One thing is for sure: Portland cannot be compared with Tokyo or any other buzzing Japanese metropolis – neither sizewise, nor regarding its pace or craziness. Even though Portland is one of the weirdest cities in the US, self-chosen and totally on purpose.

Fun fact though: Japanese people seem to be as crazy about Portland as every single Portlander themselves. And that goes a long way if you know that ´Portland´ is an aspirational brand in Tokyo:

In the iconic Shibuya district local Japanese slurp Stumptown Coffee and enjoy a cool Breakside IPA, eat Blue Star Donuts, and buy “Portland” emblazoned T-Shirts. Sounds crazy? But it´s for real as an article in the Willamette Week describes it: Seems like both cities seem to be somehow really close to each other, in terms of weirdness.

Is Portland a Japanese-inspired city?

There is this special vibe in some areas of Portland, which attracts the Japanese into town. And that is no coincidence: Start by looking at Mt. Hood and Mount Fuji, both iconic volcanic landmarks of each city, similar in their close-to-perfect conic shape and size. For me, this was the first obvious connection between both cities (Mount Hood: 11.259 feet / 3.425 meters, Mount Fuji: 12.388 feet / 3.776 meters).

Every Portland visitor, who has been in Japan before will probably think of Fuji-san when looking at Mount Hood. Furthermore, Portland is home to “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.”, proclaimed Nobuo Matsunaga, the former Ambassador of Japan to the United States – and I couldn´t agree more.

In terms of authentic Japanese food options, Portland has a lot to offer. So if you are into Japanese culture it´s straightforward to indulge in ´Little Japan´ located on Oregon´s West coast. Here are my tips on what you shouldn´t miss when spending a Japanese-inspired day around Portland.

Japanese-inspired Things to do in Portland, OR

#1 Behind the Museum Café, Downtown Portland

Start your day in this Japanese-inspired café in Downtown Portland. It´s located behind the Portland Art Museum, and this is obviously how it got its name in the first place. The café brews beans from Extracto Coffee Roasters, a local favorite – a great way to start your Japanese exploration.

Besides some non-Japanese breakfast snacks like bagels or French toast Behind the Museum Café specializes in Japanese tea and food, plus serves homemade sweets as well as savory Japanese-style appetizers, which can be perfectly paired with a variation of Japanese teas, beers, and sakés.

While slurping your matcha tea, you sit at small wooden tables, surrounded by Japanese antiques, art and crafts.

#2 Soak in spectacular views of Mt. Hood from Pittock Mansion

Another place you definitely can´t miss when visiting Portland, no matter if you are on a Japanese mission in Portland or not: Pittock Mansion. Drive or hike up to the former private residence of the Oregonian publisher Henry Pittock – today a decent museum nowadays.

Most people come for the view though! Pittock Mansion’s location on the West Hills of Portland offers spectacular views of the cityscape with Mount Hood in the distance. And the best part: This view is free.

It´s the best spot in town for admiring the silhouette of Mount Hood. The clearer the day the better the view.

#3 Beam yourself to Nippon at Portland Japanese Garden

This urban oasis, embedded into the hills of Washington Park is Portland´s most authentic Japanese corner (with public access – read further to discover another authentic Japanese garden hidden in Portland).

The Portland Japanese Garden was designed in 1963 and unfolds across 12 acres of beautifully grown and maintained trees, divided into eight different garden styles. Stone bridges overspan meandering streams and ponds, you can stroll on winding walkways to a sand & stone garden as well as an authentic Japanese tea house.

The Portland Japanese Garden is a place to unwind, soak in fresh air and enjoy the tranquility. No wonder that the garden is popular with travelers and locals alike.

The garden´s hillside location overlooks the city. If you come on a clear day, you will be rewarded with a view of Mount Hood. At this point, you might start wondering which mountain you are looking at: Mount Fuji or Mount Hood.

