Portland Japanese Garden Tours
77 Reviews
Overview
Dedicated in 1963, the Portland Japanese Garden has long been the spot to join others—both visitors and locals—in a quest for tranquility. Meditate by a waterfall and walk the paths that lead to nine themed garden areas. Don't miss the cultural village, designed by contemporary Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
The Basics
Occupying 12.5 acres (5 hectares) in the city’s expansive Washington Park, the Portland Japanese Garden is the perfect place to venture for a zen retreat in between sightseeing stops. Home to koi ponds and individual areas that range from a tea garden to a bonsai terrace, the Japanese Garden also features a new cultural village. Venture in to see exhibitions at the Tanabe Gallery, attend events at the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center, and more.
Prebook tickets to the Portland Japanese Garden to enjoy a seamless visiting experience. Many guided hiking and biking tours of Portland’s parks include a stop at the tranquil destination.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Portland Japanese Garden is located in Washington Park, west of Downtown Portland. If traveling the 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) by car, it’s about a 10-minute trip from Downtown. The park is also served by the Nos. 15, 20, and 63 bus lines, while the free Washington Park Shuttle makes it easy to get around the area.
When to Get There
Spring through fall, the Portland Japanese Garden is open from midmorning to evening, with the exception of Monday, when it opens midday. Last entry is a half hour before close. From October through mid March, the garden has abbreviated hours. The garden is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Become a member to enjoy extended hours at the garden.
Events at the Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden hosts events, exhibitions, and other festivities throughout the year. Offerings range from temporary art installations and demonstrations of Japanese instruments to bonsai training classes and events like the Moonviewing Festival. Check the events calendar before you travel.
Dedicated in 1963, the Portland Japanese Garden has long been the spot to join others—both visitors and locals—in a quest for tranquility. Meditate by a waterfall and walk the paths that lead to nine themed garden areas. Don't miss the cultural village, designed by contemporary Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
The Basics
Occupying 12.5 acres (5 hectares) in the city’s expansive Washington Park, the Portland Japanese Garden is the perfect place to venture for a zen retreat in between sightseeing stops. Home to koi ponds and individual areas that range from a tea garden to a bonsai terrace, the Japanese Garden also features a new cultural village. Venture in to see exhibitions at the Tanabe Gallery, attend events at the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center, and more.
Prebook tickets to the Portland Japanese Garden to enjoy a seamless visiting experience. Many guided hiking and biking tours of Portland’s parks include a stop at the tranquil destination.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The garden's Umami Cafe serves Japanese-inspired dishes and teas.
- Public tours of the garden are hosted several times daily in summer and once a day in the winter.
- If you wish to see the garden’s cherry blossom displays, time your trip with late March.
- The Cultural Village, the upper Flat Garden, and the Pavilion are fully accessible to visitors with limited mobility.
- Cell phones must be silenced in the garden; smoking and outside food and drink (except water) are also prohibited.
The Portland Japanese Garden is located in Washington Park, west of Downtown Portland. If traveling the 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) by car, it’s about a 10-minute trip from Downtown. The park is also served by the Nos. 15, 20, and 63 bus lines, while the free Washington Park Shuttle makes it easy to get around the area.
When to Get There
Spring through fall, the Portland Japanese Garden is open from midmorning to evening, with the exception of Monday, when it opens midday. Last entry is a half hour before close. From October through mid March, the garden has abbreviated hours. The garden is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Become a member to enjoy extended hours at the garden.
Events at the Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden hosts events, exhibitions, and other festivities throughout the year. Offerings range from temporary art installations and demonstrations of Japanese instruments to bonsai training classes and events like the Moonviewing Festival. Check the events calendar before you travel.
Address: 611 Southwest Kingston Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205, USA
Admission: Varies
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Portland Japanese Garden
Sort by:Featured
Discover Portland Half-Day Small-Group City Tour
11
On this 3.5-hour tour, you'll get a broad overview of the Central City. We'll make stops at Pittock Mansion, the International Rose Test Gardens, and the Portland Aerial Tram. At Pittock Mansion, you'll get pictures of the best views of the city, and the five stratovolcanoes that are visible on a clear day. You'll have plenty of time to smell the roses at the Rose City's most famous garden. You'll get another great view of the city riding the Aerial Tram (*PORTLAND AERIAL TRAM CURRENTLY CLOSED TO PUBLIC DUE TO COVID-19*). Your expert guide will provide background on the sites and city history, while navigating through city traffic, so you don't have to. You'll meander through all of the major neighborhoods of inner Portland on both sides of the river while gaining views of 14 of Bridgetown's 22 notable bridges. Your guide will return you to your departure location at the end of the tour. Book our Explore Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Small-Group Tour as well, and receive $10 cash back.
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From
$70.00
From
$70.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Forest Park Urban Hiking Tour
17
When tour guests asks us, "what one thing should I not miss in Portland," we pick the 4.5- to 5-mile (8-9 km) hike in Forest Park. No matter what the season, hiking in the park is entering another world right on the borders (and through the fabric) of the city.
We offer two daily departures, both with varied terrain and about 900 ft elevation gain. The morning hike is focused around a classic Northwest Portland experience, and ends at the International Rose Test Garden, the Forest Park Experience (9 a.m. to noon). The afternoon hike starts at Goose Hollow, weaves through the neighborhoods and up into the park, the Goose Hollow to the Forest (1 to 5 p.m.). Both pass the iconic spots; Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion, and Witch's Castle; but take a different approach to the forest.
Being in Forest Park is to be immersed a fluid place that exists both in and out of time. In the forest—within minutes leaving the street—you can forget, or wonder at the fact that you are still in a city.
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From
$50.00
From
$50.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Private Portland Discovery Tour
On this 3.5-hour tour, you'll get a broad overview of the Central City. We'll make stops at Pittock Mansion and the International Rose Test Gardens. At Pittock Mansion, you'll get pictures of the best views of the city, and the five stratovolcanoes that are visible on a clear day. You'll have plenty of time to smell the roses at the Rose City's most famous garden. Your expert guide will provide background on the sites and city history, while navigating through city traffic, so you don't have to. You'll meander through all of the major neighborhoods of inner Portland on both sides of the river while gaining views of 14 of Bridgetown's 27 notable bridges. Your guide will return you to your departure location at the end of the tour.
…More
From
$312.00
per group
$78.00 savings
From
$312.00
per group
$78.00 savings
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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