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PORTLAND BLOSSOMS

A town where East meets West

By Zoe Baillargeon

FROM ITS FAMOUSLY WEIRD COUNTERCULTURE to funky cafés, Portland, Oregon hardly needs introduction. Whether you want to spend time out in nature hiking around Mount Hood, wandering around the city’s artsy districts, or filling up your suitcase with amazing finds from the town’s many antique and vintage stores, Portland offers up the perfect mix of cosmopolitan attractions and outdoorsy fun.

Of all the seasons to visit Portland, spring is arguably the most unique and holds a special place in the heart of many locals, myself included. With the return of the sun and longer days after the cold, gray winter, the city is filled with infectious energy as vitamin D-starved Portlanders leave our cozy homes and head out to have fun.

But one of the best reasons to visit Portland in the spring is to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. Although Portland is known as the City of Roses, those famed flowers don’t truly come into their own until summer. That gives the cherry blossoms and other springtime blooms found around town the spotlight to truly shine.

The best place to appreciate the gentle, transformational beauty of Portland’s cherry blossoms is in the beloved Japanese Garden. Nestled against the hillside of the 410-acre Washington Park overlooking downtown Portland,  this 12-acre sanctuary of rock gardens, trimmed trees, and peaceful koi-filled ponds was founded in 1963 as a means of reestablishing ties with Japan. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, it’s been hailed as the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden outside of the Land of the Rising Sun. The peaceful surroundings and beautiful, stylized landscape call me to visit when I want to be alone with my thoughts, and the promise of the cherry blossoms is just another incentive.

A view from beneath the Weeping Cherry at Portland Japanese Garden | COURTESY OF PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN / JOANTHAN LEY
A view from beneath the Weeping Cherry at Portland Japanese Garden | COURTESY OF PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN / JOANTHAN LEY

While the blooms generally start around early March, every year is different. I recommend following the Japanese Garden’s Instagram, as they post daily updates about when the blossoms are blooming to help people better plan their visits. Pro tip from a local: go early to avoid the crowds. The experience is much more spiritual and enlightening with fewer people around.

Located along the Willamette River cutting through the heart of town, the Tom McCall Waterfront Park is another excellent place to find cherry blossoms. Also be sure to visit the Japanese American Historical Plaza to pay tribute and learn about the history of the Japanese in Portland.

Another way to connect with Portland’s Japanese culture and heritage is through its exemplary food scene, particularly the ramen. Several top Japanese ramen shops opened their first U.S. outposts here, citing the exceptional quality of the water. Formerly Marukin Ramen, Kinboshi is a personal favorite. I always go for the heartwarming tonkotsu red, which adds a spicy kick to the smooth, delectable pork broth. Another not-to-be-missed restaurant option is Afuri, known for its signature yuzu shio ramen. You can also have delicious and sustainable sushi at Bamboo Sushi, and fantastic Japanese sandwiches with fillings like chicken katsu and egg salad at Tanaka and Tokyo Sando.

If you’re looking to find some fun souvenirs to take home, the Japanese Garden has a lovely gift shop. You can also pop into MUJI, a popular Japanese store for organizational gear, apparel, housewares, and more, near Pioneer Square in the downtown area.

If you’re curious about how best to get around and explore, do as I and many other Portlanders do and ditch the car. Portland’s compact neighborhoods make it a wonderful city to explore on foot. But while wandering between hip cafés and vintage shops in funky districts like Alberta and Hawthorne, you’ll likely see your fair share of bikes zipping by on the road. That’s because cycling is the name of the game here. You can experience this yourself  by hopping on one of Nike’s Bike-Town bike-share rentals, located at pick-up and drop-off stations around the city.

Portland’s Old Town waterfront | JPL DESIGNS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Portland’s Old Town waterfront | JPL DESIGNS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Along with diving into Portland’s Japanese culture during your visit, more springtime musts here include seeing other floral blooms at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden or heading out of town to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival.

Zoe Baillargean is a freelance writer who loves travel, food, drink, the outdoors, and living in Portland, Oregon.

Eastbank Esplanade | JUSTIN KATIGBAK / TRAVEL PORTLAND
Eastbank Esplanade | JUSTIN KATIGBAK / TRAVEL PORTLAND
Portland Marquee | JUSTIN KATIGBAK / TRAVEL PORTLAND
Portland Marquee | JUSTIN KATIGBAK / TRAVEL PORTLAND
Pioneer Courthouse in
Pioneer Square | ZACK FRANK /
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Pioneer Courthouse in Pioneer Square | ZACK FRANK / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Plan Your Trip

GETTING THERE
Portland International Airport (PDX) is roughly a 2-hour and 40-minute flight from San Diego International Airport (SAN), with nonstop and connecting flights. From the airport, ride-shares, taxis, and the TriMet Max light rail Red Line connect you to downtown or your accommodation.

WHERE TO STAY
The Heathman Hotel in the heart of downtown McMenamin’s Kennedy School in close proximity to the Alberta Arts District

MORE INFO
travelportland.com
japanesegarden.org
explorewashingtonpark.org

Fields Park | JUSTIN KATIGBAK / TRAVEL PORTLAND
Fields Park | JUSTIN KATIGBAK / TRAVEL PORTLAND