Photo by Adam Sawyer
The Portland Japanese Garden isn’t exactly a hidden gem. The 5.5 acre paradise that sits just above the Rose Gardens in Washington Park is a hot spot for a lot of different folks. Photographers, nature lovers, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts all regularly flock to what was labeled “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan” by Ambassador Nobuo Matsunaga in 1988.
Though the Garden hosts over 200,000 visitors a year, many Portland parents overlook the Garden as a place to take the kids. While the tranquil beauty of the area is by no means conducive to rambunctious play, many younger visitors will enjoy the waterfall, the Garden’s numerous bridges, and the koi pond. The Garden does indeed welcome children, and in fact, offers kids a very cool scavenger hunt.
Kids are provided with a pencil and a map of the Garden’s five distinct areas. There are a number of small statues and landmarks listed throughout the area. The objects range from easy to difficult to spot, though all can be found from the main trail. Whether or not they find everything on the map, kids are rewarded with a Portland Japanese Garden bookmark for turning their pencil back in at the end of the hunt.
In addition to the excitement of the scavenger hunt, the Garden Gift Store has an assortment of Japanese-themed toys, books, and apparel that kids will enjoy. There are, of course, plenty of interesting items for adults, too.
Autumn is perhaps the most breathtaking time of year to see the Garden, when a multitude of native and Japanese trees put on what is arguably the best fall color display in Portland. Now is a great time for parents to grab their camera, their kids, and head to the Portland Japanese Garden.
The Garden is located at 611 SW Kingston Avenue in Washington Park. Admission is $9.50 for adults, $7.75 for seniors (62+), $7.75 for college students (w/ID),
$6.75 for kids 6-17, and children 5 and under free. Winter season visiting hours, which started October 1st, are 10am-4pm Tuesday–Sunday, and Noon-4pm Mondays. For general information, call (503) 223-1321.
-Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
