Accessibility Policies
- According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations the Portland
Japanese Garden is not considered accessible to wheelchairs. The Garden was
constructed on a hilly site in the early 1960’s, prior to awareness of
access requirements. It includes steep hills, uneven steps, and gravel pathways.
However, many visitors using wheelchairs visit the Garden and have expressed satisfaction with their experience. Because of the steep hills and gravel pathways, we suggest those seeing the Garden from a conventional wheelchair visit with a companion who is able to assist. - The Garden does not have wheelchairs available for onsite rental.
- Caregivers of our disabled guests are welcome to visit the Garden to evaluate the accessibility. A reduced admission of $6.75 is available for paid companions of disabled guests.
- Garden staff are always happy to discuss accessible areas and routes with guests. If a disabled visitor pays, enters the Garden, and finds the accessibility unacceptable within the first 15 minutes of entry, we will gladly refund their admission cost.
- A free shuttle bus (from our parking lot to the Admission Gate) operates daily during the summer season (April–September) and on weekends October–March.
- Visitors with disability parking passes may drive up the shuttle bus route and park in the designated spaces at the top of the hill near the Admission Gate.
- The Garden does not currently offer sign language tours. We welcome groups who bring their own interpreter. Please arrange a guided tour with our tour office.
- In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, trained assistance animals for visitors with disabilities are welcome.
Please contact the Director of Operations at (503) 238-0050 or by email with any questions or comments. We have developed our policy with the helpful input of community members and wish to make the Garden an enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Garden Access Map
You may need this software to open the PDF document:
Get Adobe Reader
