Japanese Garden
Categories: Local Flavor, Parks, Botanical Gardens [Edit]
Neighborhood: Southwest Portland611 SW Kingston Ave
Portland, OR 97205 (503) 223-1321
- Good for Kids: No
53 Reviews for Japanese Garden
what a way to end a wonderful trip to a wonderful city!
No wonder people are so happy in Portland, they have so much to be happy about!
We had packed the car for the drive back to the airport and narrowly escaped another parade (another parade! don't you guys do anything but parade?!) and headed on up burnside well past what I thought we should and dropped my jaw when we rounded that neighborhood I would give a leg to live in.
sooo serene. i could spend hours here.
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this is a place you HAVE to visit when in oregon!! if anyone rated this place anything less than 5 stars, i have no idea why!
the journey to this garden was a very winding one and parking was a little difficult to find, but it is definitely worth it to come! there is a charge to enter (i forgot the admission price) and make sure to get the brochure/map of this place before proceeding. this place is huge!! the map explains certain things and shows you the path to take to get around the whole park.
we spent a few hours here because there is so much to see (i uploaded only a fraction of the pictures that was taken at this garden). it's so beautiful and so relaxing with all the waterfalls and ponds. i have a little obsession with anything japanese related so i had a blast!! i would give this place 5+ stars!!
This was one of the reasons why I wanted to go to Portland. This Japanese Garden is one of the largest gardens outside of Japan! It was HUGE. I have seen a few other Japanese gardens and this is by far the best I have seen!!! This deserves 10 stars. I loved the moon bridge overlooking the pond. I also enjoyed the Four Season Garden (Flat Garden). Even though my family and I went during the summer i enjoyed the fall and the spring trees. Ohhh and at the end of tour, the guide leaves you where you are facing a wonderful view of downtown Portland. The trees created a great frame of the city...AMAZING! I miss that place so much. It is simply one of the most breath-taking places I have seen.
I would love to come back in the winter so i can see the gardens in the snow!!!
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I LOVE the Japanese Garden. Its just totally amazing and if you only get one chance to go there--then go-- you will absolutely love it if you like foreign nature and peace and quiet.
This is another place where I've accidentally gone on a date. I'm clueless. But this place was totally beautiful! I was so wrapped up in my surroundings that I was a terrible "date" and just ooh-ed and aah-ed at the amazing greenery and waterways. Although, there were some awkward moments when we decided to rest on some of the many benches throughout the garden. In any case, the colors (well, greens really) were vibrant, the koi pond was very cool, and traversing the space was not too challenging. You should check this place out even if you're not new to town or a tourist. But if you're taking a date, make sure she knows it's a date and not just a friendly outing.
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I think the rain added to how beautiful it was at the garden yesterday. Where the weather wasn't the greatest, I was fortunate to catch the garden pretty much empty. It was completely quiet and peaceful with the exception of the rain falling on the trees. Stunning. The rain added a slight covering of dampness to the entire garden, it somehow made all of the different shades of green more vibrant and I really loved watching the rain slowly fall into the koi pond. Beautiful!
I loved it there, I had such a nice time. I was also surprised at how small it was, the map makes it seem so much bigger. We were able to walk through the entire garden in about an hour.
If you are planning to go, don't let the rain stop you. It truly adds to how beautiful it is there.
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Beautiful. Peaceful. Relaxing.
Go on a less crowded week day, in the rain. You'll have the place mostly to yourself and the rain makes everything seem quieter and less hurried. The trees aren't blooming and you can appreciate the delicate shapes, the deliberate twists and turns of the branches and tree trunks. This is a garden to be savored year round.
I've been to the Japanese garden in SF, and it has more "pizazz," but in no way is it more beautiful or better maintained than the Portland garden. The garden made today a very good day.
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This is definitely a lovely place to spend the afternoon. Everything is always beautifully maintained. The staff is always friendly. And one of the rules is having to turn off your cell phone.
The ONLY thing this is missing is that it would be nice if they had a tea house for the general public like the one in San Francisco or the Chinese Gardens. Having a nice cup of tea while relaxing in this beautiful setting would be the ONLY way it could be better.
