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- Travel + LeisureJune 5, 2014Six acres of cultivated gardens overlooking the city were inspired by Japanese botanical design. Cross iris-embellished bridges, then Zen out in the raked karesansui Sand and Stone Garden.
- DanielleNovember 4, 2014Possibly the most beautiful place in Portland. The gardens, tea house and gallery space offer a peaceful space in which to reflect, contemplate and appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of nature.
- Jean McCarthyOctober 27, 2016Beautiful, relaxing space; bring a book and a camera. Parts of the garden are under construction but still worth visiting. Parking is not free (as I read in another comment), also $10 admission.Upvoted 1 week ago
- Roy BrittonDecember 2, 2016Beautiful place. Go when it's warm to see the pretty trees. Even when it was cold, it was still great. Loved walking around and taking pictures.
- Anthony DuranOctober 27, 2018A surprisingly small place, but beautiful nonetheless. A great place to unwind (when not too packed), sketch, learn about Japanese culture or take a date. And there's a nice overlook of Mt. Hood
- Becky GoldenMarch 19, 2018Beautiful and relaxing. We visited in late March and there were many places to sit and reflect.
- Eric ScottAugust 7, 2013Best visited on a rainy day in the fall. I've been to other Japanese gardens in America, but this is the first time I think I really "got" the idea of a rock garden.
- Design*SpongeAugust 3, 2014My favorite green space in the city. Literally every turn gives you a completely different view. If you’re interested in Asian design or gardening, or just need zen, it’s a fantastic space to visit. Read more
- Stephanie GeNovember 2, 2017$15 admission. Recommend the guided tour, and sometimes they have interesting events, like tea ceremony showcase.
- Robert FortoJune 26, 2023Pathways are winding and uneven to slow down your pace, and help you become immersed in the landscape. Paths beneath your feet may change, shift direction, or become more rustic.
- adriana castroJune 2, 2018It’s a cool place to walk and have a taste of Japan. It’s a very easy walk, they have shuttles to the top
- Sara JoyJune 29, 2017Excellent Japanese garden. They've recently renovated and added a new courtyard and teahouse that are supposed to be beautiful - haven't visited since the updates.
- Matthew BairdApril 14, 2014Spring and Fall are the best time to go! It also has some of the best views of the city and Mt. Hood around.
- Nina KAugust 2, 2015Great place to walk for a quiet and serene place. Took an uber and packed lunch. Had a picnic outside the gardens. Take in the tall trees!
- Jenifer LeytemNovember 4, 2014Be quiet, be respectful, take lots of pictures! The koi fish will swim right up the surface to greet you:)
- Peter BoyceApril 14, 2019Amazing garden collection of flowers. Serene. Very reminiscent of Kyoto in Japan.
- Ryan TamaresJuly 6, 2019Umami Cafe located inside the garden across from the gift shop. Good place to enjoy some green tea and Japanese sweets.
- Ashley CarterDecember 10, 2012Simple elegance. My only wish is that I could go back and see the garden again in another season. If you get the chance, I would suggest you do!
- Be careful not to confuse the Garden shuttle with the Park shuttle. The Park shuttle is on the other side of the tennis courts and is purple in color. Only runs in peak season.
- ZipcarJune 6, 2011An authentic Japanese garden, complete with ponds, waterfalls and a Japanese bird chaser. (We call it a water powered noise maker.) We especially like the Karesansui gardens of raked sand or gravel.
- Al B.October 26, 2016BEAUTIFUL garden here. Under construction at the moment until Spring 2017 but 80% of the park is still open to roam! Visit during the fall for colorful foliage.
- HISTORYApril 22, 2010The garden opened to the public in 1967 & is considered to be one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan.
- Paul DOctober 20, 2012Check out the world renowned Maple tree during the fall. Photographers need to purchase a tripod permit but the photos that result are amazing.
- Be sure to visit the rose garden in the way out. It's right across the street.
- Jaimie LeavittMarch 8, 2017Beautiful. Under construction but still really nice. Not ADA accessible though.
- ElisaAugust 14, 2017Free with Bank of America on first weekend of the month. Lovely gardens but overcrowded with tourists and pretty overrated tbh.
- RenaAugust 12, 2013Take the free guided tour. Very educational. If you are a AAA member you get a discount on admission. Enjoy!
- Anna JamesJanuary 2, 2015Visited in late December and not at all impressed;waste of time+money. Guess the best time to visit is spring/fall.
- Alex SongJune 10, 2013This place is awesome. Well worth the admissions price. Very serene. Plus there are some sick views.
- Al B.May 3, 2017Quaint, peaceful place for serenity. Not small nor big park but worth visiting once.
- Gaurav B.August 7, 2014Beautiful but parking can be a pain. Maybe park close to rose gardens and walk your way up here
- K.C. MurphySeptember 8, 2017Beautiful, peaceful, expansive - this was an awesome afternoon spent, for sure.
- StephanieJuly 15, 2010The Washington Park Shuttle runs about every 25 minutes on a loop through Washington Park. It can take you from the Zoo Max Station to the Portland Japanese Garden & International Rose Test Garden to
- Stevie ElepanAugust 18, 2011Get the membership if you are living in Portland. $55 a year for unlimited pass for you and one guest. Also there are student and Militery discounts.
- Odile RoujolNovember 24, 2017Fall is the best time but come early if thanks giving ( a lot of families )
- GNTLMNFebruary 19, 2014In the same park as the Rose Garden, a beautifully manicured Japanese garden. http://japanesegarden.com
- Nauman NoorMay 28, 2014Come here to get with nature and enjoy the moment. Leave your cameras behind...
- The Wall Street JournalAugust 3, 2014Tucked into Forest Park are 5½ acres of lovingly tended ponds, bridges and ceremonial rooms. Read more
- Josef PfeifferSeptember 23, 2013If the weather is nice, it can be a really lovely place to walk around.
- Katelyn Van DykFebruary 19, 2013Not very kid friendly; for the higher energy kids that is. My son liked the walk but showed no interest in the landscape or architecture; being almost 4 I wouldn't expect him to. I enjoyed it though!
- Alexis FinchJune 28, 2013They have amazing floral arranging competitions here. Be sure to stop by often.
- Lauren PriceApril 12, 2015Not really worth the money unless you are super into Japanese gardens. See the Rose Garden for free!
- Michael MooneyJuly 16, 2019It’s a super long walk up and down steps. Just my luck - the feeder-woman showed up exactly where I was and fed the swarming multi-colors coy so took videos of them.