Nestled in the scenic west hills of Portland, the Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty. The garden includes a formal Japanese Tea House, meandering streams, intimate walkways, and an unsurpassed view of Mt. Hood.
611 SW Kingston Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
Phone:(503) 223-1321
Map & Directions:.
In 1963, Professor Takuma Tono an internationally recognized authority on Japanese landscape design, was commissioned to design and supervise the development of the Japanese Garden and he began landscaping the garden that year. Currently, the garden is open all year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
At the heart of a Japanese garden is harmony with nature. Through the careful use of plants, stones, and water, areas of serene and quiet beauty emerge. These peaceful spots in the garden lend themselves to meditation and contemplation. The 5.5 acre Japanese Garden is composed of five separate garden styles: a Strolling Pond Garden, a Tea Garden, a Natural Garden, a Flat Garden, and a Sand and Stone Garden.
A special feature of the garden is the Tea House, where formal tea ceremonies are periodically demonstrated. The Tea House was built in Japan, disassembled, and then rebuilt on its present site. Other sites often photographed in the garden are the Antique Gate, the Moon Bridge, the Poetry Stone, and the Iyo Stone. The garden’s lovely Pavilion is the scene of special exhibits relating to Japanese culture and the arts. And finally, the Service Center was built in 1994 – it houses restrooms accessible to those with disabilities, and a nationally acclaimed gift store.
In 1998, His Excellency Ambassador Kunihiko Saito exclaimed over the beauty of the garden and proclaimed it authentic by stating, “I believe this garden to be the most authentic Japanese garden including those in Japan.”
