Message from The Japanese Garden
Portland's internationally recognized Japanese Garden beckons visitors from home and abroad to enter its unique confines. Little more than forty years old, it represents a melding of Japanese traditional garden forms with American hurry. When measured against its inspirational precursors in Japan, many of which are hundreds of years old, the Portland garden has come to a maturity with blinding swiftness. What the visitor sees today is the result of the efforts by hundreds of dedicated persons who have given years of time and care and foresight to match the vision that a group of Portland civic and political leaders had as the 1950s turned into the 1960s.
Editorial by Citysearch
In ShortSituated on the former location of the Washington Park Zoo, the five gardens presented here collectively make one of the most tranquil places in Portland. Professor P. Takuma Tono of Tokyo, an internationally renowned authority on Japanese landscaping, was the master designer. The gardens--Flat Garden, Strolling Pond Garden, Tea Garden, Natural Garden, and Sand and Stone Garden, plus the authentic Japanese Pavilion--were developed with private donations and memberships from the Japanese Garden Society of Oregon.
Key Points
- Authentic Japanese Garden
- Cultivated Trees and Shrubs
- Relaxation and Seclusion
The Inside Scoop
- Know Before You Go - The gardens are located just above the International Rose Test Gardens, this five-acre woodland site opens onto a beautiful view of Portland and the mountains. Call (503) 223-9233 to arrange a personal tour.
Insider Pages Reviews for The Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden is located near the Rose Garden overlooking downtown Portland. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit and to spend a couple of hours strolling the gardens and ponds. Check your local library to see if they offer free passes to visit the garden - I know the main library in Hillsboro has free one-day passes that you can pick up (for two people) and return at the end of the day.
Posted 08/15/09 | Report Abuse
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The Japanese Garden, located in the West Hills of Portland, is acutally divided into five seperate gardens: Strolling Pond Garden, Tea Garden, Natural Garden, Flat Garden, and the Sand and Stone Garden. The gardens are just beautiful and provide a peaceful, tranquil envirionment. They have many events taking place each month, such as writing workshops, tea, and other exhibits. You can sign up for an informative tour if you would like. They have daily tours April through October. Don't forget to stop off at the gift shop on your way out. You won't be disappointed! They have a nice selection of gifts including; tea pots, books, candles, chop sticks, toys, garden items, and much more. Highly recommended!
Posted 11/09/05 | Report Abuse
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Large well kept Gardens and facility just above Portland Rose Garden and near the Zoo. Membership available or pay an entrance fee. There is a Shop where you can buy souvenirs. Monthly events occur. You will feel as if you are in Japan! There is a large parking lot. You can walk up the path or take a minibus to the garden located on a hill.
PROS: location
CONS:
Posted 06/01/05 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Relaxing must see for all ages
by phieagle68
This was a very relaxing experience.This is something to see not only for tourists and locals. There is a wonderful view of Portland too. Sand gardens,waterfalls,and beautiful taste of what kind of nature Portland does have to offer.
Posted 09/21/08
Go see this Garden
by elfqueen1977
If you enjoyed the Chinese Garden Downtown you will love the Japanes Garden near the zoo. It is a bit of a trek(Take the max to the zoo then wait for a shuttle) but worth it. The Japanese garden is spectacular with it's multiple gardens, moss covered grounds and natural Portland trees. You can even see the view of the city below. Gorgeous!
Pros: Sand Garden, View of City
Cons: Far from downtown
Posted 08/17/03
Serine
by etmbrooks
One of the best palces to spend a couple of hours. We take all of our visitors there.
Posted 09/12/02
Beautiful and Romantic
by timur_k
Walk in the garden anytime of the year and you'll feel alive again.
Pros: Natural, Artistic, peaceful
Posted 08/07/02