Visiting Tsuru Island
Tsuru Island is a 3/4 acre strolling Japanese garden created and maintained by the Gresham Japanese Garden. It sits inside 21 acres of Main City Park off of Powell Boulevard surrounded by Johnson Creek. It is a public park, free and open sunrise to sunset.
Tsuru Island, originally created in the early 70s by the Japanese American Citizens League – Gresham/Troutdale was re-birthed by retired landscaper, Jim Card, still the current Garden Director. In 2025, Tsuru Island is undergoing another renovation. The project has been funded in part by a grant from Travel Oregon. This renovation focuses on authenticity and accessibility. Read more.
After enjoying Tsuru Island, stroll to the south end of the park to the other spaces developed and maintained by the Friends of Gresham Japanese Garden.
Many enjoy using Tsuru Island for their photo shoot. If your party is larger than 6, we request a reservation.
Hours of Operation
Main City Park and Tsuru Island is FREE and open daily from sunrise to sunset. This is a public garden created and maintained by dedicated volunteers. We ask that all visitors follow our rules so everyone can continue to enjoy the gem of Gresham.
- Stay on the path
- No riding bikes onto the island
- No smoking
- Respect the barriers that controls access to Johnson Creek.
- Please be respectful of others enjoyment of the garden
- Strollers are allowed
- Dogs must be on leash and clean up after your dog
- Food and drinks are discouraged.
Directions
Finding Tsuru Island is quite simple. Head to Historic Downtown Gresham and enter through Main City Park off of Powell Blvd and Main Avenue.
124 S. Main Avenue
Gresham, OR 97030
Tsuru Island
Garden Tours
Garden tours are given by the Japanese Garden’s Garden Director, Jim Card or Mary Marrs, garden docent. Tours are available for groups larger than five people and are by appointment only. Donations are appreciated.
If you need a translator, or hard of hearing please let us know. We can provide audio equipment to accommodate your request.