The Japanese Gardens in Portland
  
The Japanese Gardens are perhaps one of the most tranquil in all of Portland. The Japanese Garden, proclaimed one of the most authentic outside of Japan, is situated just above the International Rose Test Garden. The Garden was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1962. Designed in 1963 by Professor Takuma Tono, an internationally renowned authority on Japanese garden landscaping, the Garden opened to the public in 1967 as a place of serene beauty. Also, in 1963, Yokohama City's mayor presented Portland and the Japanese Garden with a peace lantern to commemorate the first landing of a ship on the West Coast after World War II. In 2002, the Garden changed its logo to the Peace Lantern as part of its 40th anniversary celebration.
  
The Garden is composed of five separate garden styles: the Flat Garden (Hiraniwa), the Strolling Pond Garden (Chisen-kaiyui-shiki), the Tea Garden (Roji-niwa), the Natural Garden (Shukeiyen), and the Dry Landscape Garden (Karesansui). There is also a Pavilion which houses events and exhibits.

 
The Garden is a natural site that has uneven and somewhat hilly terrain. Access for the physically challenged is limited but there are numerous viewing points from which some of the Gardens can be seen. Domestic animals are not allowed in the Garden with the exception of animals assisting the physically and visually impaired.
 
After parking in the Garden's lot it is a short walk up a steep pathway through the Antique Gate. Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle. We do not take responsibility for thefts or vandalism as our lot is not monitored by security. A shuttle bus operates during the high season April through October and for all special occasions. There is no charge to ride the shuttle. Visitors with disabled parking passes may drive up the driveway and park near the ticket gate.
 
It takes approximately one hour to slowly walk the Garden. Low-heeled, comfortable shoes are recommended. The pathways are carefully marked. Walking on moss or grass is not allowed. The Garden is a smoke-free environment.

We discourage the use of cell phones and electronic games or toys. There is no eating or drinking in the Garden and no restaurant or cafe is on site. Personal, non-professional photography is allowed. Commercial photography requires a Reservation and Fee.
 
Private tours for ten or more can be arranged with at least two weeks advanced notice. Tour bus programs also need to make the same advanced arrangements. School groups are required to have a guided tour.
 
The Japanese Garden is open seven days a week all year, closing on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Daily guided tours are offered April through October at 10:45am and 2:30pm with admission to the Garden. On Mondays the Garden opens at Noon so the first tour is at 1:00pm. Tour and school groups are required to contact the Tour Coordinator to schedule and to receive a group rate.
  
Garden Hours (Subject to Change)
 
October 1 - March 31, 10am - 4pm
Mondays 12pm - 4pm
  
April 1 - September 30, 10am - 7pm
Mondays 12pm - 7pm
For more information:
503-223-1321