Portland Japanese Garden Reopens March 1
After six-month closure, visitors can return in time for cherry blossoms

Photo by Jonathan Ley

On March 1, the Portland Japanese Garden will reopen its doors to visitors following a six-month closure for construction on the Garden’s Cultural Crossing expansion project.

Return to Beauty

The Portland Japanese Garden welcomes visitors back to its beloved landscapes on March 1, following a six-month closure.

Although the Garden’s construction will not be complete until Spring of 2017, visitors will be able to see the Garden’s 75-year old blooming cherry tree, new leaf buds on the trees, and koi awakening from hibernation. “The first thing I’ll do when the Garden opens is walk the entire garden,” said volunteer Kate Knox-Giavanti. “I am excited to see what benefits a nice six-month rest from visitors will have had. I’ve missed seeing the subtle changes from week to week as the season change.” Springy moss and perked-up plants are ready for visitors, and are in great condition thanks to the Garden’s six-month closure.

Photo by David Cobb

Construction Project Continues

While construction is changing the area outside the Garden’s gates dramatically, its familiar five landscapes are untouched by the work in progress. The original garden spaces, which are spread over 5.5 acres in Portland’s West Hills, will be augmented by a Cultural Village outside the Garden’s gate, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.

This $33.5 million project will add 3.4 acres to the 9.1-acre property, move the Garden’s entry gate to the bottom of the hill at SW Kingston Avenue, and create additional space for exhibitions, classrooms, cultural events, and an expanded gift shop. “The Cultural Crossing capital campaign will allow us room to improve the visitor experience and offer a comprehensive educational environment, as we help preserve the traditional Japanese garden arts,” said CEO Steve Bloom.

Until the expansion is completed, visitors will see construction in progress outside the Garden’s gates. As visitors approach on foot or by courtesy shuttle, they’ll see several new garden spaces that include a moss garden and cascading water terrace. At the north end of the new courtyard outside the Garden’s gates, a team of builders will be working on a 22-foot-high medieval castle wall. Cultural Crossing is scheduled to be complete next spring, with a grand opening planned for April 1, 2017.

Photo by David Cobb

SOME TIPS FOR VISITING

• Admission: Adult ticket = $9.50 / Senior & Student ticket = $7.75
• Winter Garden Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 4pm; Mondays from noon – 4pm
• Construction will continue outside the Garden gates until Spring 2017
• The shuttle from the parking lot to the Admission Gate will be available Friday, Saturday, and Sundays only
• Consider taking public transportation; much of the lower parking lot is being used for construction staging. Trimet Bus-Line 63 runs every hour Monday-Friday
• The Garden will switch to summer hours on March 13

ABOUT THE PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN

For 53 years, the Portland Japanese Garden has been a haven of serenity and tranquility, nestled in the scenic West Hills of Portland. It is considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan and is one of the foremost Japanese cultural organizations in North America. Its Cultural Crossing expansion project, which adds space for exhibitions, educational programming, and cultural events, will be completed in Spring 2017. 

Learn more at japanesegarden.com.