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Portland Japanese Garden
Category: Arts & Entertainment Botanical Gardens Botanical Gardens [Edit]
611 SW Kingston AvePortland, OR 97205
Neighborhood: Southwest Portland
(503) 223-1321
- Hours:
Mon 12 pm - 7 pm
Tue-Sun 10 am - 7 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
217 reviews for Portland Japanese Garden
217 reviews in English
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Review from Lucy C.
Eugene, OR
11/15/2011
If you haven't walked these gardens, GO. You're missing out. On Veteran's Day there is usually free admission. Also, during the month of November, if you have a membership to either the Japanese Gardens or the Lan Su Garden you may go to either garden for free for the whole month.
We have a Japanese Garden family membership, and since it was November and we also LOVE Lan Su... we decided a trip to Portland was in order to enjoy both gardens. So up the 5 we drove, very early in the morning so as to try to beat the crowds...
This is from the brochure: "When His Excellency Nobuo Matsunago, the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States, visited the Portland Japanese Garden, he proclaimed it to be the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan."
I've never been to Japan or any other Japanese garden, but I do know that when I enter the garden I feel I've left my home country and entered some other peaceful, beautiful, balanced realm.
That is what I love most about the Japanese Garden and Lan Su in Portland - they both are like magical portals that transport you elsewhere... to a beautiful, serene, calming experience.
So, go! And relax and enjoy. -
Review from Mollie H.
10/24/2011
I'm embarrassed to say I had to be convinced to come here. I really wasn't feeling another 'nature-y' attraction in Portland but I am SO glad I gave in.
This has to be one of the most serene and beautiful places I've ever set foot in. I was blown away by how amazing it truly was. We were also lucky to catch a special exhibit - flower art. Really cool, really interesting.
Visit this place - you won't be disappointed and you will leave feeling a little calmer, I swear! -
Review from Joanne N.
Honolulu, HI
10/11/2011
Such a beautiful and serene garden. I've read somewhere that this is supposed to be the most beautiful Japanese Garden outside of Japan. Although I've only been to three (San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland)-- it truly is the BEST out of the three.
Very peaceful, lots of flowing water and secret paths all over the place. They really work hard to keep this place Zen. My Mom got scolded for being on her cell phone. Interferes with the energy-- and I agree.
My daughter was given a little scavenger hunt list to search for. Frog statue--check. Bridge--check. She had a lot of fun crossing off all the items as she found them. And it gave a chance to really explore all ends of the park.
It's a must when you're visiting Portland! -
Review from Eric S.
Redmond, WA
2/2/2012
one of the most beautiful places in the entire NW, and one of the best Japanese Gardens in the world. i make it a point to try to get here each and every time i visit Portland, as it never gets old. on a clear day there's great views of the city and mt hood. these gardens are meticulously cared for, and there's even guides providing a free tour, where i learned just how valuable those koi fish are in the pond; i think they have names for each of them!
beautiful waterfalls, beautifully raked zen gardens, there's just so much to see and appreciate. it happens to be right across the street from the rose garden, which is free, so it's a must do whenever in Portland. the garden is only $9 which is of great value. It's much nicer than the Japanese Garden that we have here in Seattle. i highly suggest the Portland Japanese Garden--go as much as able! go early or late so that parking is easier---weekdays are best! -
Review from Richard S.
Las Vegas, NV
12/27/2011
This place is simply beautiful! There is plenty of parking. We took the shuttle to the entrance. Entrance fee was $9.50 per person. They made me spit my gum out and drain my crystal light flavored water before entering. (A little weird, but I guess they were worried about people damaging the delicate ecosystem...or something like that.) There were so many beautiful sights. It was really peaceful there. I snapped like a million pictures. I have been on two occasions and enjoyed it more when it had been raining. The rain runoff made the place like paradise with lots of tiny streams and waterfalls. (I live in the desert so I find wet environments beautiful.) I would not come here repeatedly, but it is absolutely worth one or two visits.
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Review from Erin D.
