2016 Annual Portland's Japanese Garden Festival Celebrates Children's Day - Kodomo no hiNEW

Portland's Japanese Garden Celebrates children with annual festival.� An annual event at the Portland Japanese Garden offers fun and a unique family experience in a beautiful setting.

It's called Kodomo no hi, or "Children's Day," in Japan.

Sunday, May 1^st, families have the unique opportunity to experience the traditional festival at the Portland Japanese Garden.

Upbeat Taiko drum performances by UNIT SOUZOU will reverberate across the eastern overlook while kids dance, color, and learn the art of origami helmet making.

"The Portland Japanese Garden has been celebrating Kodomo no hi for many years. The kids always enjoy the showmanship of taiko drums and connection to culture," said Diane Durston, Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art, and Education.

Across the Garden, in the Tea House, children can try on cotton yukata and experience a taste of tea service. Down by the Heavenly Falls, the koi will be on full display with our koi expert, Linda Montgomery, there with fish facts and activities.� All this plus a scavenger hunt, a koi parade and more - make this a morning of fun not to be missed!

Sunday, May 1^st 10am-Noon, included with Garden admission

The festival is recommended for children ages 3-12 and accompanying adults

About Children's Day in Japan:

Kodomo no hi is dedicated to the health and well-being of children. In 1948, the event was designated a national holiday to respect and honor both girls and boys for their individual strength and growth. From April to early May, Koinobori, carp streamers, are displayed outside of homes and public buildings in honor of all children for a good future and in the hope that they will grow up healthy and strong. Koi carp symbolize courage and strength as they swim upstream and through powerful waterfalls. Japanese families also display Kabuto, samurai helmets, and Gogatsu-ningyo, samurai dolls with their sword, bows and arrows.

�ABOUT THE PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN

For 53 years, the Portland Japanese Garden has been a haven of serenity and tranquility, nestled in the scenic West Hills of Portland.� It is considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan and is one of the foremost Japanese cultural organizations in North America.� Its Cultural Crossing expansion project, which adds space for exhibitions, educational programming, and cultural events, will be completed in Spring 2017.

Learn more at japanesegarden.com.