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”Portland Japanese Garden
Portland Japanese Garden is a garden and rock garden located in Washington Park, Portland, Oregon. It was designed by Professor Takuma Tono of Tokyo Imperial University’s Department of Landscape Architecture and was created between 1911 and 1912. The Garden is open to the public for a fee during the spring through autumn months from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm on weekdays, Saturdays from 8:30 am until 6:00 pm, Sundays from 10:00 am until 5 pm.
The Japanese Garden covers 12 acres (49,000 m²) and includes a traditional Japanese tea house known as the Strolling Pond Garden Tea House.
The Japanese Garden is home to many different plants and trees, including azaleas, bamboo, camellias, cherry blossom trees, crepe myrtle trees, flowering cherry and ginkgo trees, Japanese maple trees, juniper plants, magnolia shrubs, and sasanqua crepe myrtles.
There are also several features within the Japanese Garden, such as a pond with koi fish, pagodas for tea ceremonies; waterfalls; stone lanterns; and a Zen garden.
The Portland Japanese Garden is worth visiting if you are in the area! It’s a beautiful place to relax and enjoy peace and tranquility.
History of Portland Japanese Garden
The idea for a Japanese garden in Portland was first conceived by local businessman and landowner Simon Benson in 1909. At the time, there were very few authentic Japanese gardens in North America, and Benson felt that such a garden would be a valuable addition to the city of Portland. He contacted Professor Takuma Tono of Tokyo Imperial University’s Department of Landscape Architecture and asked him to design a garden for Portland.
Tono spent over a year visiting various gardens in Japan and studying their designs before submitting his final plans to Benson. The two men then traveled to Japan together so that Tono could train local Japanese artisans in the proper construction techniques. The Garden was completed in 1912 and opened to the public later.
At the Garden’s twenty-fifth anniversary celebration in 1988, Nobuo Matsunaga, the Japanese ambassador to the United States, described the Garden as “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside Japan.”
In 1998, the Garden was designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department. It is one of only 29 sites in Oregon to receive this designation.
Facts About Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden is an award-winning traditional Japanese garden located within Washington Park in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon.
Portland Japanese Garden is open to the public from April through October. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
The Garden is a popular tourist attraction and over 250,000 people each year. Admission fees are charged from April through October. Children six years old or younger are admitted free of charge.
The Garden covers 12 acres (49,000 m²) and is home to over 500 different plants and trees.
The Garden has several features: a pond with koi fish, pagodas for tea ceremonies, waterfalls, stone lanterns, and a Zen garden.
The Portland Japanese Garden was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998.
What to Expect at Portland Japanese Garden
When you visit the Portland Japanese Garden, you can expect to find a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. There are many different areas to explore within the Garden, including ponds filled with koi fish and pagodas for tea ceremonies. You can also relax in one of the many traditional Japanese teahouses located throughout the park or take a stroll through tranquil Zen gardens, where you will find beautiful flowers, waterfalls, and stone lanterns.
If you have plenty of time and want to enjoy a leisurely day at Portland Japanese Garden, I recommend budgeting for about three hours. This will give you more time to stroll through all the gardens and spend some time in each area, as well as stop by the gift shop and enjoy a cup of green tea!
The Garden is open from spring through autumn, and admission is charged during those months. Access is free for children six and younger. If you’re looking for a relaxing place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, then the Portland Japanese Garden is worth a visit!
What to See in Portland Japanese Garden
-A traditional Japanese tea house is known as the Strolling Pond Garden Tea House.
-Many different types of plants and trees, including azaleas, bamboo, camellias, cherry blossom trees, crepe myrtle trees, flowering cherry and ginkgo trees, Japanese maple trees, juniper plants, koi fish in a pond, magnolia shrubs, sasanqua crepe myrtles, and wisteria vines.
-Ponds with koi fish
-Stone lanterns
-Waterfalls
-A Zen garden
Activities and Events in Portland Japanese Garden
Portland Japanese Garden is beautiful year-round, but there are many special events that you should check out. The Portland Japan Festival happens every May, and it’s a great time to see the Garden in full bloom with tons of food booths from local restaurants and vendors selling arts and crafts! In August, they have their annual Obon festival, which celebrates the Japanese Buddhist custom of honoring the spirits of one’s ancestors.
They have a special Moon Viewing event in September where you can watch beautiful sunsets from their teahouse and enjoy traditional Japanese treats such as mochi (rice cakes), sweet beans, and green tea ice cream! In October, there is a particular Halloween party with lots of spooky games and activities for the kids.
If you’re looking for something different to do in Portland, why not check out and experience Portland Japanese Garden? It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to relax and enjoy the scenery. There are always lots of special events happening, so be sure to check their website for more information.
What Not to Do in Portland Japanese Garden
Just as you should do things when visiting Portland Japanese Garden, there are also a few things you should avoid. For example, don’t feed the koi fish in the ponds – it’s terrible for their health and can disrupt their natural ecosystem. Don’t walk on the bridges or stepping stones in the Garden – they’re meant to be looked at, not stepped on!
And finally, don’t smoke or vape in the Garden – it’s against the rules and can be harmful to the plants and animals. Enjoy your visit to Portland Japanese Garden, and be sure to follow these simple tips!
What Not to Bring in Portland Japanese Garden
In addition to things you shouldn’t do in Portland Japanese Garden, a few items aren’t allowed on the premises. For example, no outside food or drinks are permitted – be sure to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it in one of the designated areas outside the Garden. No pets are allowed either, so leave your furry friends at home. All weapons are prohibited, including firearms and hunting knives. Finally, no skateboarding or rollerblading is allowed in the Garden.
Be sure to read the complete list of rules and regulations before your visit to make sure you’re aware of all the dos and don’ts at Portland Japanese Garden!
Portland Japanese Garden Location, Hours & Admission
Address: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
Phone:+15032231321
Website: japanesegarden.org
Opening times:
April, May: Daily from 11 am to Dusk
June, July, August: Daily from 11 am to Dusk (except Monday)
September: Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to Dusk; Weekdays from Noon to Dusk
October: Daily from 11 am to Dusk.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve
Admission fee:
Adults (18-64) $14.00
Seniors (65+) $12.00
Children (ages seven to 17) $11.00
Children six and younger are free of charge
Parking: $12.00 (in the South Garden parking lot)
Directions: The Japanese Garden is located in the southwest district of Portland and can easily be reached by car or public transportation. It is a parking lot on-site, but it can be busy during peak hours. You can also take the MAX light rail line and get off at the Zoo/Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) stop. The Garden is a short walk from there.
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