What a stunning garden. They've revamped most of it and it is gorgeous. We took about 2 hours in there, walking all over the place. It is extremely peaceful and the chi is so nicely preserved. We recommend the tea shop. This was something we were not aware of before we got there and when we decided to go, it was too late as they were closing. But you must go to the tea tasting room and try the experience as it is phenomenal.

Mo shayFeb 20, 2018

We went in winter (early February). The pros were that is was fairly uncrowded and the layout is lovely. The massive cons are that at the price of $15 (which isn't on any of the brochures) per person you will find that most of the water features- which are central to Japanese Gardens- have no water in them! In addition to that, the bonsai are put away for the winter- which is fair enough but perhaps they should be accessible if you charge full price... so you do not get your money's worth, nor do they give you the heads up! Pretty unimpressed

Julie PulieFeb 13, 2018

Beautiful place to go any time of the year. I recommend going during spring to see the cherry blossoms and during fall to see the foliage. But the garden is still a wonderful place to visit during winter and summer as well. The garden is located above a hill with a short trail that leads you from the ticket booth to the actual garden. There is also a shuttle bus that takes you up the hill if necessary. The only downside is that the garden can get quite crowded at times, which can interrupt the relaxing, calm atmosphere. Might be better to go early in the morning or on weekdays to beat the crowds.

Ayumi MizunoJan 3, 2018

Costs about 12 for students, about 15 for adults. Was it worth it? Yeah. The scenery was very nice and relaxing, you almost want to sit down and meditate! There are same beautiful trees. I wish I could come in spring (came in January). At the "top", there is a decent view of the city skyline with mt Hood in the back (in the pictures). Some parts may not be easily accessible by wheelchair.

Jesus MorenoJan 15, 2018

This garden is such an exquisite piece of sanctuary set aside from the city. In the hills, it overlooks the city with amazing views. The park is very expansive and one could spend a couple of hours walking through the many trails on the property. There are a lot of paths that require steps and may not be the most accessible to some.

Zachary KopatchDec 29, 2017

The garden is beautiful. It's a lovely walk. Very quiet. The cherry trees were in bloom so it a nice too see. Be aware that there are hills and steps to climb. There is a lot to see. You can easily spend a few hours here

Lori BiletnikoffApr 1, 2018

Friends and I went Mid-Oct 2017. It was perfect. Definitely beyond beautiful and the views, even on a cloudy day, are pretty cool. There is a lot of walking and exploring, so be prepared for that. But make the time to just sit and enjoy to scenery. It was definitely one of the highlights of my Portland trip.

Leanna WalkerMar 13, 2018

Be prepared to shell out $15 per person but it’s definitely a beautiful place to visit and a must see for visitors or residents alike. PS - Make sure you pay for at least 2+ hours of parking! I only paid for 1 hour, stayed for about 1hr 20minutes and was promptly cited with a $44 parking citation...

Jeremy HillMar 23, 2018

We went in February and took a twelve o clock tour with a volunteer. The volunteer was very knowledgeable and showed us the entire garden and its history about the landscaper and the zoo history. He also showed us what it would look like if we came at various other times of the year which was amazing and he showed us the symbolism of different places in the garden. We have been to Japan before and this was very authentic. The tea house was also lovely, we had hot matcha tea.

Scarlett DMar 6, 2018

I had always heard that this was a cool place to visit, and I'd agree. You can take your time and probably be there for several hours, or you can "quickly" walk through all gardens and exhibits. There are free tours, which we started, but the group was too large to make it worth it. You learn A LOT of information on the guided tour (maybe not all of it will interest you, but some of the fun facts would). Great introduction to Japanese culture.

Alexis CainApr 30, 2018

Don't forget to get tea before you leave. It beautifully rounds out the whole experience. If you have the time, I'd recommend sitting at one of the many benches to enjoy the scenery. Try taking in every boulders, every plant delicately springing from each crevice. You'll be surprised how much detail your eyes can gloss over by just taking a picture and moving on.

KatApr 28, 2018

An excellent creation of an eco system and then a memorial too. Modernity stops as you enter and then it is the greenery all around, so much of peace in Japanese style. One could see people resting under a tree reading, some practising yoga or other forms of meditation and yet some preferring to walk across different sections of the garden seeping the beauty of the Flora and fauna.

