Wednesday, November 11, 2020

An Exciting Day at Portland Japanese Garden


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* Gifted Experience: This post is in collaboration with the Portland Japanese Garden.  We received complimentary entrance into the garden, in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own

**Affliate links contained in this post. 

 I'm excited to share my tips for visiting the Portland Japanese Garden, in Oregon.  I usually visit the Portland area twice a year.  It is a beautiful Northwest city, and has outstanding outdoor experiences to enjoy.

I've been wanting to visit the Japanese Garden for a long time. I'm was happy to collaborate with the garden in Portland.  Today I'm sharing top tips for visiting this amazing venue.

The Portland Japanese Garden is considered  one of the most authentic gardens outside the country of Japan.

Be Immersed in Traditional Japanese Culture

When you visit the garden you will  see volunteers dressed in beautiful kimonos. There is also an opportunity to watch a  Japanese tea ceremony being conducted live. Unfortunately it was dark under the canopy where it took place, and my pictures did not turn out the greatest.    

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The Cultural Village


The garden had a huge remodel and expansion a few years ago.  A "Cultural Village" was added, which will accommodate the rapid growth.  Visitors can now enjoy more of traditional Japanese experience.

The newly updated space was designed by world renowned architect  Kengo Kuma.  He is also the mastermind behind the National Stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.


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When you first enter the garden, you must hike a little way to get up top where the garden and village are located. No worries, no steep inclines our rock climbing skills needed!  As you ascend , you will pass by the back side of the  sushi restaurant. It seems to sit suspended in air, such a breathtaking scene.

This lovely tour is a great outing for the whole family, and is affordable- even for a large group.  The entrance fee is just 14.95 per person, and less for children.

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Art in the Garden

Portland Japanese Garden is a natural setting where you can explore Japanese art and design.  Art exhibitions represent ideas and aesthetics integral to the Japananse lifestyle.  Showcasing a wide array of artists and art forms, the exhibitions will feature ways we can experience peace through connections to art, nature and to each other.

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History of the Garden

It was inspired in the late 1950's to help the cultural ties between Oregon and Japan.  The garden was built on the site of the old zoo in Washington Park. The idea was to begin a healing relationship on the heels of World War II.

At this time in history, Japanese gardens were being started up all across the country to help build cultural awareness.  It was a way for Americans to learn about Japanese values that were spoken of, softly through nature.

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Enjoy Serenity at the Fish Ponds

 One of the best parts of the Garden are the beautiful ponds. There is an upper and lower pond. If you are looking for a quiet serenity, hang out at one of them.  The pond is the home to huge Koi.  In May of 2011, the Portland Japanese Garden released 18 Koi to the upper Koi Pond; in conjunction with The Children's Day Celebration.

 In the winter of 2008, a huge snow storm came to the area. During that time, nohe of the garden employees could get to the garden because of the big mounds of snow.  

Unfortunately the Koi suffocated due to the layer of ice on the pond.  After this terrible loss, the Japanese Garden did a big renovation and moved most of the fish to the lower pond.

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What to Wear at Portland Japanese Garden

When on a tour or visiting a certain destination, I dress to match the venue. When my tour of the gardne was confirmed, I started shopping for the rightoutfit. I was hoping to find traditional Japanese attire, such as a kimono.

Instead I found this beautiful floral print dress. I was very happy to find it and thought it was perfect for a tour of the garden. To complete this Japanese garden look: Add a red straw hat, red sandals, a stylish over the shoulder bag and your favorite pair of sunnies. Now you are ready to rock the garden in style

Thrift shopping always delivers when you are in a pinch.  If you are planning a visit here or a similar garden elsewhere; Japanese styles can be found on Ebay, Amazon and Poshmark

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New Timed Entry Tickets

As we know the Pandemic has change how we travel and move about.  Portland Japanese Garden is now selling timed entry tickets, every 30 minutes during its hours of operation. Tickets can be purchased online up to 7 days in advance.  The last available time for purchase is 3:30 p.m.

And so ...Here's What to Know Before You Go: 

  • Wear a face covering indoors and outdoors
  • Observe physical distancing
  • Stay on approved paths and watch for one-way routes
  • Download the Parking Kitty App for touchless metered parking
  • Take your time and take care , and be well
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Step Into a Different Garden Every Season

With the changing of seasons in the Pacific Northwest, you neverstep into the same garden twiceGorgeous shrubs, greenery and flowers blanket the garden throughout.  If you plan to visit the Northwest, it is best to wait until late spring or summer. That's when the weather is warmer and everything is in full bloom.

There are many areas to navigate in the garden.  With every turn, you'll see a different view.  There was a mossy cover all over the ground, shimmering like a velvety green carpet. Every spot in the garden is so peaceful and relaxing.

