• Japanese Garden is considered among the best Japanese gardens in the world
• The garden hosts art exhibitions, cultural festivals, and events
Established in 1980, the traditional and authentic Japanese Garden is set up in the luscious urban Washington Park in Portland. Located on 5.5 acres, the garden provides a number of memorable attractions for visitors including ponds of koi, bonsai-trimmed shrubs and trees, pavilions, stone lanterns, and five gardens. Look out for the sumptuous trickling waterfalls and relax under the pink and red maple trees. Magically beautiful at any time of year, the garden is considered among the best Japanese gardens in the world, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
The ponds, trees, pathways, and well-sculptured and maintained tranquil gardens are breathtaking with pleasant surprises at every turn. The garden has five beautiful sub-gardens that emphasize a particular theme with the desired effect of being part of nature and experiencing harmony and tranquility.
Five Main Gardens
Strolling Pond Garden contains a 100-year-old five-tiered pagoda lantern with ornamental rock. The koi pond has beautiful colorful fish surrounded by zigzag bridges and water features nestled naturally in shrubs.
Natural Garden has multiple ponds, waterfalls, streams, shrubs, trees, ferns, and mosses in their natural state. Purposefully placed to show changes through the season.
Sand and Stone Garden contains weathered rocks and stones in a peaceful and serene setting. Uses the initial elements as points for quiet contemplation.
Flat Garden with urban garden design and contrasts with the gardens folds and contours.
Tea Garden was developed to enhance the authentic tea house. It focuses on a stone walking path created to help visitors pay attention to the outside world.
Guided tours are included with the cost of admission. The garden hosts art exhibitions, cultural festivals, and events like the moon-viewing nights in autumn that feature live music bands and seasonal Japanese delicacies.
From International Test Rose Garden, you can walk up the short but steep path to the Japanese Garden or ride the free Garden Shuttle (weekends only). To get to Oregon Zoo you can ride Washington Park & Zoo Railway (do not forget to buy a zoo admission ticket).
Visitors can get to the Japanese Garden and Rose Test Garden from Kings Hill Station. It is approximately a one-mile walk from the station to SW Salmon up the hill, take a right on SW King Ave, and a left on SW Park Place. Continue SW Park Place up the hill to the Washington Park entrance.
Japanese Garden open:
Year-round, except Tuesday and Christmas; all days and hours are subject to change.
Phone: 503-223-1321
japanesegarden.org
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