Lansing Has a Beautiful Japanese Garden Most People Don’t Know About

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.

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!

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!