Items | Portland Japanese American History Walking Tour
Portland Japanese American History Walking Tour
(12) Reviews
Southwest Portland
About
Come join our tour to learn about the history of the Japanese American community in Portland and how it has helped shape the unique culture of our city!
This 1.2-mile walking tour through Waterfront Park and parts of NW Portland’s historic Japantown explores the history of the Japanese immigration to the region, the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, and present-day cultural ties between Portland and Japan.
Highlights
2 hours and 45 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours and 45 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
In-person guide
Lunch
Meeting Points
Departure
200 NW 2nd Ave
We meet near the entryway of 220 office building on 2nd Ave. It is near the corner of 2nd Ave and Davis St.
Return
Pine Street Market
Important Information
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Come join our tour to learn about the history of the Japanese American community in Portland and how it has helped shape the unique culture of our city!
This 1.2-mile walking tour through Waterfront Park and parts of NW Portland’s historic Japantown explores the history of the Japanese immigration to the region, the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, and present-day cultural ties between Portland and Japan.
Highlights
2 hours and 45 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours and 45 minutes
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
In-person guide
Lunch
Meeting Points
Departure
200 NW 2nd Ave
We meet near the entryway of 220 office building on 2nd Ave. It is near the corner of 2nd Ave and Davis St.
Return
Pine Street Market
Itinerary
1
Mark Spencer Hotel Portland
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.
30 minutes
2
Japanese American Historical Plaza
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.
1 hour and 15 minutes
3
Friendship Circle
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.
15 minutes
4
Bill Naito Legacy Fountain
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.
15 minutes
5
Pine Street Market
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.