It’s hard to find a place where all your senses are at peace. The tranquil feel of a slight breeze, the tweets and chirps of excited birds, and the soothing sound of flowing water can all be experienced just a few miles away from the bustling daily life of the Twin Cities. 

On a sunny October morning, I went to Normandale Japanese Garden. I explored the location and noted much about its intricate architecture and style. My adventure proved that unique locations full of expression and style can be very close, even if it seems unlikely. 

Normandale Japanese Garden, as the name suggests, is located within Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota. The garden is located right on the college campus and offers much to see. It was built on land reclaimed from a twenty-acre pond and is based on traditional Japanese architecture. The garden features a waterfall, bridges, lanterns, and a shrine resting upon a man-made island near the pond called a Bentendo (named for Benzaiten, a Buddhist goddess). 

The adventure in the garden was wonderful. I first went across an arched bridge painted with vibrant red and black colors, connected to the Bentendo. Then, I walked across the other bridges and came to the other side of the garden’s pond, smelling the faint, fresh smell of the grass and shrubs. Throughout my walk, there was a nice breeze that wasn’t too cold or harsh, and I could hear birds chirping all around. I even had the opportunity to feed the pond’s koi fish using 50-cent treats! 

I highly recommend that everyone visits the garden because it is so close, yet brings so much to see and experience. Nature enthusiasts and people open to learning about new cultures would enjoy it. 

My journey to Normandale Japanese Garden taught me a lot about Japanese culture, and the overall walk was amazing. I highly recommend that everyone who reads this goes, as the beauty and peace the garden offers is definitely worth the short trip.