Zagunis Castle Wall / Photo by Bruce Forster
A close up of the Zagunis Castle Wall / Photo by Bruce Forster

One of the expansion’s most noticeable features is the massive stone structure at the west end of the Village.

This authentic, Japanese medieval-style Castle Wall rises up to both greet visitors and transport them to another place and time. Measuring 18.5 feet tall and 185 feet long, the wall was built using traditional hand tools and techniques. Led by Suminori Awata, a 15th-generation master stonemason, it is the first of its kind to be built outside of Japan.

The Story of the Castle Wall

Staring up at the dry stacked rocks looming above, this structure prompts more questions than answers: just what is this giant wall? And what is it doing in the middle of Portland, Oregon?