We will gather for our tour across the street from the Merchant Hotel Building. After getting acquainted with each other, we will take time to discuss the history of Japanese immigration to Oregon, the Nihonmachi (Japantown) that once existed in the area, and how the Japanese-owned businesses located within the hotel made it an important gathering place for the community.

We will spend a substantial part of our tour at Japanese American Historical plaza. Your guide will first share about the history and significance of the space, then lead the group through reading and interpreting the stones on the east side of the plaza. As we explore, you’ll gain more insight into the lives of Japanese Americans in the region before 1941, their forced removal to incarceration camps during World War II, and the resilience they showed in rebuilding their lives afterward and advocating for justice with the Redress Movement in the 1970s and 1980s. Guests are invited to share how the experience of Japanese Americans stirs up reflections related to their own heritage and identity.

At this stop, guests will see a sculpture that celebrates Portland’s sister city relationship with Sapporo, Japan—a symbol of friendship and connection across cultures. Your guide will share the origins of this special bond and highlight some of the ways Japanese culture has shaped Portland and created some of the sites that it is most known for.

Here, we’ll stop at a fountain honoring Bill Naito, a second-generation Japanese American and one of Portland’s most influential business and civic leaders. We’ll explore Bill’s key role in preserving and revitalizing downtown Portland during the second half of the 20th century. We will close by reading the words inscribed on the fountain which recognize the many diverse communities whose contributions have helped shape Portland into the city it is today.

To conclude our tour, we will have lunch either at Pine Street Market (where there are multiple food vendors to choose from) or at a Japanese curry restaurant down the street. Guests are responsible for purchasing their own lunch. Vegetarian options are available.