Traditional Japanese Roofed Garden Gate Workshops

Traditional Japanese carpentry is an art passed from one generation to the next, and opportunities to study it are few. This September, master craftsman Jay Van Arsdale will lead a rare hands-on workshop in traditional Japanese hand-tool carpentry at the Gresham Japanese Garden in Gresham, Oregon building a roofed entrance gate for their Japanese garden, Tsuru Island. Students will have the chance to practice under the guidance of Jay Arsdale to this centuries-old joinery and timber-framing techniques.

The entrance gate is the final phase of a year-long major renovation of GJG’s Japanese garden called Tsuru Island. Be a part building the most prominent, and the most visible structure of a Japanese garden. GJG and Jay are looking forward to an amazing, jam-packed full of days filled with learning and honing your skills. Help make this roofed garden gate a lasting contribution to Tsuru Island and an unforgettable learning experience for you.

The workshop really begins Friday night with building/design and construction details, and review of tools and techniques. This will allow actual work on the project to begin Saturday.

The two-day workshop will be intensive (Saturday–Sunday, September 19–20), and devoted to developing the fundamental skills required for traditional Japanese joinery. Participants will practice mortise-and-tenon joinery, precision planing, scribing, layout, and the geometric principles that are the foundation of Japanese timber framing—all using traditional Japanese hand tools.

During the remaining three days, participants will apply these skills to construct and install the garden gate, including its traditional roof structure. Every aspect of the project emphasizes accuracy, craftsmanship, and the methods that have been refined in Japan over centuries.

This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced carpenters who already possess solid woodworking skills and are comfortable working with hand tools. Participants must provide their own Japanese woodworking tools. See below.

Whether your goal is to deepen your understanding of traditional Japanese carpentry, improve your hand-tool skills, or experience building an authentic structure under the guidance of a master craftsman, this workshop offers an exceptional learning experience that is rarely available.

Space is limited to ensure individualized instruction. Questions: Contact Manny Romanzalez, one of Jay’s apprentice’s, founder of Kezurou-kai PDX, (503) 705-4066‬.

Build a Traditional Japanese Roofed Garden Gate

5-Day Workshop | Saturday–Wednesday, September 19–23: $1,200

With a Friday night, September 18th overview

Experience the complete process of constructing an authentic Japanese roofed garden gate while learning from master craftsman Jay Van Arsdale, one of North America’s most respected Japanese hand-tool carpenters. Jay is one of the founders of  Kezurou-kai USA, and Manny Romanzalez his apprentice, is the founder Kezurou-kai PDX in Portland, Oregon.

This immersive workshop begins with two days devoted to mastering the fundamentals of traditional Japanese carpentry, including mortise-and-tenon joinery, layout, geometry, scribing, and precision planing. Participants then spend the remaining three days applying those techniques to build and install the new roofed entrance gate for Tsuru Island at the Gresham Japanese Garden, including the traditional roof framing.

Working entirely with traditional Japanese hand tools, you’ll gain practical experience in authentic Japanese construction methods while contributing to a permanent feature that will welcome visitors for years to come.

Designed for intermediate to advanced carpenters, this workshop requires previous woodworking experience and participants must provide their own Japanese woodworking tools.

Workshop includes

• Two days of intensive skills training
• Three days constructing and installing the gate
• Traditional roof framing techniques
• Advanced layout and joinery
• Individual instruction from Jay Van Arsdale
• A rare opportunity to participate in the construction of an authentic Japanese garden structure

This workshop is ideal for experienced woodworkers seeking an in-depth, hands-on experience in traditional Japanese carpentry.

Details

• Workshop will take place onsite in the City of Gresham’s building in Main City Park. 219 S Main Avenue, Gresham, OR 97030
• Friday night 6-9pm is mandatory and will cover the building, design and construction details along with an overview of the tools and techniques. It will take place in the Kyoudou Center (same address).
• Workshop will start daily at 9am and could last to 6pm.
• Lunches are included in the cost of the workshop. They will be prepared by the volunteers of the Gresham Japanese Garden. Please send any dietary restrictions to sue@greshamjapanesegarden.com.
• Participants must bring their own woodworking tools. See below. A sharpening station will be onsite.