Explore the Portland Japanese Garden
Portland, Oregon
Details
Distance
2 miles
Elevation Gain
50 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Sarah Horn
Stroll past ponds, over bridges, under towering redwood trees and through stand and stone gardens at the Portland Japanese Gardens. After exploring the gardens, sit in the modern glass cafe for some authentic Japanese tea.
While the Portland Japanese Garden is a popular place for tourists, it's also a favorite for Portland residents as it's located right in Washington Park close to trails and across from the Rose Garden. The Japanese Garden also just unveiled its Cultural Crossing expansion in April 2017, which included 3.4 more acres to the garden and modern buildings designed by famous architect Kengo Kuma. The buildings house a learning center, the Garden House and the Umami Cafe, a tea house.
The garden has been open since 1967 and has been called among the "most authentic Japanese garden, including those in Japan," by Japanese ambassador to the U.S. Nobuo Matsunaga. This is impressive given that most traditional Japanese gardens normally take hundreds of years to evolve and mature.
The garden is about nine acres large with a few main paths snaking through it. There are 8 gardens: strolling pond, nature garden, stand and stone, flat garden, tea garden, entry garden, bonsai terrace and the Tsubo-Niwa.
The park is open from 10 am to 7 pm in the spring/summer and 10 am to 4 pm in the fall/winter. Adult admission is $14.95, you can buy tickets there or online. But check their website to be sure of hours and entrance fees. There's paid street and lot parking around the gardens, as well as a shuttle. If you drive and its a weekend, come early because this is a busy place.
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Reviews
I really didn’t enjoy the gardens- very small and not much to see compared to others I have been to.
2.0
It's a nice garden but I always wonder how accurate these Japanese gardens are. Would love to go to Japan some day to find out.
4.0
Very cool Japanese styled Garden. It's a great place to spend the afternoon.
5.0
I went here by myself and put my music in and had the most serene afternoon. Free with student ID, check it out!
5.0
Beautiful and tranquil setting. Photography is welcome, additional fee required for tripods
5.0
Last I checked you aren’t allowed to photograph in the garden unless you have a photography membership? Has this changed?
1.0
Our trip to the Japanese Garden was perfect. The weather was great and the visit was so peaceful. We are glad we had this on our list. We took the Tri-Met to the Zoo and the free shuttle to stop at the various stops like the Rose Garden.
5.0
Took my girlfriend here before a birthday dinner, as long as the weather holds up I love this place. Great in summer when the rose garden is in bloom too.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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