2026 Free Cultural Events

Celebrate the Completion of Tsuru Island’s Renovation With Us!

Autumn Illumination will transform Tsuru Island into a luminous landscape, revealing the garden’s beauty after dusk. Just like Yozakura, lights will accent the garden’s structures, allowing each element to emerge with quiet distinction. Join us and immerse yourself in its beauty.

Celebrate Kodomo-no Hi (Children’s Day) with us! 🎏

Join us for a free, family-friendly event from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with colorful koinobori flying overhead as we celebrate the spirit of childhood. Enjoy hands-on origami, storytelling on the half hour, games outside, face painting, an exciting scavenger hunt, and a fun koi fishing station for kids to try their luck!

Bring the whole family and take part in a joyful day filled with creativity, tradition, and play—we can’t wait to see you there!

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Sunday May 3rd
11am-2pm.
Storytelling: 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30

INSIDE MAIN CITY PARK
Kyoudou Center and Ebetsu Plaza
219A S. Main Avenue
Gresham, OR 97030

Yozakura

Cherry blossom viewing—both day and night—is an iconic Japanese tradition. For the third year, during peak bloom, the Gresham Japanese Garden will illuminate twelve mature ‘Akebono’ cherry trees, highlighting their delicate blossoms and ethereal beauty.

From March 20-Aprll 4 from 7:00–11:00 PM, enjoy an evening stroll through Ebetsu Plaza and Ambleside Annex, while the cherry trees will be illuminated nightly.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 21st
10am-4pm: Specimen Tree & Shrub Sale, plus the Bonsai Exhibition Plaza will be open with bonsai demonstrations throughout the day.
6pm: Macha tea demonstration
7:30pm: Oregon Koto Kai performs

Saturday, March 28th
10am-4pm: Specimen Tree & Shrub Sale, plus Bonsai Exhibition Plaza will be open with bonsai demonstrations throughout the day.
6pm: Kicks off with an energetic performance with a multi-instrument and Taiko drum performance by Takohachi Inc.
7:30pm: Oregon Koto Kai takes the stage with an ensemble sharing traditional Japanese music through the koto. Their performance offers a serene and immersive cultural experience.

Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the performances, scenery, and traditional sakura snacks foods served by the amazing volunteers of the Gresham Japanese Garden.

This is a free event. 🌸

INSIDE MAIN CITY PARK
Ebetsu Plaza
219A S. Main Avenue
Gresham, OR 97030

The 12 ‘Akebono’ cherry trees live in Ebetsu Plaza and Ambleside Annex. We’re honored to retain Soundguy Productions so Oregon Koto Kai AND Takohachi Inc., beautiful performances can be broadcast throughout the Gardens.

Arigato Rich!

Hina Doll Exhibition

Celebrating on Sunday, March 1, 2026, 10AM – 4PM

Hinamatsuri, also known as Doll’s Day, is a Shinto and Japanese cultural holiday celebrated on March 3rd. It is a Japanese tradition to gift a daughter a hina doll collection. A hina doll collection called a hinakazari, consist of 1- to 7-tiers, from folded paper to intricate carved dolls. Visit the Hina Doll Exhibition, view hina dolls and other Japanese dolls at Gresham Japanese Garden’s Kyoudou Center on March 3rd. Be awed by all the different hinakazaris displays and other Japanese doll displays. Talk to the owners and learn the history of their collections. Refreshments will also be served.

KYOUDOU CENTER ADDRESS
219A S. Main Avenue
Gresham, OR 97030

CALLING ALL HINA DOLL OWNERS
If you are interested in displaying your hinakarsari in the exhibition, contact Sue Protz 503-502-7340, Sue@GreshamJapaneseGarden.com..