I went with my daughter while she was visiting. I was expecting something more relaxed and quiet. A nice peaceful walk in the gardens on a beautiful day. It was kind of crowded for a Monday. Overall, the gardens are beautiful, the roses smell amazing, and its a great walk. There was definitely too many people hanging out at the Sand and Stone Garden though. Reminded me of a courtyard in a high school. The amount of loud chatter and cell phone use was a little disturbing in such a serene environment. It didnt appear that most people were appreciating their surroundings.If you want to dine at the cafe make sure you have reservations. The wait for a table for 2 was 1-2 hours. We did not stay and wait. Next time Ill make a reservation.Its worth a visit. I like that they offer really great pass deals that include a really affordable plan for families receiving assistance.

I am a member here. The benefits of membership for photography are nice. You can enter early and there’s nobody standing on the bridge 😉. I highly recommend buying tickets online if you’re coming on a weekend or holiday, skip the line.Also, the hill up can be a struggle for disabled or older folks. There’s a bus that takes people from the entry to the main plaza. Most areas are accessible save for one staircase down the hillside. Plan on at least an hour here to casually look around. Don’t miss the gift shop.There’s some cultural displays in the central area and it looks like some conference rooms? Anyway if you’re doing a “thing” it’s worth considering.

Seeing these gardens in peak fall foliage was a magical experience. Highly recommend. And thank you to the friendly staff. You are much appreciated!

Such a lovely Japanese garden in the hills of Portland. I highly recommend that everyone goes to see this place in the fall when all the colors are spectacular. The staff was very friendly and it is in a very affordable way to enjoy the horticultural arts of Japanese culture. For people who are fans of Gardening and beauty!

A lovely little park to experience a taste of japan. There are tons of foliage, trees, and flowers to experience. If you sit and enjoy each section it will take about 2 hrs. Again at a very slow pace. If you walk without stopping you could prolly see the entire park in 30 min. There are plenty of benches to sit and rest and enjoy the views. There is some gravel to walk on so take care if in a wheelchair or pushing a stroller. Overall this is a lovely place to spend an hr or two with the family or a date or just if you need some zen.

Beautiful, tasteful, peaceful Japanese garden. The masterful pruning process really shined through as you walk through the garden. Japanese art, tree house, trees, pond and fishes were just naturally blending into their surrounding without an effort. In eastern culture, fengshui is an important art form (some may say religion) that dictates the energy around you, and therefore transferring into you. The five elements of tree, water, soil (or rock), metal, and fire (or the sun/light) have to work seamlessly together to create a peaceful relaxing environment. None of which you should pay too much attention to but impact how you feel so much. Definitely one of the best Japanese gardens that I’ve been to, and I’ve been to quite a few in Japan. Worth a trip and every dollar paid on the ticket.

Tickets are kind of pricey but the experience is worth it! Buy online to skip the line here. The gardens are extremely peaceful and there’s plenty to see. I spent most of my time by the koi pond and at one of the lookout areas. I would suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes as the gardens are up the hill from the entrance. Great spot to enjoy nature in the city of Portland!

Not cheap, just under $20. Plenty to see and take a good photos in a beautiful backdrop. Highly recommend visiting if you near by. Word of advice - arrive early as parking gets full very quickly. Parking is paid, BTW, $2 per hour. Make sure you have an app (parking kitty) or plenty of coins.Japanese garden is located next to Rose garden and superb kids playground, activities and picnic area.I recommend making it a full day out event. Plenty to see. Restrooms available.

I had doubt before going in. But, I realized I enjoyed it so much. Walking inside and find your own peace. Quiet and peace, walk and seat down for relaxing. What a great place to visit!

Very beautiful! Lovely fall colors, 5 minute walk up to the garden, large colorful koi, and a very tasteful gift shop! We werent able to go to the cafe, make sure to call ahead to make a reservation!

Absolutely loved the Japanese garden. The park design and layout as well as the decorations all around are very well thought out and down to small details. The bonsai there are a treasure and a few of them are hundreds of years old. Highly recommended if you are in Portland OR area.

