Moon Bridge surrounded by fall color (2016-10-31) by Photo credit: Roman Johnston and Portland Japanese GardenPortland Japanese Garden
1950s: Portland looks to nature to reconnect with Japan
Throughout the 1950s, Portland civic leaders began seeking ways to renew the city's social and economic ties with Japan. Desiring to heal the wounds caused by World War II, they decided to create an authentic garden that would foster a better understanding of Japanese culture.
Gardens as a means of reintroducing Japan to Americans
At this time in U.S. history, Japanese gardens, such as this one in Portland, were founded across the country as a way to build cultural understanding. Needing no translation, an American could experience firsthand Japanese ideals and values communicated simply through nature.
The Bear Pit of the Old Portland Zoo (1935) by City of Portland (OR) Archives AP4896Portland Japanese Garden
1960: Transforming an abandoned zoo into a garden
Portland leaders quickly determined the Garden should be constructed on the site of an old zoo. They believed this location perched atop the hills of Washington Park with an uninterrupted view of Mt. Hood was ideal. In this photo, one can see the old bear pit the zoo maintained.
Professor Tono in the Flat Garden (1964-12)Portland Japanese Garden
1962: Japanese landscape architect retained to design site
After the site's dedication in 1961, Professor Takuma Tono of Tokyo Agricultural University was retained to design the Garden. His plans included five different garden styles laid out across 5.5 acres.
An intentional approach for a unique setting
Professor Tono wanted to represent different historical developments in Japanese garden architecture to demonstrate Japanese culture and foster cultural understanding. Multiple styles within one site was a departure from gardens in Japan, which mostly follow one singular style.
The Sapporo Pagoda Lantern (1967) by Photographer Credit: William RobinsonPortland Japanese Garden
1967: Portland Japanese Garden opens
In 1967, the Garden formally opened to the public for the summer. Admission was $0.50 for adults and $0.25 for students. That year, more than 28,000 people came to the Garden before it closed for the winter. They would enter through the Nezu Gate, seen here near its completion.
Kashintei Tea House Reassembly (1968-01)Portland Japanese Garden
1968: The Tea House is added to the Garden
In 1968, the Kashintei Tea House was constructed in Japan, shipped in pieces, and reassembled in the Tea Garden. Other structures were added as the five gardens evolved.
Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda at Portland Japanese Garden (1978) by Photographer Credit: Randy Wood, The OregonianPortland Japanese Garden
1978: Prime Minister Fukuda visits the Garden
In 1978, Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda visited the Garden while en route to meet with President Jimmy Carter in Washington. He would later say the Garden's beauty and size surprised him. Photo: © 1978 Randy Wood / The Oregonian. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Pavilion Construction (1980-08)Portland Japanese Garden
1980: The long-awaited Pavilion is constructed
The Pavilion, which sits at the heart of the Flat Garden, was in Professor Tono’s original plans. However, its addition was stalled due to a lack of funding. Construction began in 1979 and its dedication took place on May 18, 1980 - the day Mount St. Helens erupted.
The snow viewing lantern in winter snow (1975) by Photographer Credit: William RobinsonPortland Japanese Garden
1981: Portland Japanese Garden remains open in winter
Following the advice of former Portland Parks and Recreation Bureau Head Gardener William "Robbie" Robinson, the Garden remained open during winter for the first time in 1981. Portland Japanese Garden has been open year-round ever since.
A model of the Cultural Village (2016) by Photographer Credit: Jonathan LeyPortland Japanese Garden
2014: A new chapter for Portland Japanese Garden
In 2014, the Garden announced it was partnering with internationally acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma, as it embarked on a new journey: expanding its footprint to accommodate its rapid visitor growth, as well as its ability to immerse visitors in Japanese arts and culture.
The Cultural Village and Entry Garden (2017-06-29) by Photographer Credit: James FlorioPortland Japanese Garden
2017: The Cultural Village opens
The Garden’s new Cultural Village adds three new structures adjacent to its historic gardens, each LEED-certified, existing harmoniously with nature and serving as a mere frame from which to view the exquisite beauty of the surrounding landscape.
2022: Japan Institute launches
Japan Institute was established in 2022 as a global cultural initiative of the Garden, allowing us to share and expand on our programs more broadly around the world, deepen international relationships, and engage with people through peace, beauty, and connection to nature.
Weeping Cherry Tree and Pavilion (2014-03-24) by Photographer Credit: Jonathan LeyPortland Japanese Garden
Portland Japanese Garden today
The Garden has become one of Portland's most beloved cultural institutions and a must-see attraction. Multiple visiting dignitaries from Japan have proclaimed it as the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan.
Our Mission:
Inspiring Harmony and Peace
Photos by:
James Florio
Jonathan Ley
William "Robbie" Robinson
City of Portland (OR) Archives, AP/4896
Portland Japanese Garden
