Garden+ Lecture | Niwa Akari: Landscape Lighting in Japanese Gardens

Throughout most of their history, the only evening illumination seen in Japanese gardens came from the glow of stone lanterns or the moon. However, as modern technology evolved, so did these landscapes. Lighting in Japanese gardens, or niwa akari, throughout the world has now become a skill in itself—how can one make sure that the introduction of electric equipment fits within the aesthetic needs of a given space and not disrupt the harmonious orchestration of stone, plants, and water? Furthermore, how can the illumination be done in a way that minimizes light pollution and still serves its function?


These questions and more will be discussed in the Japanese Garden Training Center’s 2025 lecture, Landscape Lighting in Japanese Gardens. Tyler Nishitani, a local architect who helped shape Portland Japanese Garden’s award-winning 2017 expansion, will moderate a discussion with landscape lighting expert Tim Ryan. Together, they will explore the potential of how lighting can complement the aesthetics of Japanese gardens and the technical challenges one must navigate.

The Japanese Garden Training Center, a proud endeavor of the Garden’s global cultural initiative, Japan Institute, is excited to present this program as part of its “Garden Lecture+” series. These in-person gatherings aim to examine Japanese gardens through bold and inspiring new contexts by bringing designers, authors, practitioners, and researchers to Portland Japanese Garden to share fresh ideas and expertise.

You may also like the following events from Portland Japanese Garden:

• This Sunday, 6th July, 10:30 am, Tanabata, The Star Festival in Portland
• Next month, 16th July, 01:15 pm, Cultural Demonstration: Kumihimo – The Craft and Art of Japanese Silk Braiding in Portland

Also check out other Arts events in Portland, Workshops in Portland, Literary Art events in Portland.