For me, the best time to visit the Japanese Garden is fall, when the Japanese maple is in the most intense yellow color and the whole garden turns into a picturesque, painting-like scenery. But it´s also worth checking out the garden´s event calendar, to not risk missing out on special occasions, like Sake Tasting, handcraft workshops, or rotating exhibitions all year long.

#4 Have a break at Umami Café, Portland Japanese Garden

While sitting in the hillside café surrounded by the natural beauty of Portland Japanese Garden you feel like being beamed to Japan. Not only because the café´s design is reminiscent of Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera temple.

Umami Café is a beautiful oasis to have a break by pairing Japanese tea with small delights. Enjoy a late lunch by ordering one of their rice dishes.

#5 Shop Japanese-inspired outdoor gear

If you are an outdoorsy person and love minimal, high-quality gear, Snow Peak Portland is your shop! Visiting Snow Peaks flagship store is an experience in itself. The shop feels like a huge showroom filled with outdoor cooking utensils, tents, and accessories to see and handle as well as apparel to try. Keep your eyes open for special events and make sure to reserve a table at Takibi to enjoy Japanese-inspired cuisine located right at the Snow Peak headquarters.

If you want to shop traditional Japanese textiles, handmade in Portland, or kitchen and dining utensils, check out these Japanese-owned businesses Kiriko Made and Kokoro on SW Morrison St, Downtown Portland.

#6 Go forest bathing in one of Portland’s extensive parks

Have you ever heard of Forest Bathing? Originating from Japan, where it’s known as “shinrin-yoku”, Forest Bathing involves immersing oneself in the natural environment for physical and mental well-being. And where better to practice this than amidst the lush greenery of Portland’s parks?

Portland’s Forest Park, sprawling over 5,000 acres of serene woodland, provides an ideal setting for this therapeutic experience. With its network of trails meandering through towering trees, Forest Park offers a sanctuary for urban dwellers seeking solace in nature.

Whether strolling under giant redwoods or sitting quietly amidst moss-covered trees, Portland’s parks are the perfect place to indulge in the rejuvenating practice of Forest Bathing, connecting with the healing power of the natural world right in the heart of Portland.

#7 Hanami – Cherry blossom viewing in Portland

Every spring, Portland emerges from its winter slumber with a vibrant display of pink blossoms adorning the city. Japanese cherry trees signal the arrival of spring, drawing locals and visitors alike to partake in the tradition of hanami.

You don’t have to venture all the way to Japan to experience Sakura (cherry blossom) and practice Hanami (cherry blossom viewing). Simply head to Portland’s waterfront and immerse yourself under a canopy of pink blossoms, complete with the lively crowds reminiscent of those in Japan. 😉

For quieter spots to admire cherry blossoms in Portland, check out my article The best spots to witness cherry blossoms in Portland, Oregon.

#8 Wrap up your Japanese-inspired day in Portland with an authentic dinner

Portland is home to plenty of Japanese restaurants. You will be spoiled for choice, from sushi and teppanyaki to dumplings and ramen. No matter in which part of the city you are staying you will easily find a Japanese izakaya, ramen bar, or sushi restaurant.

One of the first Japanese restaurants I dined at was Afuri Dumplings & Ramen in the Pearl District. At Afuri I´ve had the most authentic ramen in Portland to date. The food comes along decorated lovely on beautiful plates. What makes Afuri even more special: You order and pay for your food at one of the automatic machines, and then your dinner will be served by a waiter. Very Japanese, isn´t it?

