Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre
Visit the multi-award-winning Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. Opened in 1979, the Garden is a ‘must-see’ at any time of the year, whether you are on your first visit to Cowra or your fiftieth.
The Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre is a tangible monument to peace and reconciliation between two countries. The principal object and purpose of the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre is the promotion of Japanese design including; landscape, garden and built form design, Japanese crafts, Japanese movable cultural heritage and to support and advance the cultural relations between the people of the Cowra Shire in New South Wales and the people of Japan.
Ken Nakajima, created the Kaiyushiki (strolling) garden, to symbolise the Japanese landscape. The rocky hillside, manicured hedges, waterfalls, streams and the two lakes provide a serene and secure environment for a myriad of local birdlife. Special features of the Garden include a traditional Edo Cottage, an authentic open-air Tea house and a Bonsai House. The Cultural Centre adjoins the main building, with the first gallery showcasing exhibitions from a variety of local and regional artists. The next two galleries feature an extensive collection of beautiful Japanese artworks and artefacts. An Educational & Multi-purpose Centre is available for functions ranging from seminars to theatrical performances.
Take time to explore the 5 hectares of garden and enjoy its beauty and tranquillity. Feed the Koi carp from one of the viewing platforms overlooking the lakes. Visit the exquisite Gift Shop where East meets West, with a range of gifts and souvenirs guaranteed to entice. Relax and enjoy modern Australian cuisine at the licensed Café, where you can dine in air-conditioned comfort or relax on the outside terrace and soak up the view. The cafe caters for weddings, day and evening private functions and special events, with groups always welcome.
The Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre is open from 8:30am – 5:00pm, 7 Days a week.
Address: Ken Nakajima Place, Cowra NSW 2794
Phone: 02 6341 2233
Email: info@cowragarden.com.au
Website: www.cowragarden.com.au
Annual Events in the Garden
Koyo Matsui – Autumn Festival (May)
Sakura Matsuri – Cherry Blossom Festival (September)
Please contact the Cowra Japanese Garden for specific dates.