10/1/2011
This was hands down my favorite site in Portland. It is absolutely gorgeous from start to finish, and really reminds me of some of the beautiful old gardens and temples in Japan. I was in Portland on vacation and was still clinging to a lot of the stress from home and not letting work go and worrying about things one should not be worrying about on a vacation, until I came here. Everything is so beautiful and peaceful and zen it's hard not to let the calmness wash over you while you're walking through the garden. My favorite sites were the waterfall and the path through the woods towards the end of the trail, and the lovely koi they have throughout - watch in some of the smaller pools, and you'll see baby koi hiding beneath some of the rocks.
If I lived in Portland, I'd be here once a week, just to recenter myself on a regular basis. -
Review from Rinky N.
East Bay
Updated - 8/28/2011 3 photos
Still as lovely as ever. Even though we've been here before we finally noticed how ever inch of this garden is beautifully landscaped.
It is a magical place where you may find yourself transformed to a state of peace and tranquility. Or in the case of my restless soul --momentary jolts of calmness.
There are lots of paths that intertwine. No matter which path you take you will be surrounded by lush greenery.
I still love the rock gardens in their beds of artfully raked perfection.Listed in: LIFE IS GOOD!, We love PORTLAND!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/1/2008
We were lucky to have a week long winter visit that was rain free and sunny! It was a rare window… Read more »
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Review from Lily J.
7/13/2011
4.5
Admission $9, parking is challenging...
It's really pretty here... so relaxing to walk around... totally worth being a member if you like to come here to take quiet walks. Sometimes it gets too crowded... so week days are better. -
Review from Kristine M.
Ridgefield, WA
11/19/2011
Beautiful. Worth every penny. If you haven't been, then go. If you have been, go again. I went on a rainy miserable day and it was like being transported into some melancholy wonderland. I can only imagine how beautiful it is on a sunny day.
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Review from Lindsey F.
Scottsdale, AZ
6/10/2011 22 photos
Gorgeous doesn't do it justice. Breathtaking isn't deep enough to explain it. A fairytale wonderland might do the Japanese Gardens the most justice.
Between the three mile hike to get there, the uphill climb most of the way, my aching feet for wearing the wrong shoes and a $9 admission ticket, we were a little bit hesitant when we first entered the Japanese Garden. I read and heard that this was an absolutely must when visiting Portland. After walking through Washington Park and seeing how lush and tropical it felt, I had a feeling it would be pretty, but as we approached the entrance after a hike straight up, the entrance didn't look quite as enchanting as the descriptions promised. But, we were there and we were not leaving without exploring!
I am SO happy we stuck it out. So very happy. As I said, upon entering, the beginning part of the Garden is just so-so. It feels like you've entered a charming Japanese estate with many a bonsai tree and other cultural plants. The main building was featuring "tree art" I guess you would call it and the building was full of quaint little Japanese plants. The views of Portland from the Garden were breathtaking and I made sure to snap some shots (attached).
We were mingling around on the top and noticed a staircase going down. Through the trees, I saw an adorable waterfall and immediately knew we had to explore. It was at that point that I entered a wonderland full of greenery, water falls, ponds, flowers, and the most zen feeling I've experienced in awhile. If I could live in this part of the park I would be perfect content. We continued to walk down the staircase through a Japanese forest of water falls, ponds, moss, trees and plants. If I didn't know better, I would have half expected a fairy to fly in front of me. I could continue for another four paragraphs but instead, I think that you need to experience it for yourself. Then go home and create your own zen garden!
Important Note: the park has a shuttle. You should definitely learn from our mistakes and take the shuttle.Listed in: Portland!
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Review from N V.
Salt Lake City, UT
9/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very pretty and well maintained place. Good for killing a bit of time, took us about 45 minutes to an hour to walk through the whole garden.
Bring a camera. Very close to the Rose garden so be sure to stop by. The Rose Garden is free. -
Review from James K.
San Mateo, CA
9/17/2011
My friend and I did an impromptu 6-mile hike through the woods during my weekend trip to Portland just in hopes of catching a glimpse of the Japanese Garden if it still happened to be open. Well, it was (thanks to a late closing time due to Harvest Moon), and it was more than worth the hike. Boy, am I thankful that I got a chance to stroll around for a couple of hours, as it easily became the highlight of my trip.
