First-time visitors to Portland are often surprised by its unexpected charm.

It may not be as glamorous as New York or as massive as LA, but it has a unique atmosphere where nature and the city blend beautifully.

In the heart of the city, you can find lush forests and gardens, and just a short walk will lead you to quirky bookstores and cafes. This is why Portland is often referred to as a "city you want to return to after visiting" among Americans. This time, I will introduce some must-visit landmarks when you come to Portland.

First on the list is the Lan Su Chinese Garden. Located in Portland's Chinatown, this garden is a space that perfectly replicates the traditional Suzhou garden style from China. The combination of ponds, pavilions, stone bridges, and traditional architecture makes you forget that you are in the middle of the city. You can also enjoy a leisurely time sipping traditional Chinese tea at the teahouse within the garden.

Another famous spot is the Portland Japanese Garden. Situated in Washington Park, it is regarded as one of the best Japanese gardens in the United States.

As you pass through the entrance and step into the garden, you will feel as if you have entered a garden in Kyoto, Japan. The well-manicured pines, ponds, and traditional buildings harmonize to present a completely different landscape in each season. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, the foliage is beautiful, attracting many visitors for photography.

Right next door is Washington Park, which cannot be overlooked. It is known as a representative relaxation space for Portland residents. The park is so large that you could spend an entire day exploring it. In addition to the Japanese garden, there are the International Rose Test Garden, the Oregon Zoo, walking trails, and viewpoints. Especially at the International Rose Test Garden, you can enjoy the sight of thousands of blooming roses, and on clear days, you can see the snow-capped Mount Hood in the distance.

If you love books, you must visit Powell's City of Books. It is famous for being the largest independent bookstore in the world. You can think of it as an entire building dedicated to books. Both new and used books are displayed, and the size is so vast that you might get lost on your first visit. There are no fields left out, including travel, history, fiction, art, and cooking, making it one of the cultural spaces that symbolize Portland.

For families traveling together, I recommend the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). It is an interactive science museum that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. There are various exhibits related to space, physics, the human body, and technology, with many hands-on displays that particularly delight children. The planetarium and large IMAX theater also operate, making it a great place to spend a leisurely half-day or more.

The true charm of Portland is not just found in a few famous tourist spots. The murals on the streets, independent bookstores, people commuting by bike, and citizens enjoying leisure in parks all contribute to the city's atmosphere. If you want to experience a city where nature, culture, art, and daily life blend seamlessly, Portland will surely be a satisfying travel destination. It is a place with such diverse attractions that one or two visits may not be enough to see it all.

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