

Portland Japanese Garden
Enjoy tranquility and inspiring views at one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Asia.
John Patrick Pullen
Tucked into the scenic West Hills of Portland, above Washington Park and near the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of meticulously maintained, tranquil beauty. Proclaimed as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, the 12-acre (5 ha) space includes an authentic Japanese tea house, meandering streams, intimate walkways and an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood.
Tips for Visiting Portland Japanese Garden
How much does it cost?
$21.95 for Adults
$18.95 for Seniors (65+)
$17.95 for Students (with ID)
$15.95 for Youth (ages 6-17)
Free for members and children under 5
Details are subject to change; please check Portland Japanese Garden’s Website for current information.
When is it open?
Closed Tuesdays
The last entry is at 6 p.m. Guests are out by 7 p.m.
How much time should I plan for my visit?
Is parking available?
Parking can be a challenge in the lots at Washington Park. Public transit or ride-share services are highly recommended.
By bus/MAX: TriMet bus #63, which connects to the MAX stations at the Oregon Zoo and Providence Park.
#15-NW 23rd and #20-Burnside stop at NW 23rd & Burnside, about a one-mile walk up Washington Park.
Or you can take the Red or Blue line MAX train to the Washington Park stop and take a free Explore Washington Park shuttle to the Garden. Check the real-time shuttle tracker to find the next available shuttle.
Is the garden accessible by wheelchair?
Flat Garden, including an overlook to the Sand and Stone Garden, Pavilion Gallery, Cultural Village including Umami Café, and the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center, which houses the Tanabe Gallery and Gift Shop.
What are some of the plants in the gardens?
Founded in 1963 as a symbol of healing between World War II adversaries, the grounds feature five separate garden styles, working in harmony to create a sense of peace. The lush Tea Garden is focused on a stone walking path designed to help visitors shed their concerns about the outside world. The Strolling Pond Garden would display wealth in Japan, but in this case, reflects the rich landscape, with a bridge zigzagging through beds of Japanese iris by the waterfall, Heavenly Falls. The Natural Garden is full of leafy trees and plants, most notably the Pacific Northwest native vine maple, deliberately placed to show off their changes through the seasons. Designed before Zen Buddhism became popular in the U.S., the Sand and Stone Garden uses the elements as focal points for quiet contemplation. And the Flat Garden, which can be best enjoyed from the garden’s pavilion, is reminiscent of a landscape portrait, combining various elements into a serene, four-season tableau with azalea shrubs and lace-leaf maple trees.







In April 2017, the Japanese Garden completed its first-ever upgrade since it opened, enhancing its five original areas — the Flat Garden, Strolling Pond Garden, Tea Garden, Natural Garden and Sand & Stone Garden — with the Cultural Crossing Expansion. The massive undertaking added LEED-certified buildings and seven new garden spaces, all with the goal of expanding the garden’s teachings and maintaining its tranquil vibe.
Guided tours are included with the cost of admission, and the garden also hosts frequent events. Among the Portland Japanese Garden’s most popular affairs are its autumn moon-viewing nights, which feature live music, tea and sake service and seasonal Japanese foods under the illuminated sky.
Explore These Gardens
Marvel at gorgeous blooms and greenery at these Portland parks.
The Grotto
This serene woodland sanctuary in Northeast Portland features 62 acres (25 hectares) of lush botanical gardens. No matter what time of year you visit, the Grotto offers calm, peace and introspection, transcending boundaries.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
This year-round wonder houses an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden built by Suzhou artisans, offering a peaceful escape in Portland's historic Chinatown.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Round out your floral explorations of the Rose City with a visit to Southeast Portland’s lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The park boasts more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, with blooms from late February -June.
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