History

To Know Old Town's Past Is to Hope for Its Future

My grandmother’s Old Town was a vibrant, bustling place for all. Despite what handwringers say, it still is.

04/07/2025 By Lauren Yoshiko

DIY

Yes, Portlanders Are Growing Tiny Forests Next to Their Homes

Goodbye, plant beds and street view. Hello, woodlands.

03/06/2024 By Heather Arndt Anderson Illustrations by klaus kremmerz

Get Cultured

The Portland Japanese Garden Beckons You to Visit

This Portland cultural icon is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while still being in the city.

04/19/2023 By Sam Stites

Food News & Events

The Price to Taste a 60-Year-Old Japanese Whisky? $7,000.

The Multnomah Whisk(e)y Library is selling extravagantly-priced tickets to taste the House of Suntory’s Yamazaki 55 whisky—of which there are only 100 bottles in the world.

04/05/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Food News & Events

Sake-Focused Fuyu Fest Takes Place January 21

Sunflower Sake, Portland’s new sake bottle shop, is hosting the event with over 50 sakes available to taste.

01/13/2023 By Katherine Chew Hamilton

Store Watch

3 Essential Downtown Stores for Japanese-Made Wares

Flights from PDX to Japan aren’t back anytime soon. So maybe go shopping instead?

09/15/2022 By Nic Brent

Photography

The Japanese Garden Reflects on Hiroshima Attack with Season-Opening Exhibit

Spirits Rising: ひろしま/hiroshima showcases objects left behind after U.S. forces bombed the city in 1945.

01/21/2020 By Conner Reed

Great Little Shops 2019

For 35 Years, This Hidden Portland Shop Has Imported Buddhist Shrines from Japan

Nayakama Butsudans carries on a family tradition from 6,000 miles away.

11/26/2019 By Ellen Freeman

Insider’s Guide 2019: Tourism

Portland’s Cultural Liaison to Japan Shows Us Her Local Itinerary

Sakiko Setaka gives Japanese visitors a “local experience” of our city. Here's her hit list.

03/26/2019 By Benjamin Tepler

Portland Monthly

Japanese Culture