The uniqueness of the Japanese architecture, coupled with the breathtaking scenery of flowing streams, waterfalls, rock gardens, fountains, and greenery make it a visit that I will remember for a long time. The park takes about an hour and a half to stroll all the way through (with plenty of benches to rest), but time will be the last thing on your mind as you marvel at the amazing detail around you, from the perfectly patterned rock gardens, to the intricate stone carvings, to the soothing sounds of water flowing from the bevy of streams, waterfalls, and fountains all around you. It's nothing short of amazing.
Worth a 6-mile hike, a 15-mile bike ride, and a weekend trip to Portland. I will certainly be visiting here again. -
Review from Betty and Mike C.
San Francisco, CA
9/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gorgeous! At $9.50 for admission, one wonders why should I pay to go to a garden when I can cross the street and admire the rose garden for free? Well, if you are a fan of meticulously groomed gardens and pristine settings then the Japanese Garden is the place for you.
There is a rock garden, multiple bridges, water falls, a zen space right outside of the gift shop, and lots of places to sit and admire the flowers. We love Japanese Maple and they were planted all over the garden. You can tell this place takes a lot of upkeep to look this way.
Annual membership is only $55. If we lived in Portland, I would definitely buy the membership. I'm sure cherry blossom season is just amazing.
We took MAX to get here from downtown and then transferred over to the free shuttle from the zoo (about a 10 minute ride but it's too far to walk) which is where the MAX stop is.
We did enjoy the peaceful serenity of the garden and spent a few hours in here! -
Review from Pani L.
Eugene, OR
8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful and compact design above the city of Portland. It is shady and cool when it's hot and muggy in the city. Each season changes the look of the garden. There are many quiet places to sit on the benches. Becoming a member allows you into the gardens before the public and it's very quiet then.
The gardens have paved pathing and stairs. The paths can be steep in places so be aware if you have someone in a wheelchair or a big stroller. -
Review from Justin N.
4/26/2011
The most beautiful example of nature, gently framed by the creative engineering of man. Pure natural beauty, the specimens placed with such artistic care.
I believe I read that an ambassador from Japan dubbed this garden the most authentic of it's kind outside of Japan. That speaks volumes. I cannot clearly explain the aura of this place, the calm, the way it seems to quell any restless thoughts. I'm not sure how long we were even here, we just lazily strolled through on a lightly rainy day.
Perhaps that was the key to our serenity, the "poor" weather. It was overcast and we experienced a misting of rain, maybe that scared off the masses. I mention this because when I searched the reviews I couldn't fathom how anyone could give this place anything less than 5 stars. I would give it a billion stars. So I read through other comments and the only people who were displeased came on busy days, evidently "free days" being the worst.
On that path I recommend you visit when attendance is more likely to be low, maybe the weather isn't exactly perfect. Maybe there are clouds, maybe some rain. Maybe you have to wear heavier clothing to keep out the chill. An imperfect day's weather only heightened my sense of awe, even an empty parking lot can seem glorious on an 80 degree sun filled day. The gray sky only made the greens of each plant all the more vibrant. The rain falling was a gentle soundtrack, splashing into the ponds and streams. Every day in a garden such as this is a perfect day.
I absolutely loved this place. I could walk for hours. I would live here if I could. But I could see how children mid-tantrum or the shuffling around of huge groups could detract from the experience, I can't stand most people to be honest. But find these gardens when you have a chance to be one of few in attendance and it will make your day. It certainly made mine. -
Review from Mikhail H.
Beaverton, OR
9/15/2011
What a stunning example of Portland's beauty and bounty. My husband and I also attended the Moonviewing ceremony at the gardens which I would recommend to everyone though you must get tickets early for this September event because the three day festival sells out very quickly. It truly is a brilliant way to experience Japanese culture through food, drink, music, poetry and all the while seeing the beautiful gardens. We also enjoyed watching a tea ceremony though I would have enjoyed it more had the woman behind me been properly taught about the words "personal space" as a child...
