Road Trip Garden-Portland Japanese Garden

Portland, Oregon

The outstanding Japanese Garden at Missouri Botanical Garden has spoiled many St. Louisans, myself included. In all my wanderings, it remained THE top Japanese Garden I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting- this being a bit partial since during my time as staff at MBG, I spent a lot of time there keeping track of the trees and shrubs. As a die-hard plant-geek garden snob, I appreciated and admired MBG’s Japanese Garden’s calm beauty, along with my deep respect for my coworkers and the numerous volunteers who kept it pristinely manicured. The MBG Japanese Garden set a very high bar that other US Japanese Gardens can only dream of coming close to.

Then I visited the Portland Japanese Garden, and that very high bar was pushed up even higher.

If Japanese Gardens are not your ‘thing,’ this garden will still inspire and amaze you. Even non-plant geeks will still be impressed, finding peace and beauty layered quietly among the maples, cherry trees, and exuberant moss.

Portland Japanese Garden was founded by a grassroots effort of community members interested in healing the wounds from WWII and bringing a better understanding of Japanese culture to Portland. Initially, the project met harsh resistance and threats against the site’s gardeners.

The former Ambassador of Japan to the United States, His Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, proclaimed Portland Japanese Garden “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan” during his 1988 visit.

What I love about this garden;

-One purpose of a Japanese Garden is to realize a sense of peace, harmony, and tranquility. The Portland Japanese Garden offers a multi-sensual emersion experience that most public gardens do not provide on this level.

-No signage in the gardens to distract from the natural beauty.

-Top notch in quality on every level.

-Well done visitor guide/map.

-Gift shop is independently owned and not the run of the mill garden shop that most public gardens now have.

Know before you go;

-As of this post, the Portland Japanese Garden is closed on Tuesdays.

-The climb to the entrance is straight up a steep hillside. Be prepared for a serious step workout. A free shuttle from the Tanabe Welcome Center in the parking lot is available upon request during regular Garden hours. There is also a free shuttle for Washington Park that stops near the Garden.

– Not all parts of Portland Japanese Garden are accessible. However, the new Cultural Village, the Upper Flat Garden, and the Pavilion are. There are no wheelchairs, scooters, or strollers available for rental. A mobility map is available, showing which paths are accessible.

-Plan on a visit of 1 ½ to 2 hours.

-During cherry blossom time and fall, it can get crowded. Purchase your tickets in advance if possible.

-If you read online reviews about how “pricey” this garden is for its size, please remember the intense level of maintenance a garden of this type requires AND its independent non-profit status. PJG receives no state or local tax funding, unlike many public gardens that might have lower admission rates. The Garden’s operating budget comes from gate admissions, retail sales, membership dues, and donations.

-The Umami Café is in the Cultural Village and the only place to purchase food or drink. NO food or beverages (other than water) are allowed in the Garden.

-Portland Japanese Garden is within Portland’s Washington Park at 611 SW Kingston Ave., Portland, OR 97205

-Check the website Portland Japanese Garden for current rates and up-to-date information about hours and closings.

Quick Facts;

-12 acres.

-Eight separate garden styles, including the Tea Garden, Sand and Stone Garden, and the Natural Garden.

-A Japanese Arts Learning Center full of art galleries, classrooms, a library, a better-than-average garden gift shop, and restrooms greets you at the top of the hill in the Cultural Village.

-The site was dedicated in 1961. Opened in 1967.