Japanese Garden in Micke Grove Park

The Japanese Garden is such a gorgeous place, I always visit here whenever I visit the zoo. I’ve taken some beautiful pictures in the garden over the years. My favorite spot is the round stepping stones across the pond.

Overall, a 3.5 out of 5.
It is a small-​medium sized garden (smaller than the one in San Francisco Golden gate park), but with the Teahouse being located in the heart of the garden, it gives the place a cozy feel as if I’m walking into a home. The teahouse had exterior walkways which allowed me to walk around the outside and peek inside through the windows/​doors. The interior didn’t look very traditional but I would have still loved to go inside, especially since it was raining that day. The Koi pond was relaxing and beautiful, and highly complimented the Teahouse and bridges.
Overall, a nice little place to come to escape and relax, especially if you want a break from the hustles and bustles of city life. It’s only 30 mins from Sac, so if you’re interested in visiting but not sure yet if it’s worth it, I’d say go for it. It is still quite a beautiful sight. The general park entry fee is $ 5/​vehicle but the Japanese garden itself is free.

A very nice place for some quiet time, on par with Fresno’s and San Jose’s.

Hidden gem! I just went for a walk through there today for the first time and it was so peaceful and beautiful. I loved taking pictures of the beautiful koi pond. I will definitely be going back again soon.

Ivy R’s review inspired me to visit this garden. I doubt I would have wandered to this part of Lodi if I had not read it.
When you pass through the garden gate it is like going into another world. It was so quiet the only sounds I heard were chirping birds and chattering squirrels when I walked in. There are numerous stone lanterns, flowering plants and cherry trees. A red bend bridge crosses the pond that is home to very large koi. Ancient towering Valley oaks surrounded this small beautifully maintained garden.
I would suggest that you bring mosquito repellent. The blood suckers were annoying in April; I imagine that they would be unbearable later in the year. Do check the hours, the garden is not open all day. It is also a popular wedding site and the garden is closed to the public when there is a wedding in progress.

Walk out of the zoo and follow the cement path through the park. Walk under the majestic oak trees that reach over the path trying to hug each other from either side.
Watch the black and white wood pecker hop from tree to tree and try to see a glimpse of their red feathers. Don’t forget the squirrels. They eye you as you walk by.
Then you’re there, at the entrance of the Japanese Gardens. It was so quiet when I walked up I didn’t know if it was ok for me to go in. But as you know I do what ever I want. So I walked in.
We walked to the right first. Its mainly a little meandering trail that is dotted with small Japanese statues. There are huge I mean huge redwoods. In the center there’s some type of room that I guess is for wedding receptions. They were power washing it while I was there so I’m only going to guess that normally, its pretty quiet.
We walked along and found a large tree trunk that had a faux cement wall in the center where there should be a big hole. Very Shire-​ish if you need a visual.
The trail dead ended at the large pond. Medium sized polished river stones line the edge and its all so clean and beautiful. You can see the red Japanese style bridge across the pond. The water was so still an the reflection of the bridge and willows made for a beautiful picturesque background.
I had a stroller and while it dead ended for me at the pond you can however walk over round stepping stones over the flowing water to the bridge area. I couldn’t because of the boy.
We walked back around towards the left of the entrance again and this way is much more stroller friendly. There are a few winding trails and you can walk across the Japanese bridge. Interspersed in the trees and shrubs are beautiful Japanese statues.
Now to the best part. The Koi. They are so beautiful. Standing there with my baby son and starring at them. There are so many colors and sizes of Koi. All of your stress drains away. Its such a peaceful experience.
This side of the pond is more baby friendly because I was able to park the stroller and we hopped from one large stepping stone to the other.
This is a wonderful hidden spot. Its tranquil and picturesque beyond your imagination.
The best part of coming to visit.

I had the pleasure of being a bridesmaid at my dear friend’s wedding here at the Japanese Garden in Micke Grove Park. The garden itself was really beautiful and such a perfect backdrop for all the wedding photos.
The traditional Jewish ceremony was held outside in an intimate setting with the gorgeous bride and groom underneath an immaculate chuppah. Vows were taken, rings were exchanged, delicate glass shattered at the heel of the groom for tradition, and mascara running all across my face because I’m such a blubbering fool. Ah, sweet love was in the air.
I really enjoyed the time spent here. I would absolutely recommend this venue to any couple looking for a sweet, simple, and most importantly, memorable, outdoor wedding.

This is a solid 4.5 stars as a wedding venue. We had my son’s wedding here & wow what a wonderful setting… the staff was very nice & helpful in making arrangements & the cost was reasonable… turned out very pretty!
The only downside was– we were promised 100 chairs… we got 84. The chairs were to be set up by the staff… we were not allowed to help– as a result there were many more chairs on the groom’s side than the bride’s side & seveal odd chairs were by themselves (a row of 2 & another of 3). Luckily we had the garden from 2 until 4 and were doing photos when the odd chair set up was noticed. The ceremony was set for 3 so it gave the mother of the groom an a few others time to fix some of the chairs… which is how we discovered the short fall. When it was brought to the attention of the gate attendant from the park (who was assuring only wedding guests were entering the garden), she said we’d have to complain to someone else in the office. I didn’t want to go hunting for some one to complain to –we just moved the chairs and did without… but the guests were arriving at this point so we ended up with guests standing– good thing it was a short ceramony.
Despite the chair situation I think the setting was lovely, the cost was very reasonable & would choose this site again for a casual wedding.

Tranquil and peaceful…
Went here for my cousins wedding.
Our party was huge so 50 people had to stand during the ceremony.
Picture taking in front of that building in the middle was also a problem for our large party.
I didn’t really notice any nice flowers and plants, but this can make for a very simple wedding spot.

We went to Japanese Garden today, the weather is half cloud and half sunny, a perfect day to photo shooting, but I was horrified to find water in Koi Pond was so filthy and murky, and few of those flower trees and plants aren’t growing at their best condition as well, it is just a shame.

Japanese Garden: Open Mon — Thurs. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Fri — Sun, holidays until 1:30 p.m.
This is a Japanese Garden at it’s best in the states, well at least in CA. I’ve been to Golden Gate Park in SF and it really can’t hold a candle to our lil’ beauty in the Valley. Koi are plentiful, the ponds beautiful, plentiful and well kept, I’d even go as far as to say, pristine. Step carefully across the well placed cement boulders to traverse the ponds and enjoy the koi up close and personal. A wonderful day trip for you City dwellers… don’t expect a zoo to compare with SF or Oakland, but a park to rival any in our beautiful state of CA!
$ 5 per vehicle
Japanese Garden: Free.
ContactPark: (209) 953‑8800 or 331‑7400 (Office located in back of Memorial Building, across from Japanese Garden).
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