Chander ShenoyApr 30, 2018

I love the gardens. I am so glad that I came here and it is so so so worth it. If you are a tourist and not used to seeing the west coast I definitely recommend coming here. Although I am an easy to amaze person I was totally amazed and in awe the entire time I was here. There is so much that is captivating and you will walk out in total enchantment. Also while you're in the area pay a visit to the rose garden accross the street!

Leanne MApr 22, 2018

The gardens were very nice. Parking is down below and you can either take the shuttle or walk the path up to the gardens. The path might be a bit much for some so it’s nice to have the other option. The entire gardens are beautiful and well kept but personally my favorite is the strolling pond garden. Its stunning when the irises are blooming. We took some amazing photos a couple years ago from here and they are still among my favorites.

Jennie JasminMay 31, 2018

I really enjoyed this garden. It is a truly lovely place. I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to take the free tour that is offered. Our guide recommended that we take the same tour with other guides because it would be a different tour. You will see a lot more with a guide. And you'll understand what you are seeing - like kinds of places, what the meaning is, why things are done a certain way, history, etc. DON'T GO OFF THE PATHS. Really. We did have some issues with transportation. We took Lyft up, but then couldn't get any connection to call then to pick us up again. After a relatively long chat with someone from the garden, we got directions on how to get to public transportation. It was actually very pleasant walk downhill. Highly recommended! High point in Portland trip!

Serena UibleMay 31, 2018

My visit to the Japanese Garden was a very pleasant experience. Unfortunately the day I chose to go there happened to be the day several classes from schools full of teenagers did as well, and they clearly had no respect for the fact that the garden is a place for relaxation and meditation. During the time that we were able to avoid the crowds of disrespectful kids, we were consistently surrounded by incredibly helpful staff members who were very knowledgeable and welcoming. We also made reservations at their Umami Cafe, where the tea was excellent and the service both informative and enlightening, as well as of the highest caliber among experiences I've had with individuals in a service industry....

Umar FarukMay 20, 2018

My visit to the Japanese Garden was a very pleasant experience. Unfortunately the day I chose to go there happened to be the day several classes from schools full of teenagers did as well, and they clearly had no respect for the fact that the garden is a place for relaxation and meditation. During the time that we were able to avoid the crowds of disrespectful kids, we were consistently surrounded by incredibly helpful staff members who were very knowledgeable and welcoming. We also made reservations at their Umami Cafe, where the tea was excellent and the service both informative and enlightening, as well as of the highest caliber among experiences I've had with individuals in a service industry.

Steven WeirMay 19, 2018

Incredibly well designed, managed and maintained Japanese garden. I have visited literally hundreds of Japanese gardens in Japan and the Portland Japanese Gardens rank up there with the best. Admission is a bit pricey, but worth it (and the money is obviously well spent). The garden is arranged to highlight the changing seasons and is a great experience no matter what the time of year or weather. (It is gorgeous in the rain!). Allow a couple of hours to soak in the many aspects of this unique experience. Note; No food or pets allowed. Well worth a trip. Highly recommended.

Bruce W PflaumJul 4, 2018

Serene beauty! One of the most photographic spots in the entire Portland area. Don't miss this place if you're headed to the Rose Garden or the Oregon Zoo. The quiet serenity will make you forget about the hustle and bustle of City life for as long as you're there. They offer guided tours or you can explore on your own. Recommend arriving early to find parking and avoid crowds.

Greg CJun 29, 2018

Words alone cannot describe the sheer beauty of this Garden. On my day of visit, the sun was out and we had clear skies. The sunlight shining down through the canopy of the tree leaves made the grounds appear to Glow in different shades of green. A bonus of our visit on this day was the fact that you could see Mount Hood in all of its Grandeur in the distance. I will definitely be back to visit this beautiful spot in a different time of year so that I can experience a truly different look.

Dwight FairesJun 18, 2018

First visit since they expanded the grounds. Improved experience all around (surprised that they could improve on perfection, but they did). Moving the ticket/gate to the bottom of the hill made sense. And the new pavilion area provides additional amenities and a spacious outdoor area, especially nice in the shade of a warm summer day. From breathtaking views, to blissful zen moments on exquisitely sited benches, one can't help but find beauty around every corner. Parking can be a challenge, so consider public transportation options. And don't miss the Rose Garden while you're in the neighborhood!

