Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre
Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre
Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Tranquil. It's the perfect word to describe Cowra's Japanese Garden. You can't help but feel completely at peace when you walk through the lush gardens and cascading streams which represent the landscapes of Japan: where the hill is a mountain, streams are the rivers and the ponds inland lakes and the sea. Is this the most serene place in NSW? Spend some time walking around the equisitely manicured Kaiyushiki (strolling) garden, designed by Ken Nakajima and opened in 1979, and you be the judge.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- ozrick33SydneyBaulkham Hills, Australia1,641 contributionsA must seeA must see attraction. The history of the Japanese in Cowra is tastefully respected. After soaking in the beauty and fascination of the cultural centre it was time to explore the gardens. The care and attention to detail in the gardens is outstanding. It was a sensory experience of great indulgence. We spent several hours walking around the gardens and highly recommend you do the same.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 November 2023
- Roadtripping NannyNewcastle, Australia518 contributionsStunning serenityNice little gift shop, very clean toilets and a cafe also. The gardens are stunning and make you feel relaxed as soon as you see them. Beautiful ponds, waterfalls and running streams are so lovely. We bought a small bag of duck/fish food from the gift shop and had fun feeding the fish and ducks as we walked around. The paths are good and safe and there are seats scattered around if you need a rest, and there are also some electric golf carts to hire if you can’t walk around unaided. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit there.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 November 2023
- Jenny HBrisbane, Australia115 contributionsStunning - a must see garden!We were blown away by these gardens. Just a stunning place to visit, with such a symbolic history. We have done lots of travelling throughout the world and found this garden to be a must see when you are in the area. It is spectacular - and the cultural centre has such fabulous artefacts/items on display. Well worth the entry fee and it is such a peaceful and tranquil place to visit. There is also a lovely gift shop with some beautiful items available to purchase.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 April 2024
- KathrynS400SA455 contributionsA beautiful memorial to a terrible chapter in our historyThe gardens are stunning. Formal Japanese gardens with an Australian touch. Very beautiful and serene. Autumn colours were a bonus but I suspect spring would be sensational. The cultural centre has lovely Japanese bit and pieces. A beautiful tribute to peace and reconciliation following the horrors of WW2.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 May 2024
- LianeCanberra, Australia247 contributionsBeautiful and peacefulVery peaceful on a weekday morning. Beautiful scenery that was also able to be enjoyed by my dogs as it's dog friendly. In the past I was able to hire a golf cart as my knees are quite dicky but it's no longer available. Some mobility scooters would be very welcome.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 28 June 2024
- aussie1SydneySydney, Australia189 contributionsNice place to visit on a sunny dayA wonderful place to visit on a beautiful day. The gardens are superb and only wished I had visited in late spring when all the trees would be in bloom. However, the walk around on a fine winter's day was very nice but would not have liked it to be raining. Only takes about 45 minutes to stroll around the whole garden.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,045 reviews
Excellent
781
Very good
223
Average
34
Poor
4
Terrible
3
marbelemclaben
Greater Sydney, Australia205 contributions
May 2021
I am really unsure why wandering around these gardens felt so calming .
Maybe its the presence of water , or the layout of the gardens but we were happy just to sit on a seat and enjoy the sights and sounds.
Added bonus for us on the day was "the Take off " hot air balloon taking off .
Whilst waiting for the balloon's lift off we were fortuante enough to spend time chatting to the director of the gardens who provided us with so many intersting facts about the gardens ....the ups and downs of COVID impact and bushfires over the past 2 years.
Maybe its the presence of water , or the layout of the gardens but we were happy just to sit on a seat and enjoy the sights and sounds.
Added bonus for us on the day was "the Take off " hot air balloon taking off .
Whilst waiting for the balloon's lift off we were fortuante enough to spend time chatting to the director of the gardens who provided us with so many intersting facts about the gardens ....the ups and downs of COVID impact and bushfires over the past 2 years.
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damon S
Sydney, Australia93 contributions
Oct 2020
Well worth a visit if you're in Cowra. Go there early as it opens and grab breakfast first before heading around the gardens. We did this and as we left the cafe, a lot of others were arriving and went into the cafe whilst we had the gardens almost to ourselves for half an hour or so.
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warners1
Lake Macquarie, Australia1,326 contributions
Mar 2021
This garden is well worth the visit. The gardens are immaculately cared for and it is interesting if you can chat to the ground staff who will tell you of the rock formations around the grounds.
