Portland Japanese American History Walking Tour

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.

Meeting Point

200 NW 2nd Ave

200 NW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA

We meet near the entryway of 220 office building on 2nd Ave. It is near the corner of 2nd Ave and Davis St.

What's included:

• In-person guide

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours, 45 minutes

Historic Merchant Hotel

222-228 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209, USA

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

Japanese American Historical Plaza

NW Couch St, Naito Parkway in Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, 97209, Oregon

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, 15 minutes

Friendship Circle

Portland, OR 97209, USA

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

Bill Naito Legacy Fountain

2 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, USA

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

Pine Street Market

126 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA

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.

30 minutes