By Eilene Lyon
Having family in Oregon means I travel there regularly. The Willamette Valley is lush compared to where I live, so I always enjoy the change in scenery. Portland is very much a “garden city.” I don’t think I could tolerate the gray winters, though!
The Japanese Garden is located within Washington Park, set on a slope that faces Mt. Hood. It was designed and constructed in 1963, and is believed to be among the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. It covers a total of 12 acres and contains 8 different themed sections.
A quote from their website:
Born out of a hope that the experience of peace can contribute to a long lasting peace. Born out of a belief in the power of cultural exchange. Born out of a belief in the excellence of craft, evidence in the Garden itself and the activities that come from it. Born out of a realization that all of these things are made more real and possible if we honor our connection to nature.
There are sculptures here and there. Some are permanent, others temporary.
It’s a serene and restful place to spend an hour or two strolling and contemplating. If you need refreshment, they also have an authentic Tea House!
Myricopia 
It looks so peaceful. We have visited the Japanese gardens at Morikami in Delray, Florida, many times. I have to believe it is well over 12 acres.
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They achieved a lot in a small space. There’s a beautiful Japanese garden in San Francisco, too.
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These gardens are really something! I wonder if you go to Japan they have a Portland garden?
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It would have a lot of roses and camellias!
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How can you not feel your blood pressure go down, your breathing slow, your heart become lighter when walking through such gardens? I, too, would go when visiting family 😉 Lovely, Eilene. Thank you for sharing.
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It’s been a while since I took those photos. I think I will make a point of visiting the garden on my next trip. Thanks for stopping by, Dale.
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I think you should! 🙂 Looks like such a beautiful place.
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If one must be in a city, it’s good to have pretty gardens to visit!
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I agree!! Now you are reminding me that I have not been to Montreal’s Botanical Gardens in, um, since. er.. yep, too long!
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What are you waiting for? 🙂
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Right! What am I waiting for?
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THANKS EILENE, This is one place that I still have on my bucket list and if you don’t stop showing me photos like I will drop everything and finally go there…
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Oregon? Portland? The Japanese Garden? All lovely places! You should go. Drop everything. 😀
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Gorgeous
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A sight to behold.
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I’ve heard of this place and every photo of it looks wonderful. Thanks for taking us along with you. I know I’d enjoy it. Are you going back anytime soon?
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I don’t have any immediate plans, but that could change any time.
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My son lives in Portland, he has never mentioned it- I’m sure he would love it.
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I believe it’s in the same location as the rose garden and the OMSI science museum.
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I asked, he has visited & says the best time is in the fall.
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I’m sure that’s when the maples are at their finest!
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he sent me a couple pictures, lots of reds
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Your turn, now!
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Oregon is a treasure – so beautiful.
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It’s a lovely city, but too many people and too much rain for my taste!
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Lol. The year we travelled to Oregon, we continued up the coast to Vancouver Island – it rained every day for a month. Not to my taste either
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We visited Vancouver Island on our honeymoon trip. We found a place to stay on a college campus that was spacious and nice – and apparently built like a bunker. A huge storm cam through downing tree branches everywhere and shaking up the boaters in the marina pretty badly. We never had a clue.
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It is a beautiful place, but they can keep their weather
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😊
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It looks very beautiful. I’ve been to the Japanese garden at the Huntington Library in Pasadena.
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I’ve visited the Huntington gardens, too. I loved everything about that place (I was there to do research at the library, but got to spend a day in the gardens and art museum).
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We used to live a little over an hour away. It was a favorite place of mine to take my kids.
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I was fortunate when I got there a member was stood up by his arranged guests, so he gave me a pass for the day and an hourlong tour or the gardens.
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That’s nice!
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Beautiful and peaceful – and a tearoom too! They spoil us.
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I like how places like this can transport you to another realm entirely.
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I would love to visit that Japanese garden!!
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Any Japanese garden is worth a visit!
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Agreed! There was a small one at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens that I always enjoyed.
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I’d turn my yard into one, but could not possibly maintain it!
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Neither could I!
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In this crazy world, how can you NOT want to find yourself in the embrace of this place? Wonderful narration and brilliant captures, Eilene.
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Wouldn’t it be nice to just be absorbed into a landscape like that and all the nutty stuff just disappears?
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That would be beautiful.
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Thanks for the virtual walk, Eilene. It is one walk I would absolutely enjoy and of course finish it with a visit to the lovely tearooms. The Japanese certainly know how to inspire others to create serene outdoor areas. Bliss.
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Glad you enjoyed the virtual stroll, Suzanne. Do you have Japanese garden in NZ?
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Yes, quite a few public ones and on walks around various neighborhoods, I’ve seen a few Japenese inspired private gardens. Like the Scandinavian style, less is more. Which is a style I enjoy.
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That’s great that the climate encourages those kinds of landscapes. I also like the spare, thoughtful garden.
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This is a beautiful garden. I was at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park many years ago. Very serene and peaceful, all of which you have captured Eilene.
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I’ve enjoyed the one in San Francisco as well. Thank you.
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What an enchanting place! I love the sense of purpose and symbolism in Japanese garden design.
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Those are good qualities, for sure.
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❤️
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These are wonderful photos. I love this place. A few years ago (hmm, with covid that always means +3 haha so if I think 3 it’s 6, etc.) we went there and really enjoyed it. And the teas were delicious. We took some home with us. I even blogged about it, although my photos were not so gorgeous.
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I know what you mean about the years – I had that problem even before Covid! I’m sure your images were wonderful – no bad photos of a Japanese garden, right?
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There is something in that (the photos)!
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More lovely pics. I’ve been through Portland (my sister lived in Eugene for two years) but haven’t visited. Maybe at some point we’ll get down the coast to see it – the Japanese Garden would certainly be on my “to see” list 🙂
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Portland is packed with beautiful gardens – and cemeteries for those of us so inclined 😉.
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