Beautiful, well-maintained gardens that are located only a short walk (two sets of stairs) from Portlands rose garden, which is free and pet friendly. There are a couple of contemplative sand and stone areas as well as other sections of garden that feature water features and koi. Depending on fellow guests, it can be a quiet and calm experience. Though, not guaranteed depending on who else is present. The garden itself does ask guests to silence phones and not talk on the phone (which I appreciated!). Though, not all guests followed this. There are many small turns in the garden to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. There is also a fantastic view at the Mt. Hood overlook.Some logistics: Parking can be difficult - so I recommend going earlier in the morning if possible. Parking is $2/hr. There are discounted rates for students - so bring your ID! Masks were required in both indoor and outdoor spaces for the garden.Note regarding accessibility: the entrance of the garden is a dirt ramp which can be somewhat steep for the elderly or those with limited mobility. I did see a couple individuals struggling while entering / exiting. Not all areas of the garden are wheelchair accessible, as there are some steps to certain access points.

Worth every penny. Meticulously curated by a small army of staff and volunteers, this garden is so beautiful that I would pay to sit quietly all day in it. I didnt have time to hit the Umami cafe, my only regret.

No matter what the season or the weather, the Portland Japanese Garden is always impressive. Such calming beauty in the thick of it all. Highly recommend to locals and visitors alike.

Fee- $18.95 per adultParking - parking fee is required and difficult to find a spot .If you are a city person you may like this place as it is a tiny little nice garden with Japanese trees and greens and small waterfalls and patios and gardens. Each spot is meaningful in Japanese custom . You get get a guide book to understand the importance of each spot which will cost additional $10.People like me who just travelled Oregon starting from crater lake to silver falls to Oregon coastal are would not like to spend time in this garden . Sorry but Kind of overrated place for me

An incredibly beautiful place. Lovely garden and very cozy place. Great park for families and walks❤️👏

Serene and beautiful. I had to walk slowly to appreciate and see the beauty and little touches they added. I survived a ruptured AAA a few years ago so I’m proud of myself for not being afraid of the steep climb. There are benches along the way in case you need to take a break. The colors in the Fall are amazing. I can’t say enough good things. I’m glad I made the trip. I’ll just post 1 picture here. Just one of the little added touches. Love it!

Very nice peaceful place. It is well maintained and most areas are accessible. Very light walking once you get up to the visitor center area. A little bit of an uphill walk to get there. Its $18.95 to get in, but it is worth the price.

A beautiful and charming place full of energy. Amazing views of Portland. Ive been here several times. 👍🏻 The garden is not huge, but I probably wouldnt go with a stroller. Parking is quite difficult to find if you do not arrive in the morning.

A little pricey, but I is worth every cent in my opinion. There is a ton to look at and tons of hidden pathways. Really beautiful and peaceful. You can hurry through and see everything in half an hour, or you can slowly meander through and spend a few hours here. There are a lot of stairs you walk up to get to the actual gardens, or I think they also offer a shuttle service if walking isnt your thing.

This place is beautiful. Very peaceful from start to finish. I highly recommend.

One of the most beautiful and calm experiences in my life. Absolutely reccomend. I will let the photos speak for themselves.

Come & Enjoy the Beautiful, Calm & Peaceful Walk of Nature 🌳 🚶🏻‍♂️📸Affordable ✔️Pet Friendly 🐶Mask Required 😷Paid Parking 🪙 💳 📲Small Souvenir/Gift Shop ⛩&& Beautiful view of Portland 😍

I been to Japanese Gardens in South Florida and I would say everything pretty much the same. It was my 2nd visit to Japanese Gardens in my life and I wouldn’t go there anymore. It’s nice place to visit, nothing wrong with it but I had the feeling that I already saw everything. Next time I will go somewhere else. You should visit this place only if you are first timer, otherwise you will not see anything new or exiting.

So peaceful. Very rare to find somewhere so serene in Portland. Every part of the park is manicured and maintained constantly. Everything you see is the way it is on purpose.Try to go early if you can. Parking can get difficult to find the later you wait. Try to go on a weekday if you can swing it.

