O-Shogatsu: Begin the Year with Reflection and Celebration at Portland Japanese Garden
Celebrate the hope, happiness, and prosperity to come this year with O-Shogatsu at Portland Japanese Garden on January 12th! Included with regular Garden admission. Festivities include Japanese ink-wash painting, the celebratory lion dance of Tokyo, and a traditional double-masked dance to usher in the new year. O-Shogatsu symbolizes the opportunity to set a positive standard for managing your fortune throughout the year. This treasured tradition offers a peaceful and joyous way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture while embracing hope and contemplation for the year to come.
A Serene Start with Sumi-e
Looking to start the celebration off right with special access to the Garden? From 9:30 am to 10:00 am, Portland Japanese Garden members are invited to an exclusive Sumi-e session in the Yanai Classroom. (Non-members can join in on the fun at 10 am with Garden admission.) Sumi-e, the traditional art of Japanese ink-wash painting, embodies the simplicity and beauty of expression. If you like snakes, you’re in luck! 2025 is the year of the snake, so we’ll be painting snakes to represent the year to come. This quiet, meditative practice sets the perfect tone for the year ahead.
Open to All: Experience the Culture of a Japanese New Year
The new year celebration opens up to the public at 10:00 am. Visitors can continue exploring Sumi-e painting in the Yanai Classroom and enjoy traditional performances of Japanese dances in the Miller Living Room until 2:30 pm. (All O-Shogatsu festivities are included with Garden admission.) Many of these activities take place at the same time, so be sure to check out Portland Japanese Garden’s O-Shogatsu itinerary to best plan your trip.
A Celebratory Dance: Edo Kotobuki Jishi
Prepare to be captivated by Edo Kotobuki Jishi, the celebratory traditional lion dance of Tokyo, performed by Portland Shishimai Kai. Check out one (or both) performances taking place at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM in the Miller Living Room. For centuries, shishimai has been performed to bring good luck and chase away evil spirits. If the shishi (lion) gently “bites” you, you have been granted good fortune this year!
Laughter and Joy: Ryomen Odori
Embracing the love and laughter of the season at 11:30 am, the Ryomen Odori (double-masked dance) will take center stage. This vibrant performance features two cheerful characters, Okame and Warai, portrayed by a single dancer. (Ryomen means “double masked” and Odori means “dance.”) Okame’s round face and puffy cheeks radiate warmth, while Warai’s comedic energy brings laughter to all. Together, they embody the joy and lightheartedness of the season.
Celebrate New Beginnings and a Purposeful Year
Visit the Umami Café during your visit and enjoy some delicious tea while you cheers to the new year. (You can even grab a hot green tea to-go for your Garden stroll!) Admire decorational kadomatsu, a traditional Japanese new year “gate pine.” Find a cozy corner and contemplate your goals for the new year. Whether you’re a member enjoying exclusive perks or a visitor discovering these traditions for the first time, O-Shogatsu is the perfect way to enter 2025 with reflection and purpose.
Washington Park Insider
Be first to know about upcoming events, learn about closures or construction that may impact your next visit, and get insider tips for a magical, memorable, and fun day in Portland’s premier park. Subscribe >>