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Lovely tranquil garden. I love looking at the sand garden...so peaceful. I wanted the mini one at the gift store, but for $30? No way! And the waterfall was quite lovely! $6.25 for college students and $8 for adults. They have senior citizen and younger student discounts too. I like the free shuttle that takes you up and down (yes, I'm laaazy). Despite the freezing cold, it was a fun little detour. My mom loved it, but thought it was a bit small. If I recall correctly the SF one in Golden Gate Park is much bigger...or what it Huntington Park in LA? hmm...
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Really beautiful and well maintained Japanese Garden. Unfortunately, I think we visited a week or two before everything would bloom. All the flowering plants had a TON of buds and I'm sure that the park is amazing when they all blossom. Not exactly zen or peaceful, but it was a fun place to snap some photos and add to my collection.
We were lucky to have a week long winter visit that was rain free and sunny! It was a rare window of lovely weather inn February.
It is so true that you can visit in ANY season and be blown away by the beauty and tranquility.
The last time we were here it was during a 100 degree heat wave in August eight years ago--it was lovely then too.
My favorite place is the Rock Garden with it's sand sculpted like gentle waves splashing on the rocks. The gardener/sculptor was just finishing his raking. He said it takes 3-4 hours each morning to create the effect.
FYI
We bought the Attraction Pass from the Visitors Center Downtown which saved us a bundle on the combined ticket price to the garden and several other attractions.
There is a lot of steep steps and uphill climbing. Also there is a steep walk to the garden when the shuttle is not operating. Since I have trouble walking, the staff was kind enough to let us park in a disabled space.
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One of the most gorgeous, photographic gardens I have been to. Very surprised it was only about 5 acres, it seemed so much bigger.
Lush, peaceful, tranquil...Well done, Portland..well done.
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There are about a thousand gorgeous pix you can shoot before you even step into this amazing space. We will return when we can spend more time. They truly know what they are doing here. Stunningly beautiful.
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Ah...serenity. Look, if you're looking for action or a ton of different stuff to look at and do, maybe a garden isn't for you. If you want serenity, however-- like perfect, singular places to stop and take a pause from your hectic life--just to stop, rest., and savor the view of a perfect Japanese maple with verdant green moss underneath, and a rippling pond in the background...and quietness, and air full of oxygen and dampness that somehow makes Portland and the Portland Japanese Garden seem like one of the most special places in the world...well, then this garden might just be for you. No matter the time of year, if this is your place, no raindrop will detract from the beauty. Ahh.....
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wow..... came here when it was rainy and FREEZING, but it was still so beautiful!!!!
it's so serene there... i only wish it were a little warmer so that i could've fully enjoyed my time there....
i'm definitely coming back when it's warmer!
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Absolutely spectacular! Given that my friend and I were young looking we got in for the youth price, despite our adult status-- still, very well priced and very very very worth it! Sitting atop a beautiful hill in Washington Park that provides a breath-taking view of the city, I could have easily spent the entire day there. Go on a quiet day to fully absorb the beauty. I was most surprised by the size of the garden-- providing all sorts of secret areas to basque in landscapes that surround you. Well worth it!
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What is it about my peeps and plant life? Natural symbiosis is what you call it, I guess. Or is it photosynthesis? Whatever. This is the place to see this amazing relationship at its zenith. A glorious use of bucolic space which puts San Francisco's Japanese Tea Garden to lost-face shame, although I have to say the expansive Huntington Gardens down in LA are comparable in breadth and beauty.
Late autumn is a great time to come with all the different colors on full exhibit in the various trees. The Flat Garden behind the Pavilion is the perfect place to appreciate the visual contrasts in color and texture. So is the Strolling Pond Garden which has more of a natural beauty. The Moon Bridge is ideal for a momentary photo stop but expect many tourists to have the same notion.
Meditation will more likely be achieved at the large Sand and Stone Garden at the bottom of a series of rock steps. The Japanese Garden is definitely worth a stop when you're in Portland. I decided to use Gray Line's Portland City Tour as a way to come here without the use of a car. Otherwise it costs $8 to enter, a pittance when you see what they have done here. Remarkable what one can do with fertilizer.
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I have been to a few gardens in my life and the one in Portland was superb!! Naturally it rained and the little train was closed but a great family spot just the same!
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This is simply the best garden experience ever. It is so peaceful and everything is in harmony. There is the Rose garden in Portland also, and that's nice. But I can only handle looking at just so many roses. The Japanese Garden, on the other hand, is like a little mini adventure. Theres little ponds and running water, and a variety of plants and rocks that just seem to work well together. A great little hideaway for you to take a mini vacation to if you live in Portland. I make it a point to hop on a max train and take a little walk up to the Japanese garden whenever I'm in the great state of Oregon.
