Portland Japanese Garden

We based our whole trip around going to these gardens. It didn't disappoint. It was beautiful and peaceful if you could find a little spot away from all of the children running around.

We went during the summer, for our birthdays, and expected there to be a lot of people. We weren't wrong. Parking was horrible. If we had known, we might have caught a cab from our hotel. Luckily, someone waved us on that they were leaving and to follow them. We did the same for someone else when we were leaving, as well.

We walked up the side of a hill to get to this particular garden. Someone said there was a shuttle to the top if you want/need it.

The place wasn't huge, but there was a lot to look at if you like to sit and just enjoy the scenery. I could have easily spent the whole day sitting in one spot.

We stopped in the gift shop on the way out. It was so crowded in there at the time that we had to shuffle through like cattle. But, we still brought home a windchime.
We didn't have a snack so I can't say anything about that.

All in all, I would love to visit again during different seasons to see how it changes and maybe to enjoy the view without all of the summer break kids.

The entrance fee is $21.95 per adult with discounts if you're a student or senior with a valid ID. They also offer a yearly membership if you expect to come often.

There is dedicated pay to park spaces as well as a free Washington park shuttle bus available to get there. I was expecting a little more historical Japanese information, but there wasn't much. There were no bonzai trees as it may have been too cold. (We came here January 2024)

There was a little pond of some koi fish, but I expected a lot more. The water was also pretty murky. I think it would've been nicer if we came during cherry blossom season. Overall a nice garden if you're looking for something to do in the area, but go on a nice clear day.

Beautiful place to visit. We came here in mid January when most of the flowers were not in bloom. Definitely want to check out again around May or cherry blossom season.

Consider getting a year pass because if you go twice, it's already paid for itself. Very serene and scenic with lots to explore and great photo spots. There hasn't been much rain this year so lots of the water features were not running or running low.

Without the kids screaming I could see myself coming here to meditate or read a book and just be with nature. Maybe consider coming on a weekday instead of the busy weekends.

Disappointing. I wouldn't recommend this place for the price when there's so much to see in and near Washington park. Was definitely expecting to see a lot more. Minimal koi fish, no bonsai trees, rivers were dry, and the place is tiny. Could see the entire place in literally 10 minutes. There were a lot trees and shrubs, and a lot of cars driving by so couldn't really get the full zen experience. Could be because we came mid March, so take this with a grain of salt..

Amazing place to visit. Brought parents and family here. There's a shuttle to take to the top that we took. Beautiful trees and plants with peaceful ponds containing huge Koi. There is a little restaurant at the entrance that serves snacks and tea, which we enjoyed.

Must check out

Just visiting for the weekend with my youngest daughter and it was such a fun experience.

The weeks leading up to our trip to Portland, I asked colleagues and friends for recommended activities and destinations to experience. Mostly everyone suggested visiting the Portland Japanese Garden. Without looking at any Yelp reviews or information pertaining to the garden, I added it to our itinerary. On a cold rainy afternoon accompanied by a slow drizzle, we made the 25 minute drive to the Portland Japanese Garden.

Using the Parking Kitty app (I highly recommend downloading this app prior to visiting Portland) we paid for the parking that we found on the hilly path near the garden. En route to the Japanese garden, we stopped at the beautiful rose garden. The rose garden is free of charge and has some beautiful viewpoints that overlooks what I believed to be downtown Portland. After taking some photos at the rose garden, we made the short walk to the entrance of the Japanese Garden.

At the entrance I paid $43.90 ($21.95 per ticket for adults) for my wife and I, and $15.95 (the cost for children 6-17) for my son. Upon entering the garden "welcome" area, I used a QR code to gain access to an online map of the Japanese Garden (I recommend that you do the same). As we walked through the garden, we took in the beautiful colors of the botanical gardens (which spoke to my recent interest in plants) and the overall tranquility of the environment. Outside of the beautiful waterfall, one of the areas that really stood out to us (we spent a majority of our time here) was the Sand and Stone Garden (an area designated for contemplation).

Before I say this, I want to give the disclaimer that what I'm about to say is not intended to disrespect Japanese culture or this property. After covering the entire garden in a little less than an hour, my wife and I looked at each other and in unison said, "that was beautiful, but definitely not worth the entry fee." However, I understand that a majority of the entrance fee goes to maintaining the garden (which is in immaculate condition). I do not say this to discourage anyone from experiencing the beauty of this garden, I just want to share my experience and set an accurate expectation for possible visitors.

A Portland staple! A must for when you are visiting Portland. I've been here twice, both during the fall season. I still need to visit during the springtime.

The gardens are absolutely beautiful and serene. If you come in wanting peace and tranquility, you will be bathing in it. However, this is a popular spot, especially on the weekends, so be prepared for a ton of other visitors wandering around the gardens.

We did a ton of walking as there are many paths, gardens, and exhibitions to check out. There are some stairs, uneven pavements as well, and some elevated paths, so I highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

Parking at the lot by the entrance is limited. We had to drive out a bit to find street parking.

If I could, I'd visit every week, but unfortunately, my wallet wouldn't allow it. LOL! It's a great escape from the hustle & bustle of living in the city. I highly recommend!

Beautiful Japanese garden! It brought me back to memories of when I was in Japan!

Everything was so serene, neat, clean, and majestic.

You have to pay to enter. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the garden.

The garden is located within Washington Park. You it does not even feel like you're in the city.

From the website: "When His Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States, visited Portland Japanese Garden, he proclaimed it to be "the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.".

I agree with this. It was amazing.

I missed the Japanese tea house as there was a 1.5 hour wait, so I doy want to try it, check it out first to see if you need a reservation. The shop is also very cool with unique Japanese gifts. There is also an origami class.

I would return.

I was visiting Portland for a day and made my first stop at the Japanese Gardens. I arrived around 9:45, and there were plenty of parking spots, though the lot was around 50% full. The gardens open at 10 to the public, so I waited around in my car due to cold temp. I bought my ticket from the window and went in. While there were quite a few people also there, there was no crowdedness, and after we got past the initial entrance and there was room to disperse, it was very easy to avoid people.

Immediately, the gardens are beautiful. There was a place to meet for a tour guide but I chose to walk around myself. Everything is well curated and well maintained. The current art exhibit was also very cool and informative, and all the workers in there were very nice and eager to give us information on the exhibit!

Overall, by myself, the gardens took me ~60 min to get through. As I was leaving around 11 AM, the lot was completely full, and someone immediately went to take my spot as I left!

Overall, a relaxing way to spend some time in Portland!