JAPANESE GARDEN IN MICKE GROVE

There are three religions that have influenced the garden. Shintoism is expressed in the use of stones, Buddhism is visible in the use of lanterns and Taoism is manifested in the islands.  There are 11 lanterns in the garden, all being stone except for one which is concrete. The five-story pagoda lantern situated on the north hill was donated by Lodi’s sister city; Kofu, Japan. Each story is representative of fire, water, earth, air and atmosphere. The long rod on the top has nine rings and has a kinship to Buddha. The flame-shaped tip denotes protection against fire.   Koi fish in the pond have been known to live for 200 years. The fish, with ring markings on its scales designating age, can grow to three feet in length. Colors range from red, blue, white, brown, black and yellow.   The garden’s angle bridge represents Chinese belief that evil spirits travel in a low straight line, therefore unable to follow across this bridge. The red arch bridge, meanwhile, is of typical Japanese design and includes eight bronze lotus flower bud finials.   

There is no charge to enter, however there is a $5 charge per car for parking