Japanese Historical Plaza Portland Oregon

Portlanders out enjoying the waterfront park, walk, ride bikes and jog past cherry trees at the peak of the springtime bloom.  The Japanese Historical Plaza was established in 1990 to commemorate Portland’s rich Japanese heritage and showcases the cultural, social, and economic impact of Japanese immigrants throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.  Located along the Willamette River, the plaza features elements of traditional Japanese landscaping and offers a relaxing setting of beauty within the heart of Portland’s downtown.  A prominent feature of the plaza is the Bill of Rights Memorial, which honors the Japanese Americans who were unjustly interned during World War II, and reminds of the importance of upholding the civil liberties and human rights of all Americans.  Another feature of the Japanese Historical Plaza is its magnificent rows of cherry trees, which were gifted by the City of Sapporo, and symbolize the friendship and cultural exchange between Portland and its sister city in Japan. Over the years, these cherry trees have become a beloved feature of the plaza, attracting visitors during the springtime (mid to late March) when they erupt into full blossom. These cherry trees are Yoshino (Prunus x yedoensis), a variety known for their pale pink blossoms, and one of the most species used in Japanese cherry blossom festivals and gardens around the world.  Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Multnomah County, Oregon. If interested in gift cards/note cards of this image, you can find them in my Note Card Gallery here.                   Historic Oregon, Multnomah County, People, Portland Oregon, Willamette River