Listed in: The Best of Portland
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Review from Joey Y.
5/11/2011
Japanese people are known for their tranquility and order even in midst of crisis; this garden is a perfect example of its culture and values.
Everything in this garden is intentionally designed to a certain way to reflect and bring and guide one to tranquility. (Sorry if I sound too mushy.) And since I went here a day after it rained, it was so green and beautiful. Although, in normal conditions, my mind is wonderfully painted with chaos and disorder, I found it somewhat miraculous that my mind found some peace - albeit for a short time - at this place. The only thing I could think of was, "Damn. That's pretty."
Also, HUGE kudos to city planners for placing this garden adjacent to the Rose Garden and the Zoo. Man, you guys/gals are genius! Thank you for making this city so accessible and livable!
(The admission is little bit pricey but if you live in Washington County, you can obtain Cultural Pass from its libraries that allows you to visit this and the Chinese Garden for FREE.) -
Review from F T.
Bay Area
5/12/2011
I purposely came here on a weekday to avoid the crowd. The garden is located in the Washington Park. We took bus #63 straight to the garden. After we got off the bus, there is a short walk uphill to the main entrance of the garden. If you prefer, you can ride their free shuttle to the main door too. The admission is $9.50 per person.
I love this garden. I think it is way better than the one in Golden Gate Park. This Japanese Garden is beautifully designed and it has tons of plants to see, and yet the place is not too big that can make you feel tired. To adapt how Japanese people not to disturb others in the public, using cell phone is prohibited in the garden. So please silent your phone before entering and lower your voice when you speak. I like these rules because it allows us to quietly and peacefully enjoy the beautiful environment. If you like zen environment and can obey the cell phone rule, you should visit this place. -
Review from Lauren T.
10/21/2011 2 photos
I really enjoyed visiting the Portland Japanese Garden more than the Rose Garden. Both are beautiful places to visit, but the Japanese Garden has more of a zen feeling for obvious reasons. I would visit this place everyday if I lived in Portland. BEAUTIFUL!
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Review from Elle H.
Hillsboro, OR
8/15/2011
Beautiful and serene place. This is one of my most favorite spots in Portland. It's much bigger and has more of an authentic feel to it than the one in San Francisco. There is always a challenge in find parking but once you do and you walk through those gates, you're transformed into a place of tranquility.
They have free-guided tours in which you can learn about its history. Sometimes they also have plant and art sales in which you can view the most exquisite Asian art.
This is a park where you can easily forget all your worries and the craziness of urban living. Take the time to meander through and thoroughly enjoy the zen gardens. -
Review from Andrew K.
San Francisco, CA
9/6/2011
Apologies for all of the 5 ratings, but this place is just that good. So beautiful, relaxing, and wonderful. They are quite large and authentic feeling. This garden brings you right to Japan. The walk up and the tram down are both nice.
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Review from Jason B.
Lebanon, OR
10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Definitely worth a trip any time of year, but during late October the changing leaves are really stunning. I think the $9.50 admission price is a little steep considering that you can leisurely walk through the entire gardens in an hour, but hey, if you want you can stay all day. I wish they would do something creative like have a working tea house there where you could stop and sit with a hot cup of tea on a cool, drizzly day. That would be a fantastic addition!
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Review from Lauren L.
9/28/2011
The Japanese Garden is quite simply the most beautiful garden I've ever seen in my entire life. I was literally speechless the entire time. The grounds are immaculate, and at a little over $9 admission, this is something you 100% must see if you are visiting Portland.
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Review from Trang K.
9/10/2011
Hands down the best Japanese Garden I have been to! It was so hot the day we went, but since we were surrounded by the trees, it was cool and shady. The gardens were gorgeous and meticulously maintained. You really feel at peace and tranquil here. The Koi ponds are also very nice. The admission at 9.50 per person was a bit of a shock, but at the end it felt like it was well spent. I can't wait to come back.
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Review from Jen L.
5/5/2011
Tranquil.
That's how I sum up my first visit to this beautiful 5.5 acre garden tucked into the west hills of Portland. There are areas where you will notice absolute silence but stillness, no frenetic energy that you might be use to with city life.
