “Robbie” Robinson.

The first Bonsai exhibition takes place at the Garden.   

There are 44,000 visitors to the Garden and 381 members. 

1972 

The Natural Garden shortly after its construction. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The Moss Garden does not flourish and is rebuilt as the Natural Garden, or Zoki no Niwa.  

The first volunteer guide group is formed. 

Hachiro Sakakibara, Garden Director of Portland Japanese Garden (1972-74) working on the Zig-Zag Bridge. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Hachiro Sakakibara succeeds Hoichi Kurisu and becomes the organization’s third Garden Director. 

1973 

The first koi are donated to the Garden but do not survive due to chlorinated water. More are donated in 1974. 

1974 

Michio Wakui, Garden Director of Portland Japanese Garden (1974-76) underneath the Wisteria Arbor. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Michio Wakui succeeds Hachiro Sakakibara and becomes the organization’s fourth Garden Director. 

1975  

The machiai in the Tea Garden. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The Garden’s first machiai (sheltered waiting arbor) is built in the Tea Garden. 

1976 

Portland Japanese Garden’s staff constructing the Antique Gate in the 1970s. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The Antique Gate, first donated by the Japanese Ancestral Society in 1967, is installed as an Entry Gate after sitting, disassembled, in storage for nearly 10 years. Sharon Riddell, the organization’s first female gardener, and Garden Director Michio Wakui construct it without the aid of blueprints or plans. 

The Garden holds its first O-Bon Festival.  

1977 

Masayuki Mizuno, Garden Director of Portland Japanese Garden (1977-80) on the right, next to Garden Executive Secretary Rowena Martin. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Masayuki Mizuno succeeds Michio Wakui and becomes the organization’s fifth Garden Director. 

The Sogetsu School of Ikebana provides flower arrangements of roses in honor of the Rose Festival.

William “Robbie” Robinson in Portland Japanese Garden in the 1970s. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.

William “Robbie” Robinson, the Head Gardener of Portland Parks and Recreation, and an instrumental figure in our construction, retires. He is given the rare honor of a Lifetime Membership to the Garden. Robinson would be later be awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Sixth Class, by His Imperial Highness, Emperor Hirohito.  

The Garden holds its first O-Bon Festival. 

1978 

The Peace Lantern seen with icicles after some wintry weather. Photo by Robbie Robinson.

An ice storm hits Portland blanketing Portland Japanese Garden – and its shuttle – in icicles. 

Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda in Portland Japanese Garden. Japan Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda walks through Portland Japanese Garden during his 1978 visit. © 1978 Randy Wood / The Oregonian. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda visits and shares that he was “impressed with the size and beauty of the Garden.”  

1979 

Steps once used at the Portland Civic Auditorium are lowered into place in this photo from taken during the Pavilion’s construction. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Construction of the Pavilion Gallery begins, completing Professor Tono’s vision of how the Flat Garden should be seen.  

1980 

A scene from the ceremony celebrating the completion of the Pavilion’s construction. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The Pavilion Gallery is dedicated on May 18, the same day that Mount St. Helens erupts. 

Kichiro Sano, Garden Director of Portland Japanese Garden (1982-84) on the right with former Head Gardener Michael Kondo setting stones in the Strolling Pond Garden. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Kichiro Sano succeeds Masayuki Mizuno and becomes the organization’s sixth Garden Director. 

1981 

The Sapporo Pagoda Lantern gets blanketed with snow. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Portland Japanese Garden remains open during winter for the first time.  

1983  

A scene from a chrysanthemum exhibition in the Pavilion Gallery in the 1980s. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The Portland Chapter of Ikebana International presents a Chrysanthemum Exhibition.   

Bamboo Yuki Zuri (snow hangings) are placed on trees throughout the Garden to protect them from more snow damage.  

1985 

Takao Donuma, Garden Director of Portland Japanese Garden (1985-87), making alterations to the Nezu Gate. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Takao Donuma succeeds Kichiro Sano as the organization’s seventh Garden Director. 

1986 

The Garden House that was built in the 1980s before the Cultural Village was built. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Under the leadership of Board President Jordan Schnitzer, the Garden begins building the Garden House, its first maintenance facility.  

In 2015, the Garden House is removed to make room for the new Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. 

1987 

Professor Takuma Tono, Portland Japanese Garden’s original designer, looks at the Heavenly Falls from the Zig-Zag Bridge in his final visit to the Garden. Photo by William ‘Robbie’ Robinson.

Professor Tono dies in Japan at age 96. 