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EEx
Mount Hood Views

Lastly, don't miss the breathtaking view of Mount Hood at the back of the garden. I could've stayed for this view all day long. There was some cloud cover, but it was still so beautiful.

The garden is located near Nob Hill . When I visited Portland Japanese Garden, I  had fun discovering a new area of Portland.  I hope someday you can visit the gardens. 

Travel is not suggested during the pandemic, but outdoors tours like this are quite safe if you follow the guidelines.   For the latest events and updates: Follow Portland Japanese Garden on Instagram, TwitterFacebook, and Youtube.

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Travel Safe and be well!
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Would you like to comment?

  1. Oh what a fun post! I love all the information and we have been wanting to go to Portland for a visit for a while. I love your outfit too! You look amazing! Peace!
    Cheryl Tucker
    http://www.northwestmountainliving.com

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    1. Thank you Ms. Cheryl!! yes you need to go..so much to see and do there...have a lovely day !
      x0

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  2. What a lovely setting and beautiful gardens! I love your floral dress! So pretty!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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    1. Thank you so much Jill, I hope you have a great day!

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  3. I've never been to Portland but is absolutely love to visit this garden!

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    1. Hi Kuleigh, Yes Portland is a great place to visit, I hope get to go soon!

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  4. That Japanese garden is gorgeous and your outfit is so perfect for it. Love the sandals and hat, Valerie. =)

    Welcome by and join my new linkup this week (link below). Thanks and enjoy the weekend! <3 Ada.

    http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2017/06/thursday-moda-67-french-inspired.html

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    1. Thank you so much Ada! I hope you have a great weekend, and I will drop by your link up!

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  5. What a beautiful place! I've been dying to visit a similar place here in Florida :))

    Rosalyn | www.LynSire.com

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    1. Thank you Rosalyn, I am dying to Visit Florida..never been!

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  6. What a beautiful place. It looks lovely here. Love your outfit too :) Thanks for sharing at the weekend blog hop

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    1. Thank you so much Claire, thanks for hosting the blog link up every week!

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  7. oh i love visiting japanese gardens in any city! they always look so beautiful and zen! lovely post!

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    1. Thank you ...yes so pretty, my first one to visit!

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  8. This is such a wonderful little respite in the middle of the city! I'm bummed I didn't get a chance to revisit it on my last trip to Portlant.

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    1. yes it is........smack dab in the heart of the city but seems so removed from the business!

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  9. This reminds me of an area in our Botanic Gardens!!! It looks so lovely!!
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Thank you Jodie, Looking forward to meeting you soon!
      xo

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  10. I already posted on this post but had to come back and say thank you for joining Ladies Who Link Up and I hope to see you next Friday!
    Cheryl Tucker
    http://www.northwestmountainliving.com

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    Replies
    1. Awe thank you cherly, You didnt need to a second time, but I appreciate all you do for the link up!

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  11. Wow so beautiful! Looks so peaceful and love your outfit for the scenery :)

    Trina

    www.tipsyheelz.com

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    1. Thank you so much Trina, yes that was the best part....so peaceful!!

      Have a great day!

      xo
      Valerie

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  12. This Japanese gardens look so zen! Thanks for sharing at the Moda Thursday linkup!

    Christine
    www.bonchicstyle.com

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  13. Sounds a little like the Japanese Festival in Houston recently :) looks lovely.

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    1. Thanks Sheela, I need to visit Houston, only been there in the airport..!

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  14. Great summer look. Perfect for a walk in the park. I love the photo with the fish! So cute. Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.

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    1. Thank you Nicole, thanks for hosting the link up every week!

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  15. I love Japanese gardens! They are so peaceful and gorgeous to walk through! I love your beautiful summer look!

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    1. Thank you Laura, so kind! It was my first time to visit one, it was so peaceful- I loved it!

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  16. One more great place to add on our Portland to-do list!

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    1. Hey Dawn, yes Portland is a fun place...so much more there I need to check out, have fun!

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  17. This looks like a wonderful experience and garden. The pond and bridge is so pretty, as are all of the surroundings. I enjoy going being in nature as well. Love your floral dress, perfect for the outing!
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Jess, I appreciate your time to stop by...I hope you have an amazing week lovely lady!

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  18. i'll have to remember to visit next time we go to Portland. Looks like a nice spot.

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  19. These Japanese gardens look amazing! I especially love the koi pond and the view of Mount Hood! Definately looks like a must see place when in Portland. Thank you for your review.

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  20. I love visiting Japanese gardens when I see them, and this one looks really pretty - great idea for a day out!

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