A Day at Portland Japanese Garden

Learn about what it's like to spend a day in the Garden

Antique GatePortland Japanese Garden

A living classroom

Portland Japanese Garden is a "living classroom” that, against the backdrop of a landscape intentionally crafted to elicit feelings of serenity and tranquility, offers tremendous opportunities for experiential learning to all who enter its gates.

Cultural Village in the Summer (2017-07-01) by Photographer Credit: James FlorioPortland Japanese Garden

Cultural Village

Once you’ve reached the top of the hill, you will enter the Cultural Village designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in traditional and contemporary Japanese arts through seasonal activities, performances, and demonstrations.

Kado IkebanaPortland Japanese Garden

Cultural demonstrations

While you’re in the Cultural Village, visit the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. Here you can encounter a variety of ever-changing cultural demonstrations in the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner, including koto, tea ceremony, bonsai, ikebana, and more!

Bamboo Art in the Pavilion GalleryPortland Japanese Garden

View an art exhibition

As a work of art in its own right, Portland Japanese Garden is also a natural vehicle through which to explore Japanese art and design. The Garden's series of exhibitions of both modern and antique art explores ideas and aesthetics integral to the fabric of life in Japan.

Volunteer Guide by Photo by: Peter FriedmanPortland Japanese Garden

Take a tour

Public tours are a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the rich history and design of Portland Japanese Garden. Public tours with the Garden’s well-trained and knowledgeable volunteer guides are complimentary with admission or membership and typically last up to one hour.

Umami Cafe (2017)Portland Japanese Garden

Pause for tea at the Umami Café

The Umami Café provides a place for you to relax and refresh while at the Garden. Here, you will experience the pairing of world-class Japanese tea with delicious edible delights and gracious  service.

Umami Café Order (2018-08) by Photo by: Aaron LeePortland Japanese Garden

Umami Café menu

Tea served at the Umami Café is provided by the acclaimed Tokyo-based Jugetsudo tea company, while light snacks come from our partnership with Japanese food company, Ajinomoto as well as several local Japanese confectioneries, such as Yume Confections and Behind the Museum Café.

Gift ShopPortland Japanese Garden

Bring a memory home

Looking to continue your exploration of Japanese garden arts and culture at home? The Garden Gift Shop, located in the Cultural Village, offers a unique mix of curated goods and wares from Japan, including several items not available elsewhere in the United States.

Wet heron lantern in the Flat Garden, summer view. (2014-10-18) by Portland Japanese Garden and Photographer Credit: Tony SmallPortland Japanese Garden

Visit often

Portland Japanese Garden is a place to let go of worldly thoughts and see oneself as a small but integral part of the universe. The harmony and peace it inspires grows every time you walk its grounds, so make sure to visit often.

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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