1988 

Former Portland Japanese Garden Board of Trustees President Bill de Weese at a Garden function in the 1980s. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

In memory of former Board President Bill de Weese, a hillside garden known as de Weese Hill is built next to the Garden House. The back side of this hill later becomes the Bill de Weese Chabana Research Garden. 

Toru Tanaka, Garden Director of Portland Japanese Garden (1988-91) showing how to build a fence. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.

Toru Tanaka succeeds Takao Donuma as the organization’s eighth Garden Director. He would leave his post in 1991. 

1989 

The view of Mt. Hood from Portland Japanese Garden’s East Veranda as seen in the 1980s. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The City of Portland concludes its pruning of limbs that had blocked portions of the borrowed scenery view from the East Veranda, allowing uninterrupted views of the Cascade peaks of Rainier, St. Helens, Adams, and Hood

The Garden celebrates its 25th anniversary. His Excellency, Nobuo Matsunaga, the Ambassador of Japan to the United States, visits to honor the anniversary and declares Portland Japanese Garden to be: 

“The most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.” 

1990 

Maureen Yandle, former Executive Director of Portland Japanese Garden. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

Maureen Yandle is hired to be the Garden’s first Executive Director.  

Portland Japanese Garden holds its first Moonviewing Festival. 

1991 

Robert “Bob” C. Burbank, builder of the Moon Bridge behind him during his visit to the Garden in 2022. Photo by Quincy Woo.

The Moon Bridge is replaced in its entirety save its lotus finials. It is constructed by World War II veteran and area resident Robert C. Burbank.  

Kashintei Kai holds its first public tea presentation.  

1994 

The bathrooms within the historic gardens during their construction in the 1990s. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The Garden replaces its aging restrooms, a remnant of the old Portland Zoo, with a building containing updated restrooms and its first Gift Shop. When the 2017 expansion is completed, the Gift Shop moves into the Cultural Village.  

The Sand & Stone Garden is reconfigured to lower the stones and add moss beds around them. It is later restored to its original intention in 1999. 

1996 

Former Portland Japanese Garden Board of Trustees Member Akira “Cap” Saheki listens to the new water harp basin after its installation. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

A suikinkutsu, or water harp, is presented by the Japanese Garden Society of Tokyo and installed at the south end of the Pavilion.  

The Garden hosts the first International Association of Japanese Gardens (IAJG) Conference & Symposium in Portland.  

1997 

The Heavenly Falls during its reconstruction. Photo by William “Robbie” Robinson.

The Heavenly Falls, damaged by a winter storm, is later rebuilt by Garden Directors Hoichi Kurisu (1968-73) and Sadafumi Uchiyama (2008-21). The height of the Falls increases by four feet. 

2003

His Excellency, Ryozo Kato, Ambassador of Japan to the United States during his visit to Portland Japanese Garden.

Ambassador Ryozo Kato visits Portland Japanese Garden with his wife and then-Ambassador’s First Secretary, later Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan North America Bureau Director General, and now Assistant to the Cabinet Secretary Keiichi Ichikawa.

2005 

Steve Bloom, Chief Executive Officer of Portland Japanese Garden since 2005. Photo by Christina Sjogren.

New CEO Steve Bloom is hired and creates a transformational strategic plan for the Garden. 

Portland Japanese Garden welcomes 150,000 visitors this year. 

2007 

Diane Durston, Curator Emerita of Portland Japanese Garden and formerly Curator of Culture, Art, and Education. Photo by Jonathan Ley.

Diane Durston becomes the Garden’s first Curator of Culture, Art, and Education.  

A master site plan is launched to explore expanding the Garden. Six months later, the recession hits and puts the plans on hold. 

2008 

Sadafumi (Sada) Uchiyama, Chief Curator of Portland Japanese Garden and Director of the International Japanese Garden Training Center. Photo by Nina Johnson.

Portland Japanese Garden holds its first art exhibition (Art in the Garden).  

Sadafumi Uchiyama resigns from the Garden’s Board of Trustees and becomes Garden Curator, the first to hold this title and the ninth Japanese-born leader of the Garden’s maintenance and design. 

2009 

Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki (l) stands near the Heavenly Falls in the Strolling Pond Garden of Portland Japanese Garden during his 2009 visit. Photo by Alex Hunley.

Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki visits Portland Japanese Garden and takes a tour with Board of Trustees President Ed McVicker (2009-10) and then-Garden Curator and now Chief Curator of the Garden, Sadafumi Uchiyama.

2010 

In 2010, the Garden Directors of Portland Japanese Garden gathered for a reunion. Photo by Jonathan Ley.

