Oregon · Est. 1963
Portland Japanese Garden
Proclaimed as the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan.
Founded
1963
Size
12.5 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 8b
Best Season
April to October for spring blooms and autumn colors.
About Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden is a 12.5-acre cultural institution and public attraction located in Washington Park. Designed by Professor Takuma Tono of Tokyo Agricultural University, it features multiple historic garden spaces that demonstrate different styles of Japanese landscape architecture. The garden welcomes over 400,000 visitors annually and serves as a center for cultural understanding and peace.
History & Heritage
The garden was established in 1963 by the Japanese Garden Society of Oregon on the former site of the Portland Zoo. After four years of construction under the direction of Professor Takuma Tono, it opened to the public in 1967. In 1988, Nobuo Matsunaga, the Ambassador of Japan to the United States, proclaimed it to be the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. The garden underwent a significant expansion in 2017 with the opening of the Cultural Village designed by Kengo Kuma.
Signature Feature
The Japanese Laceleaf Maple
Located in the Strolling Pond Garden, this world-famous Japanese Laceleaf Maple tree is renowned for its stunning autumn colors and intricate branch structure. It has been frequently photographed and featured in publications like National Geographic, becoming a symbol of the garden's meticulous care and beauty.
Photo Gallery
The Strolling Pond Garden featuring a traditional bridge and lush greenery.
Vibrant autumn colors illuminating the garden pathways.
The Sand and Stone Garden, a karesansui dry landscape.
Notable Collections
Strolling Pond Garden
A chisen kaiyu shiki teien style garden featuring ponds, a waterfall, and the famous Japanese Laceleaf Maple.
Flat Garden
A hira niwa style garden meant to be viewed from a single viewpoint, balancing flat planes with stones and clipped shrubbery.
Sand and Stone Garden
A karesansui dry landscape garden featuring raked gravel and carefully placed stones.
Natural Garden
A zoki no niwa style garden designed to look like a forest with less carefully pruned plants, steps, and small bodies of water.
Recognition & Awards
- 2024 Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Award
- 2020 ASLA Professional Award for Cultural Crossing Expansion
Editorial Standards
This profile was researched and written by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial team, which includes certified Master Gardeners and horticultural writers with field experience across the United States. All admission prices, hours, and garden details are verified against official garden websites and updated May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.
Plan Your Visit
April to October for spring blooms and autumn colors.
Address
611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Phone
(503) 223-1321
Hours
Wednesday - Monday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Closed Tuesdays)
Admission
$22.50 for adults
Insider Tips
- 1Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your entry time.
- 2Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best photography lighting.
- 3Take time to enjoy tea and traditional Japanese sweets at the Umami Cafe.
- 4Check the garden's schedule for special cultural events and art exhibitions.
Nearby Attractions
- International Rose Test Garden (0.1 miles)
- Washington Park (0.2 miles)
- Oregon Zoo (1.5 miles)