Final 2023 Update: Tuesday, 11/7
Portland Japanese Garden has now moved past its peak fall colors. Today marks the conclusion of our regular fall updates for 2023. That noted, while several of the landscape’s most photographed maples have lost much of their leaves, there are still vibrant golds and crimsons throughout Portland Japanese Garden that will linger in the coming days. There is no certainty as to how long the remaining fall colors will last, so we urge anyone interested in experiencing fall in Portland Japanese Garden to visit soon!
Flat Garden and Pavilion. Photo taken 11/7/23. 
Tea House. Photo taken 11/7/23. Flat Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. Moon Bridge. Photo taken 11/7/23. Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. “The Tree.” Photo taken 11/7/23. Antique Gate. Photo taken 11/7/23. Flat Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. Sapporo Pagoda Lantern. Photo taken 11/7/23. Natural Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. Natural Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. Koto-ji Lantern. Photo taken 11/7/23. Moon Bridge. Photo taken 11/7/23. Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. Entry Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. Pathway to the Nezu Gate. Photo taken 11/7/23. Flat Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. Sand and Stone Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. Natural Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. Natural Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23. Natural Garden. Photo taken 11/7/23.
A Look Back at 2023
“The Tree” in Portland Japanese Garden, as seen on October 31, 2023. Photo by Hunter Chesnut. Antique Gate. Photo taken 11/2/23. Wisteria Arbor. Photo taken 11/3/23. Sapporo Pagoda Lantern. Photo taken 11/3/23. Flat Garden and Pavilion. Photo taken 11/7/23. Tea House. Photo taken 11/7/23. Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 11/2/23. “The Tree.” Photo taken 11/1/23. Pavilion and Flat Garden. Photo taken 11/1/23. Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 10/30/23.
Autumn in Portland Japanese Garden
In Japan, the transition of seasons is revered for their impermanence. The fleeting nature of Japanese maples reaching peak color only heightens the anticipation of fall.
In a part of the world better known for its year-round greenery, once a year, the Pacific Northwest comes to life with exquisite tone and texture. Throughout this season, Portland Japanese Garden is active as the lush, full, and matured trees from the summer transform into their autumn splendor, revealing brilliant shades of red and gold. When fall hits Portland Japanese Garden, it is absolutely stunning.
While factors like temperature, light, and water all affect the onset and duration of fall colors, one can expect to start to see the transformation throughout the month of October. Visit often to see Portland Japanese Garden transform throughout the season.
Scenes from 2022’s Autumn Splendor
These photographs below were taken in 2022 and may help give a sense of what is to come in 2023.
“The Tree,” one of the most photographed trees in the world, in the Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 11/8/22. A maple in the Flat Garden. Photo taken 11/9/22. The Zig-Zag Bridge in the Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 11/8/22. Looking through the doors of the Pavilion out into the Flat Garden. Photo taken 11/7/22. The Flat Garden, with the deck of the Pavilion on the right. Photo taken 11/7/22. The koto-ji lantern in the Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 11/4/22. A maple frames untitled work from Garden of Resonance: The Art of Jun Kaneko on the East Veranda. Photo taken 11/4/22. The Wisteria Arbor. Photo taken 11/3/22. The deck of the Umami Café peers out over this view of green and gold. Photo taken 11/3/22. A maple on the outer edge of the Flat Garden. Photo taken 11/3/22. A slightly different angle looking at “The Tree,” one of the most photographed trees in the world, in the Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 11/8/22. On the East Veranda next to the Pavilion, an untitled piece from our final exhibition of 2022, Garden of Resonance: The Art of Jun Kaneko. Photo taken 11/8/22. Untitled work in our final art exhibition of 2022, Garden of Resonance: The Art of Jun Kaneko in the Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation Courtyard. Photo taken 10/26/22. A maple bonsai on the Ellie M. Hill Bonsai Terrace. Photo taken 10/24/22. Autumn coloring on leaves soaking in the sun on the East Veranda. Photo taken 10/19/22. Bonsai on the Ellie M. Hill Bonsai Terrace. Photo taken 10/19/22. Jizo sits in shadow in the Natural Garden. Photo taken 11/8/22. A stone lantern on the East Veranda. Photo taken 11/7/22.
Fall Foliage and Maintenance: In order to maintain our paths and preserve the Garden environment and the level of cleanliness and grooming expected by all our members and visitors, our gardeners perform necessary maintenance, including the use of leaf blowers. In the fall, leaf blower use may increase in the mornings when the Garden is open.