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Simply amazing. The colors and the light here were incredible. There was so much to see and take in...I'd like to see this place at different time of the year to see how it changes. It's very thoughtfully planned and cared for, making it a great place to get away from it all.
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Beautiful and serene. A nice place for a quiet afternoon enjoying nature.
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Love Portland, and this is one of the reasons why. It's a 'must' for travelers and your friends who are locals won't mind going here with you. Am I right Oregonians?
So green as you enter the park... Walking from the lot to the Antique Gate the surrounding pines dance with your senses and it's a swell prelude. Admire the Gate as you drop a mere eight buck (less for students, seniors and free 5 & under). The price is right, we're talking museum-quality gardens! If you don't know the place from previous visits, the tour is really excellent - three times a day.
My favorite areas:
The Wisteria Arbor framing the 5-tiered stone pagoda lantern.
The Stolling Pond Garden - love the Lower Pond, with incredible irises in June and early July!
The Tea Gardens - Inner and Outer both rock, with a Tea House that was traditionally constructed in Japan.
The Sand and Stone Garden - beautifully raked...oooh, ahhh, tranquility and the essential zen question, which figures do you see in the stones?
The views of Portland, Mt. Hood and its fellow peaks.
Bonus, the gift shop is small but really cool, and not absurdly-priced.
Traveler double bonus, close to NW 21st Ave.
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The Japanese Garden is the perfect place to get some rays after a 4 hour visit to Powell's book store. And don't forget your camera because there are some really great shots to be taken..smile Mr. Koi fish..SNAP!!
So if you got a heart beat/pulse it wouldn't be hard for you to find the Japanese Garden to be a romantic and scenic location. Plus it's great place to just sit back and hang(mack) and enjoy the scenery. Their 7 price tag is decent enough to keep almost anyone "entertained" for a least an hour...wowzer's!!!
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Unbelievably beautiful and tranquil. We were here on a Friday afternoon and literally had the place to ourselves. Such a nice change from the SF gardens, where you are elbow to elbow with all of the noisy tourists. The garden is a masterpiece, each plant deliberately placed in the perfect place. A must see for any Portland trip.
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This is one of the must-go attractions in Portland if you ever come here to visit. I'm telling you this place is so beautiful and well-kept. It locates somewhat close to downtown Portland but don't let that fool you. Once you are here, you'll realize that you just escape from the busy lifestyle that Portland Metro has to offer. Sit and relax on one of the benches, listen to the water fountain, and appreciate well-maintenance landscape, what else that you would ask for. Perfect place for taking pictures, I usually go crazy with my camera whenever I'm here.
There is a gift shop with cute and expensive Japanese souvenirs. You can get exact same things at many local Japanese markets. Admission is about 8 or 9 bucks. Not bad for visitors but as for me, a regular "Portlanders" it can be a bit pricey since I always bring my guests here.
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Last summer I was in Japan, most of my trip comprised of Japanese gardens, and I'm half-Japanese, so I like to think I know what I'm talking about... Given this isn't Japan, it's Oregon, I give it 4 stars. If this garden were in Japan, it would probably get 3 stars. Just couldn't adequately capture the essence of a traditional Japanese garden, and what!? No actual tea being served in the tea garden?! Okay, so maybe that's a touristy thing, but c'mon! I like my tea and rice crackers.
Best postcard-like picture can be captured behind the Natural Garden. Dress up, bring the fam, and take this year's holiday pic! (Only kidding, though has anyone tried?) With a stunning view of Mt. Hood in the background, you'll be so glad you did.
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Tranquil spot not too far from downtown. We spent quite a but of time walking around the many nooks and paths, but still had time to visit the Rose Test Garden just down the hill. Other reviewers are right on about bringing a camera if you're into that. There are lots of good shots here in any season.
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Portland's Japanese Gardens enjoys a top spot on the "must-see Portland" tourist's list. Housed in Washington Park in the Southwest (it shares the park with other destinations such as the Oregon Zoo, the Forestry Center, the Children's Museum, Arboretum, and the International Rose Test Garden) it's no wonder it's a likely destination and favorite among both locals and out-of-towners. This traditional Japanese garden is a thoughtful, beautiful, and deliberate complex of verdant trees, flowers, and shrubbery, affording quiet places to meditate and picturesque scenery. Much of the garden's design is symbolic, so I recommend getting in on one of the tours to get the whole experience and unlock the thought process behind the Japanese Garden.
