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Portland Japanese American History Walking Tour

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Portland, USA

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On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

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.

What's Included

  • In-person guide
  • Lunch
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Northwest 2nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97209, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Southwest 2nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97204, USA

What To Expect

Historic Merchant Hotel

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Portland Japanese American History Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).This tour 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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5569697P11

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
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1 star
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On average, this is booked 20 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • In-person guide
  • Lunch

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour 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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