More Japanese restaurants in Portland I love

• Behind the Museum Café, 1229 SW 10th Ave – Enjoy Japanese tea and nibbles surrounded by Japanese antiques, art, and crafts (details see above)
• Bluefin Tuna & Sushi, 1337 NE Broadway – the best bento boxes in town
• Hana Japanese Bistro, 2236 NE Alberta St – serves a huge variety of sushi rolls
• Izakaya Kichinto,102 NE Russell St – serving authentic, simple dishes including okonomiyaki and you sit in huge Sake barrels
• Janken, 250 NW 13th Ave – exquisite Japanese-Korean fusion cuisine and fancy cocktails
• Kayo’s Ramen Bar, 3808 N Williams Ave – one of the few places offering Tan Tan ramen
• Mikasa Sushi & Ramen, 8777 N Lombard St – authentic ramen and sushi bar in St. John’s
• Takibi, 2275 NW Flanders St – Japanese-inspired cuisine, seasonal cooking with local ingredients developed by Snow Peak, located in Snow Peak’s US headquarters
• Umami Café, 611 SW Kingston Dr – world-class Japanese tea and delicious edible delights, located at the Portland Japanese Garden (details see above)
• Zilla Sake, 1806 NE Alberta St – cozy small Sushi bar with izakaya vibes

#9 Sweeten everything up at Voodoo Doughnuts

After your dinner at Afuri, head across the street and treat yourself with sweets from Voodoo Doughnuts. I know, not a typical Japanese dish but considering the fanciness, shapes, and taste I’d say Voodoo Doughnuts can compete with the Japanese craziness and creativity served in Shibuya´s Takeshita Dori.

Worth trying when you are around the corner and leave into the night with a pink box… 🙂

If Voodoo Doughnuts is too fancy, check out Blue Star Donuts, a small chain of gourmet donut shops with businesses operating in Portland, Oregon, Los Angeles, and Tokyo (unfortunately closed since 2020).

Where to stay: Japanese hideaway in Portland, Oregon

At the beginning of this article, I wrote that the Portland Japanese Garden is known as one of the most authentic outside Japan. After visiting I agreed this place beames you right into Japan’s beauty and tranquility.

But then I stumbled across IndigoBirch Guesthome, an Airbnb located in Southeast Portland and I had to add it to this list. IndigoBirch guesthouse is an oasis of tranquility and a Japanese-inspired hideaway that I can only recommend staying at when in Portland.

Trust me, this is the perfect little gem if you are looking for relaxation on your trip to Portland. But even if you are living in town, it’s worth checking in this Urban Zen Japanese Garden Retreat for a little staycation. This is what we did on a rainy January weekend and I can only recommend it.

This is what I loved at IndigoBirch:

• Location: quiet tree-lined street in the highly desired & historic neighborhood of Eastmoreland
• Accessibility: two blocks away from public transportation, a 12-minute drive to downtown Portland, and 20 minutes to PDX Airport
• Space: Recently renovated, bright, and welcoming luxurious studio with space for 2 people
• Amenities: fully equipped kitchen w/ high-quality appliances, spa-like bathroom with heated tile flooring
• Outdoor space: private entrance, dedicated outdoor area with BBQ and firepit, and access to the urban Zen Japanese Garden Retreat w/ covered barrel hot tub – my personal favorite.

***

QUESTIONS & COMMENTS?

Have you ever been to Portland or are planning a trip? Do you like the article, have suggestions, feedback, or recommendations? Leave a comment and share this article with your friends!

***

LIKE IT? PIN IT & SAVE IT FOR LATER!

***

 – SMILE4TRAVEL NEWSLETTER –

Become part of the Smile4Travel Community – Follow my Facebook Page & Instagram and register for my Newsletter, so you don´t miss any Smile4Travel adventures! No Spam – I promise!

Please leave this field empty

CHECKLIST: OREGON HIKES

Sign up to my email list and get access to the free Oregon hiking checklist as well all items in the Smile4Travel RESOURCE LIBRARY!

Name

e-Mail *

It’s free to sign-up, I’ll never send you spam, and you might unsubscribe at any time. More info in my Privacy Policy.

Thanks you for joining the Smile4Travel community! Please check your mailbox and spam folder to confirm your subscription You will also and receive the password for the resource library via email where you can download the checklist.