Portland Japanese Garden

Occupying 12.5 acres (5 hectares) in the city’s expansive Washington Park, the Portland Japanese Garden is the perfect place to venture for a zen retreat in between sightseeing stops. Home to koi ponds and individual areas that range from a tea garden to a bonsai terrace, the Japanese Garden also features a new cultural village. Venture in to see exhibitions at the Tanabe Gallery, attend events at the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center, and more.

Prebook tickets to the Portland Japanese Garden to enjoy a seamless visiting experience. Many guided hiking and biking tours of Portland’s parks include a stop at the tranquil destination.

• The garden's Umami Cafe serves Japanese-inspired dishes and teas.

• Public tours of the garden are hosted several times daily in summer and once a day in the winter.

• If you wish to see the garden’s cherry blossom displays, time your trip with late March.

• The Cultural Village, the upper Flat Garden, and the Pavilion are fully accessible to visitors with limited mobility.

• Cell phones must be silenced in the garden; smoking and outside food and drink (except water) are also prohibited.

The Portland Japanese Garden is located in Washington Park, west of Downtown Portland. If traveling the 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) by car, it’s about a 10-minute trip from Downtown. The park is also served by the Nos. 15, 20, and 63 bus lines, while the free Washington Park Shuttle makes it easy to get around the area.

Spring through fall, the Portland Japanese Garden is open from midmorning to evening, with the exception of Monday, when it opens midday. Last entry is a half hour before close. From October through mid March, the garden has abbreviated hours. The garden is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Become a member to enjoy extended hours at the garden.

The Portland Japanese Garden hosts events, exhibitions, and other festivities throughout the year. Offerings range from temporary art installations and demonstrations of Japanese instruments to bonsai training classes and events like the Moonviewing Festival. Check the events calendar before you travel.

No, you do not need to book your tickets for the Japanese Garden in advance, though it’s a good idea to do so, particularly if you plan on attending a special event or cultural presentation. You can purchase tickets from the Welcome Center, just below the garden’s entrance.

Yes, the Portland Japanese Garden is mostly accessible, and there's a free shuttle bus from the Welcome Center ticket office to the central part of the garden to help visitors avoid a steep climb. The Sand and Stone Garden and the Natural Garden have narrow pathways and stairs that make access for wheelchair users a challenge.

Depending on your pace, you should give yourself around 90 to 120 minutes to explore the Portland Japanese Garden. However, you may want additional time to visit the gift shop or stop for tea and a snack at the garden’s cafe.

No, you may not bring food into the Japanese Garden except for water. If you get hungry, there’s a lovely tea house, Umami Café, where you can order tea, light cakes, miso soup (plain or over rice), and ochazuke (a green tea-based broth served over rice).

The best day to visit the Portland Japanese Garden is Thursday when there are slightly fewer crowds than on other days of the week. However, most weekdays don’t get heavy crowds, except when special events are held. Saturdays and Sundays tend to be the busiest days to visit.

Yes, the Portland Japanese Garden is worth visiting, and each season offers its own unique look and ambiance. The garden has many beautiful features, from koi ponds to pagodas to fountain features. There's also a Cultural Village to learn more about Japanese garden design and culture.