The Japanese Garden is a one-of-a-kind gem on Normandale’s campus. Exquisite, serene, and picturesque — the Japanese Garden offers visitors a welcome respite from the stresses of everyday life.
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.
More than 300 plants, shrubs, and trees have been carefully selected to grow in Minnesota’s harsh climate. The architect, Takao Watanabe, and gardeners chose Minnesota-hardy plants that can survive extremely cold temperatures.
Visit the Japanese Garden and experience the beauty all around you. In addition to discovering the wonderful plant life and intentional landscaping, you’ll see around 20 colorful koi that swim from lagoon to pool, under bridges and around rocks. You can feed the fish from May through October by purchasing koi food at the entrance of the Garden for 50 cents (quarters only).
Wander through the garden in just a few minutes, or linger longer and take it all in. You will truly feel like you have landed in the heart of Japan when you visit Normandale's Japanese Garden, recently included on the list of the best gardens in the country by Good Plant Care.
Questions, comments or concerns? Email japanesegarden@normandale.edu or call 952-358-8145.
The Japanese Garden is easily accessible on the campus of Normandale Community College, located at 9700 France Avenue South in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Visitors are welcome year-round, and the Garden is open Spring, Summer and Fall from sunrise to sunset. There is no cost for admittance, but donations are appreciated. We ask that children under 12 are accompanied by an adult.
We offer informative group tours for adults, and fun-filled field trips for elementary-aged students. Please call us at 952-358-8145 or email us at njg.committee@gmail.com for more information.
We need your help to maintain Normandale's Japanese Garden
If you are interested in becoming a Friend of the Japanese Garden, please contact us using the information listed below.
952-358-8145
Photographers who are planning to take photos in the Garden that they intend to sell, or that are part of a paid photo session, must purchase a photo permit. No commercial videography is allowed. Please note: the Garden does not accept reservations and cannot be closed to the general public. Should you purchase a photo permit, expect to work around the public.
A daily, one-time per-calendar-day use, photography permit is $30.00. These are valid one week from their purchase date. Annual permits are rated at $150.00. Those permits are valid for one year from their purchase date.
To read our photography policy, and/or to apply for a photo permit, please use this form. Once you have completed the form and submitted your payment, your confirmation email will serve as your permit.
Our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration at the Japanese Garden was a huge success. Watch some of the highlights:
Normandale’s Japanese Garden will mark its 50th anniversary next year. Stay tuned for details on how we plan to celebrate the occasion.
9700 France Avenue South in Bloomington, Minnesota
Hours: M-F 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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