Normandale's Japanese Garden 50th Anniversary Celebration

About this event

Celebrate 50 Years of Normandale’s Japanese Garden with a Free Cultural Festival Join us at Normandale Community College on Saturday, September 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the Japanese Garden’s 50th Anniversary Celebration – a free, family‑friendly event honoring Japanese culture and one of Bloomington’s most beloved landmarks. Guests will enjoy traditional cultural performances, hands‑on activity booths, and delicious Japanese cuisine as we celebrate the garden’s legacy of peace, reflection, and community. Built between 1972 and 1976 through the dedication of the Bloomington Affiliated Garden Clubs, the two‑acre garden features koi‑filled ponds, handcrafted bridges, lanterns, islands, a waterfall, and more than 300 carefully selected Minnesota‑hardy plants. Designed with guidance from Tokyo garden architect Takao Watanabe, the space blends authentic Japanese aesthetics with local resilience. Whether you stroll through in a few minutes or linger to take in every detail, you’ll feel transported to the heart of Japan. We invite you to join us on September 19 to experience the beauty, culture, and community of this special anniversary celebration. The Japanese Garden’s 50th Anniversary Celebration is presented by TORO, whose support of the garden and the Bloomington community makes this milestone possible. We are grateful for the partnership and collaboration of the following community organizations: The City of Bloomington Japan America Society of Minnesota Bloomington Sister City Organization St. Paul Nagasaki Sister Cities Committee The Japanese American Citizens League Bloomington Travel and Tourism Ikebana International Chapter 121 These partners play an essential role in honoring the garden’s legacy and enriching this community celebration.