The Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre is located in the town of Cowra, in the Central West region of New South Wales, Australia. The 5 ha garden was established to recognize and develop the historic and ongoing relationship between the people of Cowra Shire and the people of Japan.
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
Peaceful expanse of garden to enjoy at leisure. I spent 2 hours here on a glorious Spring day, and wish I’d come earlier!
Buy your tickets ($18 in 2022) at the gift shop, and make sure you buy some fish food! ($2 in 2022) There are two Koi ponds. The fish and ducks will swarm for the food. Adorable!
The large garden includes a variety of settings with smooth formed paths, and labels like a Botanic Garden for major species. (See map in photo)
There are some golf buggies (ask at gift shop), but they can’t go to all sections of the garden.
The lookout gives a lovely view of the garden from its rocky outcrop, and there is seating at various places around the garden to rest and enjoy the serenity.
There are 3 sets of toilets at the garden, the best option seems to be in the Cultural Centre beside the gift shop.
The Cultural Centre contains fabulous art and artefacts, as well as history, and a view of the carefully raked Zen Garden.
The Bonsai House displays a delightful collection of Bonsai varieties of impressive age.
The Tea House is a lovely place to sit in the shade and perhaps enjoy a BYO snack with the view.
Of course, for delicious food and drinks from the Cafe, Al Fresco and indoor dining is available. Photos include menus at September 2022.
Outside/ before entering the Japanese Garden is a free sculpture garden with picnic tables and walking paths and...
Read more
It is nice but not that special to warrant a higher rating.
Extra comment in response to owner's question. Understand I am conservative in my rating. 3* is good - 4* very good - 5* - is Whoh blew me away with unexpected experience. Given the Japanese theme and blossoms in Cowra Main St I had expected more of an impressive blossom display at the gardens rather than the few that were there. With the obvious Japanese theme I would have thought the cafe would focus more on Japanese style/influenced food. Overall there was not anything really wrong with it - though I am not a garden person, more of a serial plant killer, I can appreciate a garden. eg did like the stone garden as part of the cultural centre. Just did not live up to my expectation. Give me something I haven't...
Read more
These gardens were a complete surprise and I can confidently say are the best Japanese gardens I have ever seen. We only heard of them from an artist in Dubbo, called Stuart, who was having his paintings exhibited there.
The layout of the grounds is very clever and uses hills, rocks, plants and a pond to give the illusion of a vast size full of many little gardens. On entry we were given a very useful map with a numbered list of all the trees and bushes displayed around the garden.
The cherry and apple trees were in full bloom and complimented the forsythias and their brightly colored neighbours perfectly. Allow a good hour or more to enjoy the gardens and the stunning plantings and another half hour for the art gallery before hitting the cafe for generously portioned...
Read more