Paul ScharrJul 9, 2018

Incredibly well designed, managed and maintained Japanese garden. I have visited literally hundreds of gardens in Japan and the Portland Japanese Gardens rank up there with the best. Admission is a bit pricey, but worth it (and the money is obviously well spent). The garden is arranged to highlight the changing seasons and is a great experience no matter what the time of year or weather. (It is gorgeous in the rain!). Allow a couple of hours to soak in the many aspects of this unique experience. Note; No food or pets allowed. Well worth a trip. Highly recommended.

Bruce W PflaumAug 2, 2018

Largest Japanese garden outside of Japan or so I'm told. Definitely can spend lots of time here observing the beauty of the five different Gardens throughout. make sure your phone and camera have plenty of space because just about everywhere you look is a photo opportunity. Gift shop has some nice unique items to get as a souvenir for friends family or yourself. In summer some of the various waterways are more scarce I wonder how it looks after fresh rain. if you're a fan of the outdoors in Japanese culture or just one or the other you will definitely enjoy this spot.

Lee StreleckiAug 14, 2018

The Portland Japanese Garden is well thought out, pristine, and tranquil. Everything is so perfectly designed and maintained that it almost feels like you're in a fantasy world. We were so impressed that we got annual memberships, which we have used more than enough time for them to pay for themselves; as a side note, you can apply the price of the regular pass to an annual membership within a certain amount of time (a week I think), so you can check it out before making your decision about a membership. The memberships are not only worth it because they allow us to see the seasons change in the garden but also give us access to really nice members only hours and events. Even though it's not a huge place, there seem to always be things to discover.

Victoria RAug 13, 2018

We went to the Japanese, Rose and Chinese gardens in Portland on my wife's birthday. Of the 3, the Japanese garden was outstanding. We could have easily spent a longer time there - contemplating, meditating, or just walking around. Size, layout, condition of garden were all great. We were a offered a shuttle ride to the top of the hill and walked down, maybe because we we looked old?, but it is a good idea. I think you can get discounted prices if you buy beforehand, but it was worth the price of admission to us. High recommended! The others, oh OK.

Bert SlettenJul 24, 2018

I love this place. It doesn't matter what time if year you come, there is always something special to see. The new construction at the entrance is very cool. I like the walk up to get you prepared for the tranquil gardens. Even in the summer, with the crowds, the garden is a peaceful oasis in the city. Don't miss the rose garden if you visit in the summer.

Dan FrosakerAug 9, 2018

What a stunning garden. They've revamped most of it and it is gorgeous. We took about 2 hours in there, walking all over the place. It is extremely peaceful and the chi is so nicely preserved. We recommend the tea shop. This was something we were not aware of before we got there and when we decided to go, it was too late as they were closing. But you must go to the tea tasting room and try the experience as it is phenomenal.

Mo shayFeb 20, 2018

We went in winter (early February). The pros were that is was fairly uncrowded and the layout is lovely. The massive cons are that at the price of $15 (which isn't on any of the brochures) per person you will find that most of the water features- which are central to Japanese Gardens- have no water in them! In addition to that, the bonsai are put away for the winter- which is fair enough but perhaps they should be accessible if you charge full price... so you do not get your money's worth, nor do they give you the heads up! Pretty unimpressed

Julie PulieFeb 13, 2018

Beautiful place to go any time of the year. I recommend going during spring to see the cherry blossoms and during fall to see the foliage. But the garden is still a wonderful place to visit during winter and summer as well. The garden is located above a hill with a short trail that leads you from the ticket booth to the actual garden. There is also a shuttle bus that takes you up the hill if necessary. The only downside is that the garden can get quite crowded at times, which can interrupt the relaxing, calm atmosphere. Might be better to go early in the morning or on weekdays to beat the crowds.

Ayumi MizunoJan 3, 2018

Costs about 12 for students, about 15 for adults. Was it worth it? Yeah. The scenery was very nice and relaxing, you almost want to sit down and meditate! There are same beautiful trees. I wish I could come in spring (came in January). At the "top", there is a decent view of the city skyline with mt Hood in the back (in the pictures). Some parts may not be easily accessible by wheelchair.

Jesus MorenoJan 15, 2018

This garden is such an exquisite piece of sanctuary set aside from the city. In the hills, it overlooks the city with amazing views. The park is very expansive and one could spend a couple of hours walking through the many trails on the property. There are a lot of paths that require steps and may not be the most accessible to some.

