Japanese Garden
Portland’s Japanese Garden has been a haven of serenity and tranquility for more than 50 years serving more than 350,000 visitors each year. It is considered one of the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan and one of the foremost Japanese cultural organizations in North America. The Japanese Garden covers 12-acres and features 8 different garden styles.
The Japanese Garden is located inside Washington Park, a large regional park covering more than 410 acres of steep, wooded hillsides. Within the park is a zoo, Japanese Garden, children’s museum, rose garden, forestry museum, Hoyt Arboretum, amphitheater, archery, tennis courts, memorials and public art. There is a shuttle bus that makes a loop of the park every 15 minutes so getting around is easy. The same shuttle stop serves both the Japanese Gardens and also the Rose Garden entrances.
Entry Garden
The entrance kiosk has a large peaceful water fall as you enter. This quickly sets the tone and expectation that you are entering a peaceful zen atmosphere.
There is a long walk up the path to reach the upper level where the garden walking paths begin.
Standing guard at the entrance is a pair of Foo Dogs. It is common for shrines in Japan to have a pair of dog-like lions flanking the entrance. There are variations on these creatures in China, Korea, Myanmar, Tibet, and other East Asian countries. They are variously known in English as lions, dogs, lion dogs, Fu dogs or Foo dogs. In Japan they are called komainu, and in Okinawa they are shīsā.
The peaceful sounds and tranquility of the Garden is deceptive as it is possible to glimpse downtown Portland through the trees.
Pavilion Gallery and Flat Garden
By the pavilion is a zen garden or a flat garden.
The zen garden makes a great picture spot. However, the entire Garden is a photographer’s dream.
Nestled in a clearing is a pagoda statuary sitting serenely under a tree.
Sand and Stone Garden
A second zen-like garden, referred to as the Sand and Stone Garden can be seen from above on one of the many paths.
Winding down the path bring us to the second flat garden.
I couldn’t resist posing with one of the komainu. I’m just hoping he is well fed and doesn’t decide to bite me.
Natural Garden
This beautiful setting is in the Natural Garden and the babbling brook flows down the hill along the path. The clean sound of the water drowns out all of the other sounds around the garden.
Strolling Pond Garden
Nestled in a clearing in the Strolling Pond Garden is a waterfall that appears magically out of nowhere.
There is also a koi stream in the Pond Garden. These koi are very well fed and some of them get to be huge.
Tea Garden
Another great picture spot is the foot bridge in the Tea Garden.
After crossing the foot bridge, this small tree has claimed a commanding spot in a clearing surrounded by giants. The sun light almost spot lights this lone tree.
Bonsai Terrace
Returning to the entrance is the Ellie M Hill Bonsai Terrace. The building serves as offices and workshop areas for the Garden. To the left is a fascinating living bonsai display featuring many examples of different styles of bonsai trees.
This was the grand-daddy of all of the bonsai trees. It is a 500-year-old rocky mountain juniper.
Also adjacent to the entrance area is a Tsubo-Niwa cultural center and gift store. Pictured below is a Umami Cafe, a tea house and restaurant to relax at creating the sensation of being one with nature and in a modern tree-house.
Below is a map showing the layout of the gardens. It would be east to spend the better part of a day exploring, roaming and relaxing in the gardens. Our visit was about three hours. After walking we choose to take advantage of the shuttle that stops next to the Bonsai Terrace and ride it down to the Entry Garden. This shuttle service is also available for anyone with mobility concerns to ride from the entry garden to the upper gardens. The gardens are very accessible.
For further information about the Japanese Garden, their website is Here.
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