With all the Covid restrictions and being required to wear a mask throughout the entire grounds… you sure don’t mind packing the people in do you? My god. There were people literally crawling over one another almost the entire visit. Where’s the peace and reflection in that? I was impressed with the gardens but the overall experience was not relaxing or peaceful one bit. If safety and enjoyment of the gardens is what you are looking for: it’s not going to happen when you allow people to cram in there like it’s Disneyland.

Very authentic Japanese style gardens that make good use of the surrounding PNW scenery. If you go on a clear day, you might be able to see Mt Hood at the top of the gardens which makes for a spectacular view.

There are a lot of relaxing spots and activities to do. You can do jogging, running, biking, set up a picnic, or just sit on the grass while enjoying the view. The plants and flowers are well-maintained. Areas are clean. There are several uphill walks so make sure to wear your most comfortable shoes. We would come back here to spend more time. Must-visit!

This place was a wonderful surprise date from my husband. We went during the fall time and the colors on all the different types of maples were wonderful hues of orange, yellows and reds. There was a light rain during part of our walk around that was just fine with a jacket. I believe this is a must see in Portland for those who like the outdoors and nature.

Ive loved the Portland Japanese Garden for years, but I hadnt visited for a few years. The ticketing in the parking area is great and includes a nice water feature. Up top theyve moved the gift shop and added a cafe and educational center. Very nice. The rest of the garden is much the same and that has its own rewards. I remember 2 decades of visits as I stroll the grounds. This place is truly a gem of Portland.

Tickets are too pricey, but the place is quite large and there are two rock gardens which are stunning. We also saw a picturesque Mt. St. Helens as well which was delightful. It was quite crowded on a Sunday morning but I really enjoyed the architecture of the cafe and the gift shop.

Beautiful gardens. Spent 90 minutes walking around slowly. Just wish it were a little less expensive.

If youre looking to experience amazing greenery and beautiful views, the Japanese Garden is the place to go!! It is SO beautiful and Im so glad that I decided to visit. My favorite spot was the waterfall, which is right next to a koi pond!!

Was a little crowded but still felt the tranquility and peace while exploring the gardens and hidden walkways. Would be a great spot to pop the question to someone special, especially overlooking mount hood and the city!

Truly a gem of Portland. A beautiful location that is breathtaking year-round. Recent renovations and additions have only managed to improve what remains one of the citys must visit locations.

This park is beautiful, but I expected a lot more for the price, as its a little over $19 a person. Ive been to other much larger gardens that are just as beautiful that cost significantly less. There also seemed to be quite a few areas that were closed off as well as closed exhibits, which was disappointing. Parking is a nightmare, which took about 30 minutes to find a spot. There is significant uphill walking and some steep stairs, so it may be a difficult park for strollers, wheelchairs, and the elderly. Also narrow walkways/stairways meant that with crowds you have to stand and wait frequently which sort of takes away from the tranquility. Overall, though it was very scenic, I wouldnt personally go again. Oregon is full of beautiful parks & gardens to explore and this one cost too much for too little.

This place is a portrait of nature and calmness in a world that doesn’t stop to appreciate our beautiful nature. The staff is fantastic but the shining star is the scenery and how every detail is carefully thought out to bring you closer to nature and relaxation. This is a highlight in Portland that you must visit. I am not much of a flower person but this place makes you appreciate the nature’s best scenery available.

This is possibly my favorite place in the city. The sense of calm that comes from a visit here is physically and mentally beneficial. One of the best gifts Ive received was a membership to the Garden a few years back. At the time (and hopefully still) membership came with admission hours that began one hour before the general public was allowed in. So, the most serene spot in town was even more calm. Visiting this place at least once a month for over a year, watching the seasons change, and seeing what new delights there are to aim your camera at makes a membership a real bargain, and an experience to savor.

It’s only ok. Everyone there old us that it’s the best Japanese garden and it’s a must see. But to be honest, it wasn’t that great. It was nothing compared to the Japanese garden in San Francisco. Also, the administration fee for the one in San Francisco is way cheaper. I guess if it’s your first time visiting a Japanese garden then maybe you will like it but if you have seen the one in San Francisco, you will not be impressed. But make sure to check out the rose garden across from it.