Zachary KopatchDec 29, 2017

The garden is beautiful. It's a lovely walk. Very quiet. The cherry trees were in bloom so it a nice too see. Be aware that there are hills and steps to climb. There is a lot to see. You can easily spend a few hours here

Lori BiletnikoffApr 1, 2018

Friends and I went Mid-Oct 2017. It was perfect. Definitely beyond beautiful and the views, even on a cloudy day, are pretty cool. There is a lot of walking and exploring, so be prepared for that. But make the time to just sit and enjoy to scenery. It was definitely one of the highlights of my Portland trip.

Leanna WalkerMar 13, 2018

Be prepared to shell out $15 per person but it’s definitely a beautiful place to visit and a must see for visitors or residents alike. PS - Make sure you pay for at least 2+ hours of parking! I only paid for 1 hour, stayed for about 1hr 20minutes and was promptly cited with a $44 parking citation...

Jeremy HillMar 23, 2018

We went in February and took a twelve o clock tour with a volunteer. The volunteer was very knowledgeable and showed us the entire garden and its history about the landscaper and the zoo history. He also showed us what it would look like if we came at various other times of the year which was amazing and he showed us the symbolism of different places in the garden. We have been to Japan before and this was very authentic. The tea house was also lovely, we had hot matcha tea.

Scarlett DMar 6, 2018

I had always heard that this was a cool place to visit, and I'd agree. You can take your time and probably be there for several hours, or you can "quickly" walk through all gardens and exhibits. There are free tours, which we started, but the group was too large to make it worth it. You learn A LOT of information on the guided tour (maybe not all of it will interest you, but some of the fun facts would). Great introduction to Japanese culture.

Alexis CainApr 30, 2018

Don't forget to get tea before you leave. It beautifully rounds out the whole experience. If you have the time, I'd recommend sitting at one of the many benches to enjoy the scenery. Try taking in every boulders, every plant delicately springing from each crevice. You'll be surprised how much detail your eyes can gloss over by just taking a picture and moving on.

KatApr 28, 2018

An excellent creation of an eco system and then a memorial too. Modernity stops as you enter and then it is the greenery all around, so much of peace in Japanese style. One could see people resting under a tree reading, some practising yoga or other forms of meditation and yet some preferring to walk across different sections of the garden seeping the beauty of the Flora and fauna.

Chander ShenoyApr 30, 2018

I love the gardens. I am so glad that I came here and it is so so so worth it. If you are a tourist and not used to seeing the west coast I definitely recommend coming here. Although I am an easy to amaze person I was totally amazed and in awe the entire time I was here. There is so much that is captivating and you will walk out in total enchantment. Also while you're in the area pay a visit to the rose garden accross the street!

Leanne MApr 22, 2018

The gardens were very nice. Parking is down below and you can either take the shuttle or walk the path up to the gardens. The path might be a bit much for some so it’s nice to have the other option. The entire gardens are beautiful and well kept but personally my favorite is the strolling pond garden. Its stunning when the irises are blooming. We took some amazing photos a couple years ago from here and they are still among my favorites.

Jennie JasminMay 31, 2018

I really enjoyed this garden. It is a truly lovely place. I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to take the free tour that is offered. Our guide recommended that we take the same tour with other guides because it would be a different tour. You will see a lot more with a guide. And you'll understand what you are seeing - like kinds of places, what the meaning is, why things are done a certain way, history, etc. DON'T GO OFF THE PATHS. Really. We did have some issues with transportation. We took Lyft up, but then couldn't get any connection to call then to pick us up again. After a relatively long chat with someone from the garden, we got directions on how to get to public transportation. It was actually very pleasant walk downhill. Highly recommended! High point in Portland trip!

Serena UibleMay 31, 2018

My visit to the Japanese Garden was a very pleasant experience. Unfortunately the day I chose to go there happened to be the day several classes from schools full of teenagers did as well, and they clearly had no respect for the fact that the garden is a place for relaxation and meditation. During the time that we were able to avoid the crowds of disrespectful kids, we were consistently surrounded by incredibly helpful staff members who were very knowledgeable and welcoming. We also made reservations at their Umami Cafe, where the tea was excellent and the service both informative and enlightening, as well as of the highest caliber among experiences I've had with individuals in a service industry....

Umar FarukMay 20, 2018

My visit to the Japanese Garden was a very pleasant experience. Unfortunately the day I chose to go there happened to be the day several classes from schools full of teenagers did as well, and they clearly had no respect for the fact that the garden is a place for relaxation and meditation. During the time that we were able to avoid the crowds of disrespectful kids, we were consistently surrounded by incredibly helpful staff members who were very knowledgeable and welcoming. We also made reservations at their Umami Cafe, where the tea was excellent and the service both informative and enlightening, as well as of the highest caliber among experiences I've had with individuals in a service industry.

