The Glory of Autumn on Full Display – A Captivating Fall Excursion to the Portland Japanese Garden

Words by KC Shomler Photos by Steven Shomler

Visiting on a glorious autumn October day, I instantly fell in love with Portland Japanese Garden. How could I not with it showing off all its amazing fall colors under a surprisingly sunny Portland sky? Irresistible.

From the moment we parked, paid, passed under the first of many tall antique gates and started the ascent up to the gardens, I felt a sense of peaceful wonder wash over me.

My legs never felt the burn of the uphill climb because my mind was pleasantly occupied taking in the gorgeous surroundings with new sights to behold at every turn of the switchback trail

There is a shuttle to the top of the hill where the majority of the garden is located that is available by request, however please note that there is still a fair amount of walking once you get to the top of the hill.

At the top of the hill there are multiple worlds of wonder to explore. 8 separate gardens flow seamlessly from one to the other. Stone gardens, statues, a small bonsai garden, lanterns and so, so many colorful leaves. We walked the many well-tended stone paths, listened to the music of the water from brooks, streams and waterfalls.

Everywhere there was artfully cultivated beauty, restrained and never overdone – a photographer’s dream. Interesting that there was an unenforced quiet amongst the visitors, kind of library-like, perhaps a reverence.

Founded in 1963, open to the public since 1967, the garden spans 12 acres within sight of the tall buildings of downtown. I love the mission statement to promote peace and appreciation of different perspectives.

Around ½ million visitors per year come to walk these paths and do just that. Guided tours are available multiple times per day and the open hours change with the seasons, so check before you go.

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, if you lived in Portland, you would surely to become a member and walk the gardens as often as you could.

Of course, the lure of the visual beauty is obvious, but what really captivated me was how this space made me feel inside: Deeply peaceful, present and reverent. That’s what will keep me coming back.

Words by KC Shomler Photos by Steven Shomler

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