Beautiful garden, funny volunteer bonsai garden body guard. Just super overcrowded with loud people being loud which detracts a ton from a place thats all about peace and quiet and beauty. The paths are narrow and there will be a train of people behind and in front of you so you cant really observe and take your time without getting disturbed. Id suggest they limit the rate a bit more.

For the price of tickets we expected more. It was beautiful but this place is not kid friendly. It would be a nightmare to take a stroller or to carry a baby up into the entrance because you have to hike a long ways to the top of the gardens. Certain seasons are better to visit than others because the flowers are in bloom at certain parts of the year. We were disappointed to say the least. A lot of pathways were closed off, there was hardly anything to do other than walk around the gift shop, look around and then leave. We were there for an hour and 30 mintues tops. FINDING PARKING HERE IS A NIGHTMARE. we suggest arriving at least an hour early to your scheduled time, just to find parking.

Tickets are expensive but the greenery is beautiful. Don’t miss out on the koi pond as well- they have huge fish! It’s very serene (despite being well trafficked.) a staple if you’re visiting the area

Lovely fall colors at this time of the year, very well maintained and well staffed garden. A must visit for anyone visiting Portland

The Gardens are a must visit when you are in Portland. Theyre conveniently located above the rose garden in Washington Park. If you find parking, take the extra time.The grounds are well maintained and enjoyable in all seasons. Its peaceful, even on a busy day. Be sure to look for the smaller side paths to find quiet spots. The koi are gregarious and a fun pop of color. Be sure to follow the paths to the lower rock garden.Its just the right size for families too, its open for strollers and theres clean restrooms inside the gates. Theres a shuttle for folks who arent up for the walk up to the Garden.

Very tranquil setting in the hills above Portland near the Portland zoo. This is the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan, and definitely the most beautiful of any Ive seen. While the landscaping is spectacular, this park also boasts many structural pieces and a large Koi pond, housing the largest Koi Ive ever seen. Recommend getting reserved tickets.

Would have been 5 stars for not the cover charge. $10 would have been perfect, $19...not so much. (It is cheaper than flying to Japan) The walk was beautiful, my favorite part was the super old bonsai trees. Not to crowded.

The sand and stone garden was the only thing that appealed to us. Zen was peaceful and relaxing. For the price of entrance we expected more. Their was more to see during our hike at Mt. Hood than here.

Had a great experience here. Just has a very nice and serene vibe to it that makes you feel at peace. Definitely would recommend for anyone stopping by at Portland.

This is much better than the one in cali, the greenery is much more vibrant, everything is very cohesive, and you definitely get a sense of tranquility. I appreciate how many of the areas have an isolated feel brought about by the narrow pathways and landscaping. I came here on a sunny day and it was beautiful, I also hope to come here again while its raining to see everything in a different perspective.

Loved the experience. Lots to see even before you get though the gate. Im going back.

Beautiful garden, somewhat hard to get tickets for a decent time so plan in advance. Spent around 1.5 hours here with a long restroom break, its fairly compact. So many pretty Koi!

It is an uphill trek to get there, but definitely such cool gardens to visit. I would definitely recommend it. So beautiful especially with all the peony trees blooming right now. Their weeping cherry blossom tree is also is bloom, with pink petals falling. Beautiful. I also love all the water features and streams.

My favorite place. It’s the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. Wonderful gift shop with wholesome staff. Items in the gift shop do tend to be pricey. There is a small cafe inside the garden where you can have authentic matcha and other things made in front of you. There is a small museum with art and a little bit of history with it. Amazing in the spring summer fall and winter. Great views that over look Portland and mount hood. Ponds with koi fish. I never get tired of this place.

It’s a fabulous place, the smell of the roses are amazing.

Wow! Theres so many beautiful varieties of roses! They have some that smell like cotton candy or lemonade. Must go!!

Beautiful and could have been peaceful if not for the dense human trafic. Too many people

Very beautiful! Love the fish, it was a nice and vreezy warm day! Took us about an hour to get through with taking pictures and gopro!

1 hour walk lovely garden. Parking is just outside. Worth a day out.