Steven WeirMay 19, 2018

Incredibly well designed, managed and maintained Japanese garden. I have visited literally hundreds of Japanese gardens in Japan and the Portland Japanese Gardens rank up there with the best. Admission is a bit pricey, but worth it (and the money is obviously well spent). The garden is arranged to highlight the changing seasons and is a great experience no matter what the time of year or weather. (It is gorgeous in the rain!). Allow a couple of hours to soak in the many aspects of this unique experience. Note; No food or pets allowed. Well worth a trip. Highly recommended.

Bruce W PflaumJul 4, 2018

Serene beauty! One of the most photographic spots in the entire Portland area. Don't miss this place if you're headed to the Rose Garden or the Oregon Zoo. The quiet serenity will make you forget about the hustle and bustle of City life for as long as you're there. They offer guided tours or you can explore on your own. Recommend arriving early to find parking and avoid crowds.

Greg CJun 29, 2018

Words alone cannot describe the sheer beauty of this Garden. On my day of visit, the sun was out and we had clear skies. The sunlight shining down through the canopy of the tree leaves made the grounds appear to Glow in different shades of green. A bonus of our visit on this day was the fact that you could see Mount Hood in all of its Grandeur in the distance. I will definitely be back to visit this beautiful spot in a different time of year so that I can experience a truly different look.

Dwight FairesJun 18, 2018

First visit since they expanded the grounds. Improved experience all around (surprised that they could improve on perfection, but they did). Moving the ticket/gate to the bottom of the hill made sense. And the new pavilion area provides additional amenities and a spacious outdoor area, especially nice in the shade of a warm summer day. From breathtaking views, to blissful zen moments on exquisitely sited benches, one can't help but find beauty around every corner. Parking can be a challenge, so consider public transportation options. And don't miss the Rose Garden while you're in the neighborhood!

Paul ScharrJul 9, 2018

Incredibly well designed, managed and maintained Japanese garden. I have visited literally hundreds of gardens in Japan and the Portland Japanese Gardens rank up there with the best. Admission is a bit pricey, but worth it (and the money is obviously well spent). The garden is arranged to highlight the changing seasons and is a great experience no matter what the time of year or weather. (It is gorgeous in the rain!). Allow a couple of hours to soak in the many aspects of this unique experience. Note; No food or pets allowed. Well worth a trip. Highly recommended.

Bruce W PflaumAug 2, 2018

Largest Japanese garden outside of Japan or so I'm told. Definitely can spend lots of time here observing the beauty of the five different Gardens throughout. make sure your phone and camera have plenty of space because just about everywhere you look is a photo opportunity. Gift shop has some nice unique items to get as a souvenir for friends family or yourself. In summer some of the various waterways are more scarce I wonder how it looks after fresh rain. if you're a fan of the outdoors in Japanese culture or just one or the other you will definitely enjoy this spot.

Lee StreleckiAug 14, 2018

The Portland Japanese Garden is well thought out, pristine, and tranquil. Everything is so perfectly designed and maintained that it almost feels like you're in a fantasy world. We were so impressed that we got annual memberships, which we have used more than enough time for them to pay for themselves; as a side note, you can apply the price of the regular pass to an annual membership within a certain amount of time (a week I think), so you can check it out before making your decision about a membership. The memberships are not only worth it because they allow us to see the seasons change in the garden but also give us access to really nice members only hours and events. Even though it's not a huge place, there seem to always be things to discover.

Victoria RAug 13, 2018

We went to the Japanese, Rose and Chinese gardens in Portland on my wife's birthday. Of the 3, the Japanese garden was outstanding. We could have easily spent a longer time there - contemplating, meditating, or just walking around. Size, layout, condition of garden were all great. We were a offered a shuttle ride to the top of the hill and walked down, maybe because we we looked old?, but it is a good idea. I think you can get discounted prices if you buy beforehand, but it was worth the price of admission to us. High recommended! The others, oh OK.

Bert SlettenJul 24, 2018

I love this place. It doesn't matter what time if year you come, there is always something special to see. The new construction at the entrance is very cool. I like the walk up to get you prepared for the tranquil gardens. Even in the summer, with the crowds, the garden is a peaceful oasis in the city. Don't miss the rose garden if you visit in the summer.

Dan FrosakerAug 9, 2018