The waterfront is one of the most popular places in Portland. The beautiful views, Saturday Market, and fountains make it a year-round attraction. Another notable attraction on the waterfront is the public art and memorial garden, the Japanese American Historical Plaza, which explores the history of Japanese Americans in Portland and the US.
The plaza tells the story of Japanese Americans and their internment camp experience in the beautiful public plaza along the river.
Cherie Xiao / Flikcr
The memorial garden is overseen by the Oregon Nikkei Endowment and is located at NW Davis and Naito Parkway just north of the Burnside Bridge.
Cherie Xiao / Flickr
The artwork consists of a series of stones with verse and poetry outlining the immigrant experience of Japanese-Americans in this country.
Keith Ewing / Flickr
As part of the plaza, 100 ornamental cherry trees link the plaza to the Friendship Circle to the north.
Japanese American Historical Plaza / Facebook
The Friendship Circle, a collaboration by sculptor Lee Kelly and composer Michael Stirling, serves as a commemoration of the 30-year relationship between Portland and sister city Sapporo.
Sam Grover / Flickr
On one stone is carved the names of the Japanese internment camps. Others are carved with poems by Japanese-Oregonian poets Lawson Inada, Shizue Iwatsuki, Masaki Kinoshita, and Hisako Saito.
Japanese American Historical Plaza / Facebook
Large pillars, created by sculptor Jim Gion, depict faces of of Japanese and Japanese Americans in his pieces titled “Songs of Innocence, Songs of Experience.”
Japanese American Historical Plaza / Facebook
While anytime of year is great for a visit, it is particularly amazing in the spring when the cherry trees are blossoming.
Japanese American Historical Plaza / Facebook
Whether you come for a picnic or to stroll the waterfront, this is one educational and poignant place to stop and reflect on the history of our state, city, and early immigrants to the area.
Japanese American Historical Plaza / Facebook
The plaza serves as a powerful reminder about civil liberties and how fragile they can be.
Japanese American Historical Plaza / Facebook
Next time you are on the waterfront, be sure to stroll through this memorial for a deeper understanding of the Japanese American connection to the city and its history.
Japanese American Historical Plaza / Facebook
What is your favorite place on the waterfront? Check out these other things to do on the Portland waterfront and make a whole day of your adventure.
Cherie Xiao / Flikcr
Cherie Xiao / Flickr
Keith Ewing / Flickr
Japanese American Historical Plaza / Facebook
Sam Grover / Flickr
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