Tufts Alumni PDX Tour Portland's Japanese Garden

   Join the Tufts Alumni of the Greater Portland for a private tour of the Portland Japanese Garden and learn more about what his Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States, upon visiting called “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.” With fall color in full swing, we are in for a visual treat!

    Portland Japanese Garden was founded on steep, hilly topography, which was the original site of the Oregon Zoo. In 1959, the Zoo moved and the site’s challenging terrain kept the land unused and vacant until 1963 when the Japanese Garden Society of Oregon was looking for a space to create a friendship garden.

    Professor Takuma Tono of Tokyo Agricultural University began designing the garden in 1961. Professor Tono’s plan includes five different garden styles laid out on 5.5 acres. This is quite a departure from gardens in Japan which typically follow one singular style. His intention was to represent different historical developments in Japanese garden architecture and through that communicate Japanese culture to create a cultural exchange. Learn more about the different styles and features of Portland Japanese Garden with other Tufts Alumni.

    Meet our group at the pool by the Tanabe Welcome Center at the base of the Garden, across from the tennis courts. Please arrive promptly by 1:45 for the tour. Alumni, friends, and family of all ages welcome. 

    Please be aware that only some areas of Portland Japanese Garden are accessible according to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, the entirety of the Garden is not fully ADA accessible. Guests with accessibility needs are welcome to join for the parts of the tour that are accessible.