I catch
the maple leaf then let
it go
– John Wills, American haiku poet
When is peak fall color?
Factors like temperature, light, and water all affect the onset and duration of fall colors. Typically, you can start to see the transformation throughout the month of October through early November.
Where is “The Tree?” When is the best time to photograph it?
“The Tree” is a maple tree on the northern end of the Strolling Pond Garden. Among the many trees donated to Portland Japanese Garden throughout its history, The Tree became a beloved subject of photographers from all around the world when a Portland resident, physician Fred An, won a merit award from u003cemu003eNational Geographicu003c/emu003e for his shot of it in peak fall glory. Another image of The Tree was featured in an exhibition in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. Ever since, visitors and photographers alike have traveled great distances to see “The Tree” in-person.rnrnWe recommend visiting during morning member-only hours (u003ca target=”_blank” target="_blank" href=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/join-or-renew/u0022u003elearn more about memberships, hereu003c/au003e) or during the late afternoon (3-4pm), after peak visitation. We ask that all guests be respectful of others and limit the amount of time spent at The Tree and avoid blocking it or the path leading to it.rnrnOn the occasion when the Garden experiences a sunny autumn day, the sun typically back lights the tree in late morning and through mid-afternoon.
I’m traveling from out of state – when should I plan my visit?
Typically, we see fall color from mid-to-late October to early November. Planning a trip within this time frame should provide some fall color, but we cannot predict when peak color will be or what exactly the foliage will be like at any given time. If possible, plan a longer trip and visit often so you can experience changes over time.
What are the policies around photography in the Garden?
We are honored that professionals and amateurs alike find inspiration at Portland Japanese Garden. To keep the Garden an accessible and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please be considerate when photographing the Garden by following these policies:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003ePlease do not block garden views, pathways, or elements for extended periods.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ePlease do not disrupt the gardeners as they work.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eThe Garden does not allow portrait photography (e.g., engagement, wedding, graduation, or headshot photos).u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eThere is a $10.00/person charge for using a tripod for anyone who is not a Garden Member.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e
Videos
u0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003ca target=”_blank” target="_blank" href=u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atWsx17V2KYu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022size-full wp-image-19960 alignleftu0022 src=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/KGW_Fall-Segment-2-1.jpgu0022 sizes=u0022(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400pxu0022 srcset=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/KGW_Fall-Segment-2-1.jpg 400w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/KGW_Fall-Segment-2-1-376×212.jpg 376w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/KGW_Fall-Segment-2-1-150×85.jpg 150wu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022400u0022 height=u0022226u0022 /u003eKGW NEWSu003c/au003eu003c/h3u003ernKGW spotlights fall color and the significance of seasonal change at Portland Japanese Garden in 2019.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003ca target=”_blank” target="_blank" href=u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H-ROFA4VPku0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022size-full wp-image-19961 alignleftu0022 src=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The-Register-Guard.jpgu0022 sizes=u0022(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400pxu0022 srcset=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The-Register-Guard.jpg 400w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The-Register-Guard-376×218.jpg 376w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The-Register-Guard-150×87.jpg 150wu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022400u0022 height=u0022232u0022 /u003eTHE REGISTER-GUARDu003c/au003eu003c/h3u003ernThis segment highlights the serenity of the fall season with soothing music and beautiful captures of fall color.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3 class=u0022title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-rendereru0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022size-full wp-image-19962 alignleftu0022 src=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-Timelapse.jpgu0022 sizes=u0022(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400pxu0022 srcset=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-Timelapse.jpg 400w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-Timelapse-376×219.jpg 376w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Fall-Timelapse-150×87.jpg 150wu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022400u0022 height=u0022233u0022 /u003eu003ca target=”_blank” target="_blank" href=u0022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV_9hW7VqxMu0026amp;list=PLAhIwNgUL79-lxcPxMz1-3rNUnFg4F0Fyu0026amp;indexu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ePORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN, FALL SPLENDOR TIMELAPSEu003c/au003eu003c/h3u003ernSee the Garden transform before your eyes with this timelapse of stunning foliage.rnu003ch3u003eu003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;