Although it was mid spring, the weather was still crisp like early spring, so the blooms were still in hibernation, so I'm guessing it'd be another month or so to see the purple wisteria arbor in her glory, otherwise it's a gate with dormant vines.
A couple of highlights include the Strolling Pond Garden featuring a moon bridge (lots of Kodak moments) overlooking a large pond with some ducks, the Natural Garden with slightly windy but beautifully placed stairs going down/up the hillside and moss covered boulders and lanterns, and the large pavilion with the outlook to downtown Portland. The intricate stonework on walls and stairs is impeccable. And the koi were to return the week after our visit.
Since it was the weekend and not quite summer there was no shuttle between the metro stop about a mile downhill from the garden, so my niece and I took a $12 cab ride there (it's a bit of a hike to get up there) but hiked down through the Rose Garden and by the Portland reservoir down to the metro below. Still, it's a lovely way to spend the day outdoors in nature. -
Review from Michelle M.
Denver, CO
7/21/2011
I visited the Gardens on a short trip to Portland. I'm so glad that I carved out time of my short weekend in OR to visit! It's beautiful, tranquil, relaxing, fresh, and pretty much as authentic as you can get in the US.
It's definitely a go-to place for any type of group...good for the 3 year olds and the 90 year olds, alike. It can be REALLY romantic if you want it to. :)
Ensure that you have enough time to really relax in the gardens, otherwise you may feel as if it was a bit too short and a waste of your money (1 hour is fine). You're truly meant to stroll through the grounds and soak up as much beauty as possible.
Will certainly visit again in the future. -
Review from john c.
Redondo Beach, CA
2/17/2011
Simply Beautiful!
After reading some of the reviews for this magical place, I wonder if my memory is fading as I approach middle age. I attended Portland State, majoring in Japanese Literature, and while I spent many melancholy days reading Heian era poetry, watching the rain ceaselessly fall from the skies, the Portland Japanese Garden remains a very happy memory for me!
I filmed my first movie here-a short film for school. And although we certainly stretched the rules and dropped important names to gain admittance, the place is, despite the critic's complaints, a lovely place indeed!
So, if you are planning a visit to Portland, I highly recommend this lovely garden! Of course there are other visitors here, and if people trouble you that much, I recommend Yosemite in the winter. It will prove very Zen. -
Review from Edwin B.
Arcadia, CA
6/15/2011
So pretty and tranquil, it made me want to do the thing I hate most - reading.
Boookeeeh! -
Review from Jan A.
Vancouver, WA
6/21/2011
Love This Place.
Serene, beautiful, 4 season natural beauty. -
Review from Dan P.
Portland's Japanese garden is a beautifully manicured place to relax, stroll or dial in your new SLR. If you're looking to get away from the usual hustle and bustle of life it can be very peaceful. Each season of the year brings a different experience but I prefer going during warmer months to take advantage of its more colored scenery. You must ask yourself what is a relaxing afternoon worth to you? As the gardens entrance fee is $9.50 for adults and for the size of the park this doesn't necessarily pay for the effect. Especially when you consider that the rose garden and Washington Park right next door are both free. Either way I feel it's worth the experience at least once.
I would however strongly urge you not go when they offer free admission. I'll probably be writing an update in the future because of this, I guess it could also be the fact that I went on President's Day. My point being, it's called a Zen garden for a reason and that reason doesn't include hoards of people with screaming children running around recklessly! I feel some people lose the purpose of this experience and instead treat it like Disney Land.Listed in: Tourist Town, Parks and recreation
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Review from Andrew D.
Arcadia, CA
10/16/2011
What a wonderful place to visit. It was so calming and peaceful. Definitely a place to relax and just think. So many beautiful views in each direction. It is well manicured and taken care of. Definitely worth the visit. Not a good place for disabled people. it is a little hike up to the entrance. Many small stone steps on one side of the garden.
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Review from Roxie G.
Portland, OR
10/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Simply beautiful!!! Such a treasure in our city! Can't wait to come back during a different season.
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Review from Jessica P.
