Celebrate Japanese New Year at Portland Japanese Garden

Photo by Jonathan Ley courtesy of Portland Japanese Garden

Celebrate Japanese New Year at Portland Japanese Garden. 

Nestled in Washington Park, Portland Japanese Garden has been a place of serenity and tranquility for more than 50 years. Explore the eight unique garden spaces, from lush greens to ponds to sand and stone. Each garden highlights unique aspects of Japanese garden history and design.

While you’re there, see the whole park aboard the free Washington Park shuttle. 

Here are the details about the garden’s Japanese New Year celebration.

Japanese New Year at Portland Japanese Garden

On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the garden invites you to kick off the year of the snake during O-Shogatsu, Japanese New Year. Celebrate the start of a new year and hope for happiness and prosperity in the months ahead.

For the celebration the garden is decorated in Kadomatsu, traditional arrangements of pine, bamboo, and plum branches. 

There will be special activities at the garden during the Japanese New Year celebration. Here’s the schedule:

10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Participate in Sumi-e, Japanese ink-wash painting in the Yanai Family Classroom to honor the Year of the Horse.

10:30 a.m. Watch Edo Kotobuki Jishi, the celebratory traditional lion dance of Tokyo, performed by Portland Shishimai Kai in the Jane Stimson Miller Living Room. After the performance, Eien Hunter-Ishikawa gives a talk about Tokyo’s celebratory traditional lion dance.

12:15 p.m. There’s a second chance to enjoy Edo Kotobuki Jishi, the lion dance of Tokyo, performed by Portland Shishimai Kai in the Miller Living Room.

Also, Portland Coffee Roasters serves complimentary coffee and The Jasmine Pearl Tea Company serves complimentary tea to visitors during the event. 

The celebration is included in the Portland Japanese Garden admission price. Tickets are $22.50 for adults and $16.50 for kids ages 6-17. Kids 5 and under attend for free.

The Japanese New Year celebration is taking place Sunday, January 11, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information and to buy tickets, visit Portland Japanese Garden’s website.

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