08/13/2026
Hey everyone! Hayden Eberwein, marketing and communications intern, here for day 3 of my social media takeover.
Today, I wanted to highlight the amazing architecture here at Portland Japanese Garden. What draws me in how these buildings sit within the landscape rather than dominating it. This is the Nezu Gate, the entrance to the Garden’s five historic gardens, built to resemble the grand 17th-century entrance to the estate of a daimyo, or feudal lord. If you visit, look closely at the end tiles on the roof ridge. Instead of the usual demon faces meant to ward off evil spirits, ours carry the imprint of a snow-viewing lantern, the symbol of our Garden. I walked under this gate almost every day for weeks before I really stopped and looked up, and now I can’t stop noticing it.
Swipe through a few more of the details I’ve come to love.
So much of it comes down to the joinery. Traditional Japanese building relies on wood fitted into wood, with the pieces holding each other in place and very little visible hardware. Once you spot it, you start seeing it everywhere.
My favorite detail: the way the eaves from the Pavillion frame the view out toward Mt. Hood and the city. The structure almost points you to it.
Our Tea House is named Kashintei, “Flower Heart Room,” put together in the traditional Japanese architectural style. It’s composed of woven bamboo walls and soft, paper-lit windows – all tucked into the scenery of the Tea Garden.
This is one my favorite buildings in the whole Garden. If you visit, take a second to take in the amazing design of this building.
This little azumaya, a small open-sided pavilion made for resting and taking in the view of the Natural Garden, might be my favorite surprise. The warm ochre walls tucked into all the green are incredibly inviting and it is hard to resist sitting and taking a moment to enjoy the scenery.
And finally, the Cultural Village, designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. It’s the clearest expression of what I love here. The buildings almost disappear into the hillside, with living green roofs and deep eaves that blur the line between structure and forest. Take it in from the Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin
