As we’re sure you’ll agree, there’s certainly no shortage of places to go when you feel like immersing yourself in Northern California’s natural beauty. The nearest park will usually do the trick if you don’t feel like venturing too far, and some of them contain amazing surprises just waiting to be uncovered. For instance, Micke Grove Park is an urban oasis in Lodi and it’s even home to a beautiful Japanese garden. Finding this Japanese garden in Lodi feels a lot like finding the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Therefore, be sure to check this beautiful place out!

Located in Lodi, Micke Grove Regional Park is a wonderland of natural beauty and family-friendly attractions. This park is home to the Micke Grove Zoo, Wortley Lake, the Historical Museum, and Fun Town. We think the park has something for you around every corner.
San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation/Facebook
There's a Japanese garden hiding within the park that is a nature lover's dream come true. With iconic features including cherry blossom trees, a tea house, and even a Koi pond, this garden is the place to go when you need some quiet time with nature.
San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation/Facebook
This Japanese garden in Lodi had its beginnings back in 1959 at the hands of "Duke" Yoshimura. A worker of the park, he built the garden as a symbol of the Japanese community's solidarity with the people of San Joaquin County.
Candelario Cazarez/Google

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The Lodi Japanese garden was designed by Nagao Sakurai, a notable landscape architect who has designed gardens all over the United States. The garden was dedicated in 1965, and it's acted as a place of peaceful respite for Lodi residents ever since.
Delia Rivera/Google
The Koi fish pond is one of the park's most fun features. These majestic fish can grow up to three feet in length and have been known to live for 200 years. They are amazing to watch swimming around below your feet!
Cyn Knight/Google
The garden's red arch bridge makes for an especially striking sight. Typical of Japanese design, it looks gorgeous among the backdrop of flowering cherry trees. With distinct features like these, it's easy to see why this is one of the best Japanese gardens in Northern California.
Candelario Cazarez/Google
Take a stroll through one of the most charming gardens in San Joaquin County. This Japanese garden in Lodi will remind you what's so good about being in nature with no distractions! Now, how's that for a perfect day out?
Cyn Knight/Google

Did you know about the hidden Japanese garden in Micke Grove Park? If so, let us know if you agree that it’s one of the best Japanese gardens in Northern California by sharing your thoughts in the following comments section.

When you’re ready to explore some more, we suggest checking out the oldest Japanese garden in Northern California too. For more outdoor fun, take a look at AllTrails for hikes in your area as well.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Japanese Garden In Lodi, California

Marla S. | April 29, 2024

What is the oldest Japanese garden in Northern California?

Hakone Gardens is the oldest Japanese garden in Northern California. The 18-acre oasis in Saratoga was built in 1917 as a summer retreat for Oliver and Isabel Stine. The stunning property features Japanese statues, a serene koi pond, a moon bridge, rock gardens, and other traditional items found in Japanese gardens. These days, the impressive estate is open to the public and managed by The Hakone Foundation.

If you're looking to escape to Japan, but prefer not to hop on a plane, we recommend heading to this lovely destination for a peaceful afternoon. We also suggest spending time at the Japanese Tea Garden when you're in San Francisco.

What are some of the best gardens in Northern California?

The following is an overview of some of the best gardens in Northern California:

  • The Hummingbird Arboretum When you visit this gem on the UC Davis Campus, you can check out over 31,000 trees and plants. Plan to spend time at the lovely Hummingbird GATEway Garden within the park as well.
  • Humboldt Botanical Garden: For a unique outing, head to Eureka to visit these popular gardens. During your adventure, feel free to spend the day wandering 45 acres filled with lush flowers, manicured lawns, and unique landscapes
  • Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens: These gardens feature a gazebo, designated flower gardens, and a Hummingbird/Butterfly Garden. The impressive landscapes make this an ideal destination for a picnic too.

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11793 Micke Grove Rd, Lodi, CA 95240, USA