Just a few minutes drive from the hustle and bustle of Portland lays one of the most beautiful treasures of nature, the Japanese Gardens. It’s as if you’ve stepped into another country and you forget where you are, it’s an escape from the nearby concrete jungle.
The Japanese Garden is located in Washington Park next to the Oregon Zoo and is a traditional Japanese garden sprawling over 12 hilly acres. It is considered to be the most authentic Japanese garden located outside of Japan. It is truly spectacular and should not be missed if you are in the Portland area.
The gardens are open to the public and have many amenities like restrooms, gift shop, galleries, cultural village, and a cafe on site.
You can stroll through the gardens at your own leisure or you can get a guided tour at the availability of volunteer tour guides.
Out of respect for the gardens they ask that you silence your cellphones and not talk on them and be mindful to stay on the paths.
The trees and plants are very interesting and beautiful in all their splendor. The contrasting colors of foliage is pure eye candy for those who admire natures beauty.
The grounds are simply immaculate with extreme care to detail. Everything seems to be perfectly placed and in order. There are pristine zen sand areas that are raked to perfection.
I was blown away by the serenity and tranquility of the gardens. There are some awesome views of Mt Hood and Portland as well.
There are 5 distinct styles of garden, the flat garden, the strolling garden pond, the tea garden, the natural garden, and the sand and stone garden.
There is a waterfall and pond with hundreds of beautiful koi fish. The landscaping is incredible every way you look. It is very peaceful and zen, you will be sure to admire and appreciate the tranquility throughout.
This is the type of place that will make you want to curl up under one of the luscious trees and write poetry while sipping a cup of green jasmine tea.
