Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:611 S.W. Kingston Ave.
Portland, Oregon
Tel:
(503) 223-1321
Our Botanical Gardens Expert Says:
Stroll through one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Portland's famous Gardens include 5.5 acres, featuring 5 distinct garden styles: the Flat Garden, the Strolling Pond Garden, The Tea Garden, The Natural Garden, and the Sand and Stone Garden. The purposeful use of plants, stones, and water here creates a sense of serenity and quiet beauty, while the peaceful spots created lend themselves to meditation and contemplation. Be sure to set aside at least an hour or two to take in all of the surrounding beauty, including the waterfall, several small ponds, the authentic Japanese home, the traditional tea house, where formal tea ceremonies are periodically demonstrated, and the stone gardens. For those who so desire, there are daily guided tours, generally lasting from 45 minutes to an hour, outdoors and on foot. The Japanese Garden also hosts events such as traditional festivals, ikebana exhibits, art shows, and workshops. These events are free with admission to the Garden. As an added bonus, visitors here will also enjoy some of the best views of Portland and Mt. Hood, along with tall evergreen greenery that surrounds this magnificent blend of natural space. The Japanese Garden is located in southwest Portland, directly above the International Rose Test Gardens in Washington Park, at 611 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR 97205.
From Portland Japanese Garden - Portland, Oregon:
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 distinct 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.