Beautiful place!! Would highly recommend to anyone staying in the Portland area!

If you love nature this is a nice place to visit while in Portland. Great views

Wonderful garden, quiet, peaceful, well kept. Had a nice time walking through with the family.

The garden was nice. The mask policy 😷 was not. Its a garden. Its outside.Tip: I had issues with cell phone reception. If you ride a bus up here, your best bet is to catch the Washington Park bus (free) to the Oregon Zoo train station. You can take an elevator down to the station.There was a 20+ minute wait to get into the Portland Japanese Garden. I recommend buying your ticket online before coming here.

The place is absolutely beautiful, the attention to detail is incredible. Unfortunately, it is a bit too crowded to really enjoy any peace, and the restaurant seems to always be reserved ahead of time.

The garden was beautiful but not worth $19. A lot smaller than I thought. Has pretty views of the city.

A must see! Found myself lost in the garden without any stress or worries, which is saying a lot since I am naturally a high anxiety person.I went Thurs morning at 11 and it wasnt too bad, but it was starting to get crowded when I left around 1230. I heard it gets very crowded on the weekends.

This so far is my favorite place to have visited in Portland. The views here were incredible. Ive had a long standing love for Japanese culture. And this did not disappoint in any way. The experience was tranquil and peaceful. It takes near an hour or so to get through but you can take as much time as you like to enjoy and dish it so in. So if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, this is perfect.

A very peaceful and beautiful place our family enjoyed! Amazing views of our city from high above. We also observed huge Japanese coy fish during a feeding time!

Visited here for the first time, and enjoyed it very much. Reserved a 2pm time slot on Sunday, and parking was easy to find with a short walk to the entrance. There is so much care put into this place. I think it’s appropriately priced to help maintain the health and beauty of this garden. I was overjoyed that there was a nice and clean bathroom that was heated! The cafe and tea spots were closed, but there was art gallery showing & the gift shop was open. We spent about an hour walking around and sitting down just to relax and enjoy the calmness. The gift shop was very well priced with lots of goodies on sale. I bought 2 tea cups and post cards which came with origami birds they let you take at the cash register.I would love to return when all the amenities are open again!

Very nice and relaxing place. They have a lot of waterfalls, paths and benches so bring a book with you and sit down somewhere to read. I was here on a Friday afternoon so it was a little busy. Great spot for photography, I believe it becomes even prettier later in the spring when all the trees start to bloom.

We ordered tickets online and were able to walk right in. The price seems like a lot at first but just make sure you take your time noticing even the small details around you. Between the view of My. Hood, the koi pond and the 500 year old bonsai tree its pretty remarkable.

Didnt know too much of what to expect, but it was a great experience. Place was incredibly peaceful.

Great Place. I used to visit Japanese gardens at Kyoto, hyogo and Tokyo. At first, i thought that it could not be as beautiful as all the gardens in Japan, I didnt visit it for five years although it only takes 15-20 min driving from my house . Today i just decided to give it a try and i was surprised how stunning the Japanese garden is. It was as beautiful as those gardens in Japan. Highly recommended

This place is gorgeous! I will be coming back here multiple times a year from now on. The Koi pond was by far my favorite feature in the garden. Watching those beautiful fish swim around is so calming. I stopped by the Umami Cafe and enjoyed some matcha and mochi ice cream before I left.

Extremely peaceful and relaxing. This would be a great after-stressful-day-at-work decompression if I lived in Portland. Hard pressed to find the difference from the ones Ive seen in Japan. Worth the visit!

100% worth the price of admission... Even in the rain!! Had a truly magical feel to the gardens, from start to finish. Beautiful & tranquil... I honestly cant think of a better way to spend the afternoon. Paired with the rose garden and a walk through Washington Park, its the perfect Portland nature experience!

Absolutely top notch in Portland, stunning landscaping, makes you feel you are in Japan. Beautiful trees and bushes, well paved path, and fresh air everywhere.

This Japanese Garden was built in conjunction with the sister city Sapporo, Japan.The experience is very immersive and serene. If you are visiting Portland, this should be a must visit on your list.

