Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre

Welcome to the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre!

This 5-ha (12-acre) garden in New South Wales, Australia, was established to recognize and develop the historical and ongoing relationship between Cowra Shire's people and the people of Japan.

The garden features a kaiyu-shiki, or strolling garden, designed by Ken Nakajima in the Edo period style. It includes well-manicured hedges, a rocky hillside, waterfalls, streams, and lakes that provide a serene setting for various aquatic birds. Prominent features of the garden include an authentic open-air tea house, a traditional Edo cottage, a bonsai house, and a Bonsho (bell).

The history of the garden dates back to the Cowra breakout of Japanese prisoners of war in 1944. A cemetery for 231 Japanese soldiers killed in the event was established in Cowra, along with other war dead from Australia. In 1960, the Japanese Government decided to transfer all of their war dead in other parts of Australia to Cowra. The Cowra Tourism Development proposed a Japanese garden for the town in 1971, and with support from the Japanese Government, the Australian Government, and private entities, the garden was developed.

The Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre serves as an ideal place to celebrate Japanese culture. It hosts various activities such as tea ceremonies, traditional Japanese craft workshops, and garden talks. The garden also holds the Sakura Matsuri (cherry blossom festival) every September to celebrate the arrival of spring. Additionally, the garden has celebrated the annual Girl's Day and Boy's Day festivals in the past.

Come and experience the tranquillity of the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre