- Attraction: Normandale Japanese Garden
- Location: 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431
- Industry: Botanical Garden
- Website: https://www.normandale.edu/why-normandale/community/japanese-garden/
Forty thousand visitors annually journey to a secret treasure tucked behind the bustling campus of Normandale Community College.
Built on land reclaimed from a twenty-acre pond, the garden showcases authentic Japanese features.
These include a garden wall and entry gate, a waterfall, two shelters, three islands, three lanterns, four bridges, and a Bentendo — a hexagonal structure common throughout Japan and named for Benten, a goddess of wealth, happiness, wisdom, and music.
This Japanese strolling garden was instigated by the Bloomington Affiliated Garden Clubs in 1964 when the college campus was still being developed.
What began as a swampy marshland has transformed into a 2-acre masterpiece designed by Takao Watanabe, a prominent landscape architect from Tokyo’s Metropolitan Government who flew to Minnesota to personally oversee the construction.
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The Koi Experience: You’ll be mesmerized by the colorful koi fish that glide gracefully through the interconnected ponds and lagoons.
You can feed the fish from May through October by purchasing koi food at the entrance of the Garden for 50 cents (quarters only) – and watching these magnificent creatures congregate around you creates an almost magical experience that delights visitors of all ages.
Authentic Japanese Architecture: The garden features a stunning red Bentendo, a hexagonal shrine structure that serves as the garden’s centerpiece.
The Bentendo is a hexagon-shaped building that was given to the garden along with a bridge to it by a group of Japanese-American veterans who worked in the Twin Cities as translators for the United States military during World War II. This vibrant red building provides a striking focal point against the carefully maintained greenery.
Thoughtfully Designed Bridges: Four distinctive bridges connect different areas of the garden, including the famous zig-zag bridge that encourages mindful walking.
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Discover MoreThe Zig-Zag Bridge as it is called encourages mindfulness. Each bridge offers unique perspectives of the water features and surrounding landscape, making them perfect spots for photography and contemplation.
Waterfall and Stone Features: The garden incorporates traditional Japanese elements including imported hand-carved stone lanterns and a peaceful waterfall.
Next to the shrine, visitors while find a carp stone at the bottom of a waterfall. The gentle sounds of moving water create a serene atmosphere that drowns out the noise of the surrounding city.
Expertly Pruned Trees: Variations in tones and textures of green predominate, and woody plant materials are trimmed or pruned to specific aesthetic goals. You’ll notice trees sculpted to resemble clouds, a traditional Japanese technique called Niwaki that creates living sculptures throughout the garden.
Atmosphere & Setting
Peaceful Sanctuary: You’ll find the garden creates an incredibly therapeutic atmosphere where the sounds of flowing water and rustling leaves replace urban noise.
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Keep Exploring →The garden’s design effectively creates a bubble of tranquility despite being located in busy Bloomington, making you feel transported to an authentic Japanese setting.
Authentic Minnesota Adaptation: While maintaining traditional Japanese garden principles, the plants selected can withstand Minnesota’s harsh winters. The architect and gardeners chose Minnesota-hardy plants that can survive extremely cold winters.
The Garden does, however, exemplify the restrained use of flowering plants that is traditional in Japan. This thoughtful adaptation means the garden remains beautiful year-round.
Accessibility Features: The garden welcomes visitors of all mobility levels with paved pathways throughout. The paths around the garden are easy to walk—the garden is very accessible to wheelchairs or those who need more time to get around. Strategic benches and viewing areas provide comfortable spots to rest and absorb the surroundings.
Photogenic Opportunities: The combination of water reflections, architectural elements, and seasonal changes creates endless photography possibilities. The garden has become a popular location for wedding photos and senior portraits, though professional photographers need permits for paid sessions.
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Discover MoreOther Considerations
Completely Free Experience: You’ll find absolutely no admission fee to enter this remarkable garden, making it an accessible destination for everyone. There is no cost for admittance, but donations are appreciated. Free parking is available in the college’s west lot near the garden entrance.
Perfect Visit Duration: Most visitors spend 30-60 minutes exploring the garden’s winding paths and features. I made about three laps around the gardens and took a bunch of pictures, all in less than a half-hour.
You can easily complete a leisurely walk in under an hour, though many find themselves lingering longer to feed the koi or simply sit and reflect.
Family-Friendly Destination: Children particularly enjoy the interactive koi feeding experience, and the garden provides educational opportunities about Japanese culture and gardening traditions.
We ask that children under 12 are accompanied by an adult. The safe, enclosed environment makes it ideal for families seeking a cultural and nature experience.
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Keep Exploring →Seasonal Beauty: The garden offers different experiences throughout the year, from spring cherry blossoms to autumn foliage colors. The Garden is open Spring, Summer and Fall from sunrise to sunset. Each season brings its own character while maintaining the garden’s peaceful essence.
Easy Urban Access: Located just off France Avenue, the garden provides an unexpected retreat within easy reach of the Twin Cities metro area. Despite its college campus location, clear signage guides visitors to the dedicated parking area.
Normandale Japanese Garden
📍 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431
