This is a tale of "today I learned", Lansing-style.

A Hidden Gem in Downtown Lansing

Although I've lived in Lansing for over 15 years, today I learned that there's a secret Japanese garden and koi pond hidden in Lansing.

Shigematsu Japanese Garden in Lansing
Courtesy of Kristen Matthews TSM Lansing - Shigematsu Japanese Garden in Lansing
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Well, it's not "hidden" per se, but I feel like it is because how am I just now finding out about its existence.

I was scrolling through social media when I saw a post about a "secret" Japanese garden in Lansing, and I figured it must have been TOP SECRET because I had never heard about it. Five seconds and one Google search later, I learned all about it!

The History Behind the Shigematsu Japanese Garden

The Shigematsu Japanese Garden was erected by Lansing Community College in 2006 to honor Megumi Shigematsu (1927-1992), the former President of Biwako Kisen Steamship Company in Japan, and a huge proponent of the LCC study abroad programs: Japan Adventure and Japan Horizon.

Where to Find Lansing's Japanese Garden

This garden is free to visit and very easily accessible in Downtown Lansing. However, if you drive there, you'll probably have to pay to park, so keep that in mind. It can be found off Capitol Avenue between Lapeer and Genesee Streets, next to LCC's Dart Auditorium.

After learning about this absolute beauty of a spot, I decided to enjoy my lunch there. It was seriously the cutest little spot. I got to enjoy the sun and the quiet, watch the ducks swim in the pond, and eat a peaceful lunch.

READ ALSO: Got Visitors? Here are the Best Places to Take Them in Lansing

And the best part? I got to feed the koi fish for 25 cents!

Shigematsu Japanese Garden in Lansing
Courtesy of Kristen Matthews TSM Lansing - Shigematsu Japanese Garden in Lansing
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If you want to enjoy your lunch on a gorgeous day in Lansing, I highly suggest checking out the Shigematsu Japanese Garden in Downtown Lansing!

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Check out pictures of how pretty it is below!

Did You Know That There's A Japanese Garden and Koi Pond in Lansing?

If you're looking for a way to enjoy some gorgeous Michigan weather in Lansing, I would highly recommend the Shigematsu Japanese Garden and Koi Pond by Lansing Community College near Downtown. It's a quiet, peaceful, and gorgeous spot to eat your lunch, take in the views, and feed the fish for a quarter. Take a peek inside this hidden gem of Lansing.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

Got Visitors? These are the 19 Best Places to Take Them in Lansing

Company is on the way. Now that you've finished stress cleaning your house, where do you plan on taking your guests? If you want to take your visitors to fun and unique places in Lansing, here are the 19 best places to take them.

Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews

Non-Chain Lansing Restaurants That Are Open on Mondays

It wasn't so long ago that most restaurants were open seven days a week. Ever since COVID, a lot of places have taken to closing on Mondays - but not everyone. Here are 21 Lansing-area non-chain restaurants that are actually still open on Monday. (There are others that may not be included on this list.)

Gallery Credit: JR

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