Portland's Japanese Garden

The Garden's brochure states, "When his Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States, visited the Portland Japanese Garden he proclaimed it to be 'the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan'." The Garden was designed in 1963 on 12 acres overlooking Portland. It has eight separate garden styles that include streams, a wonderful waterfall, an authentic Tea House and a spectacular view of Mt. Hood (weather permitting). We were there several days ago and as the weather forecast predicted . . . it rained intermittently throughout our visit.

The main attraction of the Garden is a Japanese Maple commonly known as the Red Emperor. It is just barely starting to turn its famous crimson. The first image posted is a different variety of Japanese Maple commonly known as the Dancing Peacock. It always turns crimson first. There is no end to the photographic opportunities here, from details to intimate nooks. The gift shop is excellent with some nice teas and wonderful incense.

This is the Peacock Japanese Maple. Every year it is the first in the garden to turn that characteristic crimson color.

This is the Peacock Japanese Maple. Every year it is the first in the garden to turn that characteristic crimson color.

Tom prefers his cropped version.

Tom prefers his cropped version.

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This is the infamous Japanese Maple also known as a Emperor’s Maple. It turns crimson after the Peacock Maple. It is just beginning to show some orange that will turn crimson.

This is the infamous Japanese Maple also known as a Emperor’s Maple. It turns crimson after the Peacock Maple. It is just beginning to show some orange that will turn crimson.

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Dark rocks shimmer in the aftermath of the intermittent rain.

Dark rocks shimmer in the aftermath of the intermittent rain.

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We ate lunch at the little restaurant on the right. They do tea right!!

We ate lunch at the little restaurant on the right. They do tea right!!

One could spend days at the Garden just getting detail photographs.

One could spend days at the Garden just getting detail photographs.

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Missouri Botanical Garden Part II

Seiwa-en, the garden of pure, clear harmony and peace was dedicated in 1977.  That is what I felt as I walked through most of the 14 acres of the garden. This Japanese garden is one of the largest in North America.  It was hot, hot that day and yet the trails, waterfall, lake, cozy nooks, wonderful trees and overall design made the space special.  I would love to return in the spring when designated areas are filled with blooms.

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This board walkway generated a lot of opportunity to play with composition.  As you can see below, there were plenty of approaches!

This board walkway generated a lot of opportunity to play with composition.  As you can see below, there were plenty of approaches!

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Portland's Japanese Garden

Rated as the best Japanese Garden outside of Japan. One of the top ten in the world. And Tom is there to photograph its magic! Life is good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whew! He even sent me a rose! Portland is the city of roses.

Up next, a good place to have lunch and Mount Hood with Lake Trillium.

Tom is on the road again, headed to California to a car show.

Thanks for sharing.