The Japanese Garden is now closed for Winter.
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.
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.
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, 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 love gardening and appreciate the concepts at work in a Japanese garden, we have volunteer activities that will allow you to spend some time in the beautiful garden setting. Assist with hosting a wedding ceremony or photo session in the summer.
If you are interested in being a member of our committee, please contact us using the information listed below.
Student groups, faculty and staff, businesses, community groups and other organizations are invited to enjoy Normandale’s first-class facilities for meetings and special events. You’ll find our facilities are attractive, comfortable and affordable.
9700 France Avenue South in Bloomington, Minnesota
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