If you’re travelling in Portland and looking for a place to zen it out, the Portland Japanese Garden is great place to visit. Located within Washington Park in the West Hills of Portland, the Portland Japanese Garden is considered to be one of the one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Asia.
Disclosure: I visited the garden as media where my admission was complimentary.
Eight Garden Spaces
Established in 1963, the 12 acre Portland Japanese Garden features eight public garden spaces that represent different styles of traditional Japanese gardening techniques and a Cultural Village.
The designs of the garden incorporate essential elements like stone, water and plants that come from influences of the Shinto, Buddhist and Taoist philosophies.
Relax and Refresh
The Umami Cafe at the Portland Japanese Garden is a place for guests to relax and refresh during their visit. The design of the cafe is reminiscent of Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera temple. You’ll find tea service as well as light snacks at the cafe.
As I strolled around the garden, I definitely felt a sense of serenity and tranquillity. However, as the garden is a top attraction in in Oregon with 30,000 annual visitors, you might expect some crowds. Below are a few tips on how to beat the summertime crowds.
Tips when visiting during the summer
To beat the summertime crowds, consider visiting the following times: Tuesday and Wednesdays are the slowest days of the week while mornings (10am-11am) and early evenings (5pm-7pm) are the slowest times. If you get a Garden Membership, one of the perks is that you can visit during member-only hours which is 8am-10am Tuesday – Sunday.
Public Tours
Public tours with the Garden’s well trained and knowledgeable volunteer guides are complimentary with admission. Tour times are subject to volunteer availability but are generally available at 2 pm and 4 pm May 1st through Labor Day and at 12 pm September 4th through April 30th.
Accessible-Friendly
Portland Japanese Garden Admission
2018 Seasonal Pricing (May 1-September 4):
Adults: $16.95
Seniors (65+): $14.50
College Students (with ID): $13.50
Youth (6 – 17): $11.50
Children 5 and under: free
Regular Pricing
Adults: $14.95
Seniors (65+): $12.95
College Students (with ID): $11.95
Youth (6 – 17): $10.45
Children 5 and under: free
Portland Japanese Garden Hours
Summer Public Hours (March 12 – Sept. 30):
Monday: Noon – 7 p.m.
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 pm
Winter Public Hours (Oct. 1 – March 11)
Monday: Noon – 4 p.m.
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Overall Impression of Portland Japanese Garden
I very much enjoyed my visit to the Portland Japanese Garden and would recommend it for those who enjoy visiting garden attractions. It allowed me to tune out from the hectic, urban life at least for a short while.
Portland Japanese Garden
Address: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR
Website: japanesegarden.org