Communities
Japanese American Portland: Things to See & Do
Japanese American Historical Plaza and Friendship Circle
Northwest Naito Parkway at Davis Street (in Waterfront Park)
Thirteen stone markers commemorate the history of the Issei and their descendants. One hundred ornamental cherry trees link the plaza to the Friendship Circle, where you’ll find a “singing” sculpture created to celebrate Portland’s 30-year Sister City relationship with Sapporo, Japan. Guided tours are offered by Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center.
Nichiren Buddhist Temple of Portland
2031 S.E. Yamhill St.
This community center hosts annual events, including a New Year’s celebration, an event for Buddha’s birthday, a spring festival and Obon services. Visitors welcome.
Oregon Buddhist Temple
3720 S.E. 34th Ave.
One of the oldest religious centers for the Japanese community, this temple is especially noteworthy for its beautiful sanctuary altar. Portland’s Japanese Buddhists host a New Year’s party, celebrate the birth of Buddha and conduct Obon services at this center. Visitors are welcome.
Oregon History Museum
1200 S.W. Park Ave.
Substantial photo collections, news clippings and family history materials on Japanese Americans in Oregon. Collections include letters, diaries and objects from the internment.
Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center
121 N.W. Second Ave.
The Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center is a Japanese-American history museum that preserves and shares the culture and history of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest. The center features exhibits, events and talks throughout the year.
Portland Art Museum
1219 S.W. Park Ave.
The museum has six galleries dedicated to its extensive collection of Asian art. The Japanese galleries include many prints, painting and decorative arts from the Edo and Meiji periods, and contemporary art. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
Portland Japanese Garden
611 S.W. Kingston Ave. (in Washington Park)
Acclaimed as the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan, this is an ideal retreat for meditation and contemplation. Covering nearly 5.5 acres, the Japanese Garden is composed of five separate gardens, replete with exquisite plants, carefully placed stones and restful pools.
Asian-American drum ensemble Portland Taiko, established in 1994, performs throughout the year. In addition to community performances at festivals, libraries and many other venues, the group also holds seasonal shows at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts. Taiko combines rhythm, movement, energy and culture into a single art form.