Must Visit Spots for Fall
Planning a road trip to admire fall foliage in the Pacific Northwest? Find your guides for local or regional fall-focused excursions.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3 class=u0022entry-title texture-lineu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022 wp-image-19971 alignleftu0022 src=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/travel-oregon-logo.pngu0022 sizes=u0022(max-width: 209px) 100vw, 209pxu0022 srcset=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/travel-oregon-logo.png 356w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/travel-oregon-logo-150×60.png 150wu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022209u0022 height=u002284u0022 /u003eTRAVEL OREGONu003c/h3u003ernu003ch3 class=u0022entry-title texture-lineu0022u003eu003ca target=”_blank” target="_blank" href=u0022https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/trip-ideas/favorite-trips/guide-to-fall-foliage-in-oregon/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eGUIDE TO FALL FOLIAGE IN OREGONu003c/au003eu003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cimg class=u0022wp-image-19974 alignleftu0022 src=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/thrillist.pngu0022 sizes=u0022(max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224pxu0022 srcset=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/thrillist.png 310w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/thrillist-150×79.png 150wu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022224u0022 height=u0022118u0022 /u003eTHRILLISTu003c/h3u003ernu003ch3 class=u0022Title__ArticleTitle-sc-1yzrtdz-0 ixrfnyu0022u003eu003ca target=”_blank” target="_blank" href=u0022https://www.thrillist.com/travel/portland/fall-foliage-near-portland-oregonu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eTHE MOST BEAUTIFUL FALL FOLIAGE WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE OF PORTLANDu003c/au003eu003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cimg class=u0022wp-image-19975 alignleftu0022 src=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/travel-portland.pngu0022 sizes=u0022(max-width: 231px) 100vw, 231pxu0022 srcset=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/travel-portland.png 301w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/travel-portland-150×83.png 150wu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022231u0022 height=u0022129u0022 /u003eTRAVEL PORTLANDu003c/h3u003ernu003ch3u003eu003ca target=”_blank” target="_blank" href=u0022https://www.travelportland.com/culture/portlands-best-spots-for-fall-color/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ePORTLAND’S BEST SPOTS FOR FALL COLORu003c/au003eu003c/h3u003e
Photographer Membership
u003cdiv class=u0022accordion-openu0022u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022accordion-openu0022u003ernu003ch3u003eu003c/h3u003ernu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022accordion-hidden activeu0022u003ernu003cfigure id=u0022attachment_7237u0022 class=u0022wp-caption alignrightu0022 aria-describedby=u0022caption-attachment-7237u0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022wp-image-7237 size-mediumu0022 src=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/LR_Portland-Japanese-Garden_Fall-Colors_Julia-Taylor_IMG_1374-376×251.jpgu0022 sizes=u0022(max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376pxu0022 srcset=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/LR_Portland-Japanese-Garden_Fall-Colors_Julia-Taylor_IMG_1374-376×251.jpg 376w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/LR_Portland-Japanese-Garden_Fall-Colors_Julia-Taylor_IMG_1374-768×512.jpg 768w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/LR_Portland-Japanese-Garden_Fall-Colors_Julia-Taylor_IMG_1374-788×525.jpg 788w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/LR_Portland-Japanese-Garden_Fall-Colors_Julia-Taylor_IMG_1374-900×600.jpg 900w, https://japanesegarden.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/LR_Portland-Japanese-Garden_Fall-Colors_Julia-Taylor_IMG_1374-150×100.jpg 150w, https://wpmedia.japanesegarden.org/cb:An8z.2f0c8/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/ig:avif/id:4513a7449eefe88d8016da328c9b003b/http://live-japanesegarden.pantheonsite.io/LR_Portland-Japanese-Garden_Fall-Colors_Julia-Taylor_IMG_1374.jpg 1600wu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022376u0022 height=u0022251u0022 /u003ernu003cfigcaption id=u0022caption-attachment-7237u0022 class=u0022wp-caption-textu0022u003ePhotographers capture our famous Japanese Mapleu003c/figcaptionu003eu003c/figureu003ernPortland Japanese Garden Photographer Memberships are designed especially for professional and amateur photographers and include all the benefits of membership, including invitations to special u003ca target=”_blank” target="_blank" href=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/events/photographer-member-hours-19/u0022u003ePhotographer Member hoursu003c/au003e, permission to sell photographs of the Garden for commercial, advertising, or promotional purposes, and more! Learn about the value of these photo memberships ahead of this picturesque seasonal time.rnrnu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022accordion-hidden activeu0022u003eu003c/divu003ernu003ca class=u0022button u0022 target=”_blank” target="_blank" href=u0022https://japanesegarden.org/join-or-renew/photographer-membership/u0022u003eLEARN MOREu003c/au003e