We had some trouble with our tickets, but we were able to get that sorted out without much hassle. It was very pretty with lots of variations of green. I would suggest going on a week day and if you need close parking go as early as possible! There is free parking but it is limited. More parking is available for fee and is further away. A 6 foot distance and covid-19 precautions were taken everywhere possible. Overall it was a fun experience and I hope to return again soon.

What a beautiful and tranquil place to reflect & relax. Every single detail about these gardens have been carefully thought out, its truly stunning. Visit when you have time to experience it slowly and thoroughly, every boulder and patch of moss has been considered. It would seem to have something new to offer by visiting during different seasons as will. They also have priceless bonsai trees as well, some as old as 500 years. The customer service here is above and beyond. I dont recommend taking young children here, they can really take away from the tranquility and the zen gardens can easily be destroyed. The natural garden is not stroller friendly, but the rest is.

Nice place. Great views. Beautiful garden. Thought it would be a little bigger, but still worth the visit.

All indoor spaces are closed. You have to wear a mask the whole time which defeats purpose of being outside. Besides that it was lovely.

Quite beautiful and peaceful. I wish I could see it in the rain.

Very beautiful! A small garden. You can get a point looking Mt. HOOD.

The garden was grand and super fun to walk around in however, if you want to see amazing bonsai you will be disappointed. Besides that everything is great.

Beautiful garden. Obe of the best one Ive seen in the U.S.

Nice place to relax for a while. $18 to get in.

Absolutely beautiful, amazing vibes, such a peaceful presence being there. Definitely will be back to visit again, every time I come to Portland it’s going to be on my todo list.

Beautiful garden in the midst of a very large park (Washington). Well worth a visit.

Its very well taken care of everything! The staff were really caring, and everyone freud their best at social distancing. We managed to learn new stuff, and see cultures of everything else! Although parking is kinda tight, everything is worth itN

This is a beautiful activity!The volunteers are knowledgeable and very personable. A peaceful place to spend an afternoon!

What a gorgeous place! I had fallen in love with their Instagram shots, and I knew my family had to visit while we were visiting Portland. Big tip: buy tickets ahead of time and be there when it opens. Parking is scarce. Much of the garden is shaded, a nice thing on a day with record heat. The very sound of running water is cooling to the soul. If I was a local, I’d definitely want to be a garden member and visit from season to season.

Such a gorgeous park. I spent a couple hours just wandering around and taking it all in. It definitely brings you a sense of peace. Lovely little waterfalls, koi ponds, zen gardens, and more. You get a really cool view of Mt. Hood behind the Portland skyline as well. The only downside is right now, unfortunately, because of Covid none of the teahouses or restaurants in the park are opened/accessible. Ill come back here sometime after the pandemic is over.

Amazing as usual. Very well taken care of. One of our favorite spots.

Beautiful garden but a little pricey.

BEAUTIFUL. Not sure what else I can say other than that. It was so lovely, calming, and peaceful. SO many different species of trees and plants. A cute little gift shop that we got an adorable teapot and incense from. I would have a membership if I lived in the area!

An amazing, exquisite garden full of peace and relaxation. The trick is to go when its not crowded!

Worth the stop if in the Portland area. Takes about an hour to get through. Cafe requires advanced seating reservations.

Just a serene and beautiful place to visit.

It is the place one should visit in Fall. Fall colors in Japanese garden are out of the world BONSAI trees and their color is a worth experiencing event.The blossom of maple tree is an event enjoyed by photographers all over the world at this garden. Apart from Fall colors, over all garden is really good. landscape design and Japanese architecture is amazing. Do look at their website for their exhibitions. They showcase some of the best art exhibition in Portland Oregon. Parking is available along with street parking.Bus service is also there. It definitely a jewel of Washington Park.

A seriously beautiful garden, but completely drawn back by the amount people there. (Sunday) Felt like a traffic jam of people moving throughout the garden. Really took away from the whole experience trying to weave in and out of people, and countless moments of trying to run out of people’s pictures.If you want some peace while you’re there get a reservation at the Cafe. Delightful time there.Would try and come on a weekday.