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Gorgeous gardens and a great place to find some peace to relax in. Perfect for a quiet afternoon to take in the gardens. I highly recommend it.
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this is a pretty neat garden. lot of small paths to get lost on and benches for making sure you get your moneys worth lazing around all afternoon. they have pretty extensive landscaping including a huge zen type rock garden and a waterfall/koi pond. i had a pretty good time, but its too expensive to go back with any regularity. they have a gift shop area with lots of different pieces of independent artwork. i recommend stopping in at least once but try to pick a time that isnt all that busy or there will be people messing up the who tranquility of the joint.
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Beautiful gardens, great for pictures (if they allowed that...). Crazy staff. I was attacked by a woman in poly stretch pants for climbing a tree. That's the last time I'll climb their trees in heels. Hmph!
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people are not lying when they say that the Japanese garden is a must see. I took the advice of a coworker and stopped by here today after my meeting. What can I say? The place is amazing.
Out of everything, I think the best are the waterfall and the rock garden. Its great how you can just sit and enjoy the tranquility of the garden and the sound of the water flowing.
Being that I am not from Oregon, I can honestly say that this would make me want to come back.
Do not miss this place!
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this spot is amazing! Without a doubt this garden is completely meticulous. gotta appreciate the landscape. Once you step inside, you begin to feel this lax aura that comes over your body. I've never been to Japan but i can only imagine.
If your in portland, you gotta check this place out!
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An easy five stars. Portland's Japanese Garden, which is a decent but doable walk from downtown, is supposedly the best such garden outside of Japan. I've been a handful of times and plan to visit at least once more before I leave Portland this year.
Not only is the garden itself a masterpiece, but its location within green, hilly Washington Park couldn't be more ideal. And the gift shop, while not inexpensive, has some truly gift-worthy items. I bought a friend's wedding present there.
I once noticed that the admission price on the Web site didn't match the actual admission price (which had gone up a dollar, if memory serves). But otherwise, I have no complaints---this jewel of the Northwest is a must-see.
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Touring the Japanese Garden is a must-see if you are visiting Portland. The setting is peaceful and tranquil and makes for a relaxing stroll, even during the rainy season. The are 5 separate gardens to tour: Strolling Pond Garden, Tea Garden, Natural Garden, Flat Garden and the Sand and Stone Garden. Allow yourself about an hour to tour the entire grounds.
I highly recommend taking a guided tour so you can benefit from an expert explaining the history and meaning behind each garden. General tours run at 10:45, 1:00 and 2:30 and each tour will take about 45 minutes.
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This is a very large Japanese Garden. There is a lot of area to walk in and many things to see. Go here when its not so crowded like a early morning or a weekday. You want to go here and relax and meditate. There are many little nooks around the grounds where you can sit and relax and just let your thoughts run away with you or just meditate. The gardens are beautiful and well kept. Bring comfortable shoes, because you will do a lot of walking.
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Amazing as everyone else has said. Just a side note: you are not allowed to talk on cell phones inside the garden or have the ringer on. I was politely told this by a woman about 10 seconds after my mother called long distance. Before I had a chance to tell her I would have to call back later, an employee was right next to me- and my phone was on vibrate. It is rather nice to not hear any ringing or talking though.
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A must visit when coming to PDX. I sent pics to my friends in japan and they were confused cause they thought I was back in japan. A nostalgic place for me during any season, but most beautiful during spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Like others have said, you get a great view of the city and mt.Hood. There is a price for admission, but even most of the gardens and parks in japan have a price for admission. Well worth it.
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Yelp seriously needs a six-star option.
The gardens are stunning, doesn't matter what season, rain or shine.
Last time I went (April 2007) I took a docent tour, which I recommend to anyone interested in learning about the gardens' history or Japanese design principles. Our docent (Norma) was incredibly enthusiastic - try to get on her tour if she's volunteering when you visit.
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So very peaceful and so very pretty. It was just like being back in Japan.
It's also very close to the free International Rose Test Garden, so seeing both at once makes for a beautiful day.
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