Portland Japanese Garden Attraction
Address: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States
The Portland Japanese Garden is a 12-acre traditional Japanese garden in Portland, OR. It's run by a private non-profit organization that leased the land from the city in the 1960s. Stephen D. Bloom has been the chief executive officer of the Portland Japanese Garden since 2005.
History
The garden was created in 1959 to create a Japanese garden as a symbol of the renewed bond of friendship. It is one of several public gardens designed by Japanese landscape architect Takuma Tono, who visited and studied Western-style botanical gardens. In recent years, the garden has undergone several renovations, including koi ponds and other garden spaces.
In 2005, Stephen D. Bloom became CEO of the Portland Japanese Garden and initiated its first major renovation since Tono's original design included more water features and an extended central promenade with red gravel for cherry blossom viewing. In 2007, these renovations were completed.
Amenities
The Portland Japanese Garden is a traditional-style garden with sculptures, ponds, bonsai trees, and plantings of cherry blossoms and other East Asian varieties. It also features a tea house where visitors can purchase green tea from vending machines or enjoy it in the privacy of their own teacup while sitting on tatami mats.
It also has large garden spaces such as Strolling Pond Garden, Natural Garden, Flat Garden, and Tea Garden. In addition, its Cultural Crossing expansion added the Entry Garden, Ellie M. Hill Bonsai Terrace, and Tsubo-Niwa. The area also features the Garden Gift Shops, whose Japanese-inspired merchandise includes toys for children such as koi fish and other items.
Activities
If you're thinking of what activities to do in the garden, there are many options you can take. One of them is the Garden Tour, which takes about 45 minutes and provides a narrative introduction to Japanese gardening history, artistry, and design principles. You can also try the Cultural Village designed by a world-famous architect. Kengo Kuma. You may also visit a Japanese learning center or see an exhibition.
You can also do some walking meditation, do some yoga or enjoy the plants and flowers in this garden. Lastly, you can also try relaxing at their Japanese cafe.
Monthly events are happening at the Portland Japanese Garden. You can find out more about them on their website.
Visiting Hours
The garden is open to the public from 10:00 am until 4:00 PM throughout the week, except for Tuesday. Members-only time slots are also available from 8:00-10:00 in the morning.
The Portland Japanese Garden has been a cherished local treasure for generations. We're thrilled at Sharp Tack Media to recommend this as one of the remarkable places in the city, aside from the exciting Oregon Zoo!