The Garden hosts the first-ever gathering of all its Garden Directors and then-Garden Curator, Sadafumi Uchiyama

Portland Japanese Garden welcomes 220,000 visitors this year.  

Acclaimed architect and Portland Japanese Garden International Advisory Board Member Kengo Kuma. Photo by Jonathan Ley.

The Garden resumes plans to expand its facility through the Cultural Crossing expansion project in response to increased annual attendance and demand. Kengo Kuma is retained as the project architect. 

Plans are added for a new education model, International Japanese Garden Training Center, to preserve the art of Japanese gardening.  

2011 

An International Advisory Board Meeting in the 2010s. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.

The first North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) meeting in Chicago is organized by Portland Japanese Garden.  

Portland Japanese Garden forms its International Advisory Board, a group of highly respected leaders in a diverse group of fields and industries.  

2012

Deputy Director Cynthia Johnson Haruyama. Photo by Jonathan Ley

Cynthia Johnson Haruyama is hired as Deputy Director.  

A major renovation of the Lower Pond addresses improvements needed for the care of the Garden’s beloved koi.  

2013 

Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and Portland Japanese Garden CEO Steve Bloom look over the kasagi of a torii gate upon its return to Japan. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.

Portland Japanese Garden celebrates its 50th anniversary.  

Two torii gate pieces, washed away by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, are discovered on the Oregon coast. Over the next three years, Portland Japanese Garden leadership finds their origin, restores the pieces, and reunites them in 2016 with their home in Hachinohe, Japan

His Excellency, Ambassador of Japan to the United States, Kenichiro Sasae, visits Portland Japanese Garden and notes:

“Somewhere I read that it has been called the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. And I now believe it.”

2015 

The Cultural Village during its construction. Photo by Bruce Forster.

Portland Japanese Garden welcomes 280,000 visitors this year. 

After nearly 10 years of planning, the Cultural Crossing expansion project breaks ground. 

2017 

The new Cultural Village unveiled April 2, 2017. Photo by Bruce Forster.

On April 2, the Garden celebrates the grand opening of the new Cultural Village, brought to life through the dedication and generosity of thousands of donors, members, staff, volunteers, and an international community of supporters.  

The first exhibition of 2017 features the work of His Excellency, Japan Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa. It is his first major solo exhibition in the United States

Portland Japanese Garden donates a handcrafted replica of the Peace Lantern to the City of Yokohama.

2018 

Akihito (Aki) Nakanishi, the Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art, and Education. Photo by Jonathan Ley.

Akihito Nakanishi assumes the role of Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art, and Education.  

Diane Durston retires and assumes the title of Curator Emerita. In 2022, she is conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays by the Government of Japan.  

2019

The Peace Lantern in Portland Japanese Garden. Photo by Chris Ruggles.

Portland Japanese Garden donates a handcrafted replica of its Peace Lantern to Sapporo.

2020 

Portland Japanese Garden in 2020. Photo by Portland Japanese Garden.

During the three-month COVID-19 pandemic-related closure, all-time highs of unrestricted donations are received to preserve this local treasure. 

The Cultural Crossing Project is recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects with the Award of Excellence. 

Portland Japanese Garden receives the Garden Excellence Award from the American Public Garden Association. 

2021 

Hugo Torii becomes Garden Curator, the tenth Japanese-born gardener to oversee Portland Japanese Garden’s maintenance and design.

Sadafumi Uchiyama ascends to the role of Chief Curator. In 2022 he is awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation from the Foreign Ministry of Japan

2022 

His Excellency, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America, Koji Tomita looks out at the Flat Garden. Photo by Jonathan Ley.
Ambassador Koji Tomita looks out at the Flat Garden. Photo by Jonathan Ley.

In spring, the Garden welcomes His Excellency, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America, Koji Tomita. “What a wonderful opportunity to visit [Portland Japanese Garden] in springtime, this facility is truly an unparalleled example of Japanese landscape art. I am so glad that I can support this important institution as a member of their International Advisory Board.” 

Portland Japanese Garden, through its global cultural initiative, Japan Institute, donates handcrafted replicas of its Peace Lantern to the cities of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Tokyo, Japan ahead of its inaugural Peace Symposium in Japan. In December, Japan Institute donates a Peace Lantern to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London, England.

Japan Institute is established as a sibling organization and global cultural initiative of Portland Japanese Garden.  

The Garden welcomes 400,000 guests and 25,000 members.  

2023 

Photo by James Florio.

Portland Japanese Garden celebrates its 60th anniversary. Today it proudly serves audiences from around the globe, representing all 50 U.S. states, 90 countries, communities of color, and other traditionally underserved populations.