Portland, Oregon’s Japanese Garden is undergoing a major renovation. The garden recently reopened after a long closure, but construction is still underway with exciting changes coming in the near future.

I first visited the garden as a child when I went with a student group. I was fascinated by the tea ceremony, the structures and details. I’ve been going back ever since.

In 1958, Portland became a sister city to Sapporo, Japan. Plans for a traditional garden in Portland began soon thereafter. It opened in 1963. Located high above the city center in Portland’s West Hills, the garden is near another horticultural treasure: the International Rose Test Garden.

Rain or shine, construction or no construction, the garden is always a breath of fresh air in the middle of the city. Garden details & hours here: http://japanesegarden.com/