The Garden's autumn colors have reached their peak.
Why is Portland Japanese Garden’s Tea House so small and unassuming? What was the inspiration behind its makeup? The legends would tell you that it looks the way it looks because some leaves fell into the cup of the Chinese Flame Emperor more than 5,000 years ago.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In February, Carolyn Alter received a letter from Hiroki Ohara, Headmaster of the Ohara School of Ikebana congratulating her on being chosen for First Term Master’s Degree.
By Will Lerner As Portland Japanese Garden joins Lewis & Clark College in the beloved annual tradition they started, Moss Appreciation Week, we wanted to take some time to share some the facts we found most interesting about these tiny plants! Make sure you also read our deeper dive into the history of moss at …
By Will Lerner “When visiting some of the best moss gardens in Japan, expectations of the equivalent elsewhere are high, to say the least. Are there any gardens in other countries that can match these wonders? Portland Japanese Garden can do just that. When we visit the garden in late October, it is almost unbelievably …
In 2026, Portland Japanese Garden is honored to welcome world-class exhibitions of contemporary art rooted in Japanese cultural traditions.