John Patrick Pullen

waterfall in Portland\'s Japanese Garden waterfall in Portland\'s Japanese Garden
i
The Portland Japanese Garden offers over 5 acres of tranquility and a tea house.

Portland Japanese Garden

Enjoy tranquility and inspiring views at one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Asia.

2 min read Washington Park

John Patrick Pullen

Know Before You Go

The Portland Japanese Garden is open Wednesday–Monday (closed Tuesdays) with timed entry and other new procedures. See the latest health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19 on Portland Japanese Garden’s website.

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 one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, the 5.5-acre (2.2 ha) space includes an authentic Japanese tea house, meandering streams, intimate walkways and an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood.

#reopeningpdx Video Tour

Founded in 1963 as a symbol of healing between the 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 the concerns of the outside world. The Strolling Pond Garden would be a display of wealth in Japan, but in this case reflects the rich landscape, with a bridge zigzagging through beds of iris by a waterfall. The Natural Garden is full of leafy trees and plants, 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.

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 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.

Attractions, Parks & Gardens
japanese style gate surrounded by fir trees
1 of 6
Antique Gate at Portland Japanese Garden.
Credit: Johnston Photography
sun on Japanese maple and fir tress
2 of 6
Sunlight in the forest at Portland Japanese Garden.
waterfall into a calm pond surrounded by trees, shrubs
3 of 6
The serene Heavenly Falls at Portland Japanese Garden.
cherry blossoms over zen garden
4 of 6
Cherry blossoms at the Flat Garden in Portland Japanese Garden.
people look at koi in pond at garden
5 of 6
Looking for koi fish in the ponds at Portland Japanese Garden.
stone path to teahouse in garden
6 of 6
Roji Path to the Kashintei Tea House at Portland Japanese Garden.

Tips for Visiting Portland Japanese Garden

How much does it cost?

Admission to the Portland Japanese Garden:
$18.98 for Adults
$16.95 for Seniors (65+)
$15.25 for Students
$13.50 for Youth (ages 6-17)
Free for children under 6

Details are subject to change; please check Portland Japanese Garden’s Website for current information.

When is it open?

Wednesday – Monday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closed Tuesdays

How much time should I plan for my visit?

Most visitors to the gardens take one and a half to two hours.

Is parking available?

The Garden is located in the hills of Washington Park, directly above the International Rose Test Garden at 611 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205

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, which is about a one-mile walk up through 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?

At the top of the West Hills which tower over the downtown Portland, much of the garden is inaccessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Through there are some accessible garden spaces:

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.

Explore More Parks

Marvel at gorgeous blooms and greenery at these Portland parks.

Go To Parks & Gardens
two people admiring a large blooming rhododendron

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.

covered bridge crossing a narrow garden stream

Lan Su Chinese Garden

This year-round wonder taking up an entire city block houses an authentic Ming Dynasty style garden built by Suzhou artisans. Lan Su Chinese Garden offers a peaceful escape in Portland's historic Chinatown district.

a closeup of a stone at the Japanese Memorial Plaza

Japanese American Culture

Connect with Portland's rich Japanese-American heritage at sites around the city.