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4.5
4,937 votes

Portland Japanese Garden

611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, Oregon 97205 USA

$
Budget
Closed Now
Opens Thu 10a
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
  • Outdoor
    Seating
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Local Favorite

Our Take

Located right next to the Rose Test Garden in the hills, the award-winning Portland Japanese Garden is an unbelievably peaceful sanctuary. More than just the meticulously-maintained, detailed-oriented gardens made of water, rocks, plants, and earth, it also has a cafe where you can enjoy tea, rotating art exhibitions, demonstrations, and more. The futuristic Japanese toilets in the restrooms are an added bonus.

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“the most authentic Japanese garden”

Proclaimed the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden is a 5.5-acre haven of tranquil beauty nestled in the scenic west hills of Portland, Oregon. Any time of year is a good time to visit the Portland Japanese Garden. Japanese gardens are created with imagination and designed to display nature’s beauty in all seasons. Spring is the time for fresh greenery and subtle blossoms. Cherry blossoms appear briefly in late February, while late spring flowers include azalea, camellia, and wisteria. Summer’s sunlit shades of green yield an unbroken, calming visual experience. The vibrant colors of fall make autumn a popular visiting time. Autumn is a celebration of nature’s gift of life in the past year, and a transition to the peacefulness of winter. Winter reveals the pure essence of the garden, when all has been stripped away to expose its fundamental structure, spirit, and quiet beauty.

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Reviewed by
Joshua Smibert

  • 127 Reviews
  • 206 Helpful
July 04, 2014
Rated 5.0

On our very first trip to Portland we came to visit the Japanese Gardens which sit at the very top of a hill overlooking Portland City. We took the hike to get to the entrance gate (The is a shuttle for those that prefer it) and paid the entrance fee (I think it was 7-8 dollars each).

We had no idea what we were in for. It was fall and the Maples were glowing red, orange and yellow and the garden had a number of great white herons sitting in its pools offset by a few acres of paths with rock and tree sculptures, sand beds, ponds full of lilies.

Was well worth the trip. We definitely want to go again - though the kids loved it - next time we will go without the kids so we can enjoy more 'Zen' from the experience.

9 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Travel Oregon

  • Expert
  • 5,384 Reviews
  • 2,207 Helpful
June 17, 2015
Rated

Nestled in the scenic west hills of Portland, the Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty which has been proclaimed one the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Encompassing five and one-half acres and five separate garden styles, the Garden includes an authentic Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and an unsurpassed view of Mt. Hood.    PHOTO CREDIT: David M. Cobb Photography

4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
ShengC

  • 32 Reviews
  • 12 Helpful
June 23, 2017
Rated 5.0

Zen.... if you have younger kids with you.. forget the Zen, LOL! Luv the place.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Danber

  • 7 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
September 07, 2016
Rated

Definitely go with one of the free tour guides, so much history and reason for the placement of everything that you'd never realize on your own! The construction was a little distracting at times and at one section there was yardwork going on across the street that was a bit annoying, so it was a little difficult to get the peaceful experience but it was busy enough there that it wouldn't ever be quiet anyways. At the time we went early September everything was green but it was still pretty

2 people found this review helpful
  • 2 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
June 24, 2022
Rated 5.0

Very pretty! I came on a Friday during the summer so it was very busy. Entrance is $19.95 for an adult, parking was $2 for an hour. Not large vehicle friendly in the parking lot. If you have an RV or schoolie I’d say park elsewhere and take an Uber or the shuttle.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
chloeethan

  • 23 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
June 27, 2017
Rated 4.0

It was nice; some of the fountains were not operational so it detracted from overall theme. Loved the koi pond with fat fish leisurely floating around. Tad overpriced imho

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Timetim

  • 26 Reviews
  • 5 Helpful
May 21, 2016
Rated 3.0

Nice place to visit. If you visit you can do the Rose garden and Oregan memorial at the same time, and that is free.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Brent

  • 3 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
July 23, 2015
Rated 5.0

Very beautiful and quiet. Ironic its so close to a busy city

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
LisaPerry

  • 8 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
August 04, 2014
Rated

This might have been my favorite stop in Portland. I would love to see it on the fall when the leaves are brilliant, but it is so well thought out that I bet every season in exquisite. Take your time walking through.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Todd Arnold

  • 2 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
September 13, 2021
Rated 1.0

Currently closed most of September

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Portland Japanese Garden

611 SW Kingston Ave
Portland, Oregon
97205 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Good for Cultural travelers. Has a Design vibe.

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    Pets Allowed
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    Wheelchair Accessible
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Parking, Dining

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