Portland, OR
10/3/2011
The Japanese Garden is a slice of heaven full of serenity and beauty. Great place to visit, especially if you are (or are with someone who is) new to Portland. It was one of my first stops in Portland and it solidified my love for this city.
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Review from JW D.
Portland, OR
11/12/2010
Do yourself a favor and don't attend anything meant to be peaceful or contemplative during an event billed as free admission. This is akin to visiting a high class steakhouse during free buffet night. You get pretty much the same crowd. In the case of Japanese Garden, you get people who wouldn't know peaceful and contemplative if you loaded them up on Enya and Thorazine.
The term garden is actually a bit misleading. I was expecting something akin to Lan Su, a bit of contained wonder. This is actually a park, a twisty, hilly park filled with carefully tended natural wonders. Paths lead to all kinds of different areas, little outdoor parlors, Zen gardens, twisty bits through immaculately tended forest scenes, little fountains and reflecting pools. I have a feeling seasonal trips up here will become A Thing. -
Review from Todd G.
San Luis Obispo, CA
8/9/2011
I've been thinking of coming back. I have fond memories and photos of the little bridge and serene rock and sand gardens.
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Review from Cathy M.
Columbus, OH
9/1/2011
Not sure if it's because we went in August, or because we had just come from the most amazing lakes in Bend, Oregon, but this was a huge disappointment. It was $9.50 to get in (each) and it was just like every other garden I've been to. Nothing special, it was small, we walked around the whole place in 15 minutes. We spent more time getting there than staying there.
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Review from Shina S.
Houston, TX
10/10/2011
As soon as my sister and I arrived in Portland we checked out the Japanese Garden. We were both in awe! The Garden was incredibly beautiful and obviously tremendously cared for. Although it was very chilly and we weren't properly dressed for it, we still enjoyed the Garden for a couple of hours. I will definitely return to the Garden with my fiance when we go to visit my sister in Portland!
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Review from Allyson M.
Irvine, CA
10/31/2010 5 photos
Prior to coming here, I thought nothing could top the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco.
Well, I had to eat those words after visiting the Japanese Garden. It can only be summed up in one made-up word: Amazeballs!
We opted to take a walking tour with one of the volunteers, who was named Mary. The colors are just beautiful, probably because it's Fall.
The people who maintain the garden have got to be more than perfectionists. I mean, there's a woman who maintains the moss!
The garden is so peaceful you can probably hear a pin drop. Oh how I wish I could come here every day after work.
One of the most gorgeous spots was where you can see Mount Hood in the distance. It was breathtaking.
There was one part we unfortunately didn't get to go down to (due to steep steps and it was raining a little), so that gives us a reason to come back.
The beauty of the garden is that you become one with nature. Each rock was chosen and placed for a reason. Also, the rocks were placed as they were found (e.g., vertical rocks are placed vertically in the garden).
The garden is just something you'll need to see and experience. There just is no justice in reading a description of it. Check out the web site and go, go, go! -
Review from Virgo M.
Bay Area, CA
12/12/2010
We almost skipped this place. I'll be eternally grateful that we didn't. Here's why:
What I expected: Beautiful Landscape
What I didn't expect: A spiritual and serene experience with my most precious loved one...my son. -
Review from Summer C.
Long Beach, CA
10/1/2010 6 photos
Absolutely serene, peaceful, beautiful, and unreal. The Japanese Gardens should be visited by everyone in Portland. It really is a tranquil escape from the busy world we are so encapsulated in. We paid $9.50 each to walk about the gardens with no time frame... I could have spent all day here.
The waterfalls, bonzai trees, sand and stone garden, Japanese maples, bridges, ponds, architecture of the buildings, and view of Portland are just unbelievable.
They say the seasons are all so different and beautiful here. We came at the end of Summer, and every shade of green was featured here. Would love to go back one day during the fall to see how beautiful the trees are then.
-Bring your camera
-Have a lot of time to spare, you can't walk through this in a hurry
-If you are short on time, don't waste it any of it at the rose garden.
-Try to arrange a tour with a guide, they are knowledgeable.
-Leave your stress at the door
:)
