• Mark Spencer Hotel - The tour will commence across the street from the Merchant Hotel Building. Participants will have the opportunity to get to know each other before delving into the history of Japanese immigration to Oregon. The discussion will cover the former Nihonmachi (Japantown) in the area and the significance of Japanese-owned businesses within the hotel, which served as a vital community hub.
• Japanese American Historical Plaza - A significant portion of the tour will be spent at the Japanese American Historical Plaza. The guide will provide insights into the history and importance of the site, leading the group in reading and interpreting the stones on the plaza’s east side. As the exploration continues, participants will learn about the lives of Japanese Americans in the region before 1941, their forced relocation to incarceration camps during World War II, and their resilience in rebuilding their lives and advocating for justice through the Redress Movement in the 1970s and 1980s. Guests are encouraged to reflect on how the Japanese American experience resonates with their own heritage and identity.
• Friendship Circle - At this location, guests will view a sculpture symbolizing the sister city relationship between Portland and Sapporo, Japan, representing friendship and cultural connection. The guide will discuss the origins of this bond and highlight the influence of Japanese culture on Portland, including some of the city’s most renowned sites.
• Bill Naito Legacy Fountain - The tour will pause at a fountain dedicated to Bill Naito, a second-generation Japanese American and a prominent business and civic leader in Portland. The group will explore Bill’s significant contributions to preserving and revitalizing downtown Portland in the latter half of the 20th century. The visit will conclude with a reading of the fountain’s inscription, which honors the diverse communities that have shaped Portland into the vibrant city it is today.
• Pine Street Market - The tour will conclude with lunch at Pine Street Market, offering a variety of food vendors, or at a nearby Japanese curry restaurant. Guests are responsible for purchasing their own meals, with vegetarian options available.

• In-person guide

• Lunch

Join our tour to discover the rich history of the Japanese American community in Portland and its significant influence on the city’s unique culture!

This 1.2-mile walking tour takes you through Waterfront Park and sections of NW Portland’s historic Japantown. It delves into the history of Japanese immigration to the area, the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, and the current cultural connections between Portland and Japan.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.