Portland Japanese Garden

Portland, United States

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The Portland Japanese Garden, founded in 1963 and opened to the public in 1967, was created to foster cultural ties and healing between Oregon and Japan after World War II.

Located on the former site of the Portland Zoo in Washington Park, it was designed by Professor Takuma Tono of Tokyo Agricultural University, incorporating five distinct garden styles that reflect different historical developments in Japanese garden architecture.

The garden spans 5.5 acres and features serene landscapes including a Stroll Pond Garden with waterfalls and bridges, a Tea Garden with an authentic tea house shipped from Japan, and a Flat Garden with art exhibitions. Over time, structures such as the Pavilion Gallery and historic elements like a 100-year-old temple gate gifted by Japanese ancestors have been added.

The garden operates year-round and hosts cultural events while welcoming nearly half a million visitors annually, celebrated as one of the most authentic and beautiful Japanese gardens outside Japan, blending Japanese design with Oregon’s natural environment.​