Portland Japanese Garden: a peaceful lush retreat

Portland Japanese Garden is an urban green space gem. Experience and learn about Japanese culture on this serene retreat located in the beautiful Washington Park.

Following our Governor’s orders to help curb the spread of COVID-19, Portland Japanese Garden will be temporarily closed until further notice.

We are so lucky to have so many gorgeous parks and gardens in our city, and one that I particularly love is the Portland Japanese Garden!

I’ve visited this peaceful place several times with my kids; however, it’s one of those spots I love coming back in different seasons since nature shows distinct colors and beauty in each one of them.

What to see and do

Located just some minutes away from downtown, the Portland Japanese Garden is a must-see destination in our city, especially if you are looking for a serene place to slow down, take a break and appreciate its tranquil beauty.

This 12-acre garden, formally opened to the public in 1967, features five distinctive main gardens carefully maintained and a Cultural Village with a learning center, gallery, library, courtyard and a café.

Each garden, of this, proclaimed as one of the most beautiful and authentic Japanese gardens in the world outside of Japan, follows a different style, and it shows various historical developments as well as cultural aspects.

Strolling in the paths between gardens is a wonderful and peaceful experience. Although for me, Fall is the best moment to visit it, especially if you want a photo of the world-famous maple tree located there, each season has a way to show off its uniqueness.

Particularly for my kids, their favorite parts are the koi pond located in the Strolling Pond Garden and the stone steps in the Natural Garden.

An in addition to the greenery you’ll experience in the Strolling Pond Garden and Natural Gardens, you can also enjoy the peaceful beauty of the dry landscapes of Sand and Stone Garden and Flat Garden. And why not to find a place for quiet reflection like the Tea Garden.

If you want to continue enjoying gardens and parks nearby, you can visit the International Rose Test Garden and also Hoyt Arboretum.

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Plan your trip

Main features/Amenities

• 12 acre Japanese Garden.
• Five main distinctive Gardens to explore.
• The Cultural Village including:
  • Unami café (closed and is temporarily a second gift shop).
  • Tanabe Gallery.
  • Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center (Temporally closed).
  • Vollum library.
  • Tateuchi Courtyard.
• Gift shop.
• Garden guided tours (canceled).
• Restrooms.
• Parking area (Fees and details here)
• There is also a shuttle that is available upon request.

Important information and tips

• Location: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205.
• Website.
• Open Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 5 pm in Summer (closed on Tuesdays).
• Fees: Adults $18.95; Youth (6-17) $13.50; Child (5 and under) and Members Free. Buy a timed ticket here.
• They also provide a discount for visitors who are unable to see the entirety of the Garden due to accessibility.
• No food or beverages, aside from water, are allowed in the Garden. Keep this in mind to plan your trip, especially if you are visiting it with kids.
• Some paths are rerouted in new directions and/or are now one-way to follow social distancing rules.
• No pets, only trained service animals.
• There is a $10.00/person charge for using a tripod for anyone who is not a Garden Member.
• Only some sections of the Garden are stroller friendly.
• If you want to see Fall colors at their best, the first weeks of October is a good moment.
• In case you are planning to get a photo of the famous Mapple tree in Fall, be prepared to wait in line for at least one hour.