There is concession fees for entry but feel that the cost is pricey.
Nice spot for a morning cuppa in the adjoining cafe.
There is concession fees for entry but feel that the cost is pricey.
Nice spot for a morning cuppa in the adjoining cafe.
Written 12 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nell58
11 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
The gardens are beautiful and the staff are lovely. But when my family and I were leaving we witness a man in the cafe yelling at the girls I’m assuming in the kitchen or staff room and also the young girls behind the counter.. what ever reason it may be, it was very unprofessional and harsh. From memory he was the man who was standing out the front of the shop doors.
Not a good look at all.
Not a good look at all.
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian B
Sydney, Australia107 contributions
Oct 2022
This is a beautiful sculptured Japanese garden that is well worth spend a couple of hours or more peacefully wandering through. It is thoughtfully laid out with beautiful vista and gentle walking paths. Read a little about the history of the Cowra Japanese prisoners of war and their attempted breakout to understand why the the people of Cowra have such a unique Japanese garden. The Cultual Centre has a wide selection of unique Japanese gifts. It is worth visiting Cowra just to spend time in the garden.
Written 3 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce L
Port Macquarie, Australia94 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
Built to commemorate the towns role as internment camp for Japanese PoWs, the garden is restful and a recreation of a traditional Japanese garden with Australian touches (gum trees). Relaxing places to rest and view. The pond and waterways are green with algae and need a filtering system to remove excess nutrients from fish and duck food
Written 31 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
c0lleen58
Sydney, Australia42 contributions
May 2021
First time visit, loved it all. The peaceful surroundings were full of colour, making our visit very memorable. As you walk around there are many hidden gems to take you to another place in Japan. The tea house is a lovely building set amongst waterfalls and cherry trees. The colours were amazing in the floral display near the koi pond which provides a tranquil place to stop and reflect. We stayed for an hour but you could easily spend up to 2 looking around or having a coffee in the cafe. Well worth a visit, especially in Autumn.
Written 27 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bronwyn E
Sydney, Australia127 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Magical garden. Very easy to walk around. Nice cafe attached although simple food and saw no Japanese cuisine on menu, not even sushi rollls which was somewhat disappointing. They did accommodate us and my dietary requirements and were very friendly
Gift some has some nice gifts. Cultural centre/ Art gallery next door worth a walk around
Only disappointment was that dogs are welcome throughout including in Cultural centre and gallery and many owners don’t respect those of us who are scare or not fond of dogs, this spoilt the experience.
Gift some has some nice gifts. Cultural centre/ Art gallery next door worth a walk around
Only disappointment was that dogs are welcome throughout including in Cultural centre and gallery and many owners don’t respect those of us who are scare or not fond of dogs, this spoilt the experience.
Written 5 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MargieMac58
Dubbo, Australia66 contributions
June 2021
A cold, crisp but sunny winter day, the gardens looked beautiful. Lovely walkways, buildings, a couple of paths a bit steep for me (mobility issues) but most of it easily accessible and suitable for wheelchairs.
The cafe has a great range of meals for breakfast or lunch, and a tempting display of cakes. Good coffee.
The cafe has a great range of meals for breakfast or lunch, and a tempting display of cakes. Good coffee.
Written 5 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Realiza B
Sydney, Australia90 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
I was on my break at work and saw the place on telly. Worth a visit and using golf caddy to stroll around for $20 an hour. It’ll be too hot to walk around if it’s too warm and sunny but you can hide in shade. Place is beautiful and well maintained. They do bonsai workshop and you can keep the plant after the workshop.
Written 27 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is wrong with cowra cafes? Nothing open sundays, do they not want any business from tourists. So bizarre!! Tourist info cafe only or Japanese gdn after 9am.
Written 26 September 2020
It’s probably due to a combination of Covid health restrictions and Sunday/public holiday penalty rates for hiring workers. It’s simply too expensive to open when customers are few. That’s the way it us now not just in Cowra but other small places like Nerriga, Jindabyne.
Written 13 October 2020
Roving735322
Sydney, Australia
Hi any day trip package to Cowra Cherry Blossom Festival from Sydney on Saturday 22 September. Thanks
Written 16 September 2018
We drove ourselves. You could check with a tour operator, or check online travel sites. Good luck, please post if you find a suitable travel plan. Cheers
Written 17 September 2018
Hi,
Are people allowed to have a picnic right under the Sakura trees?
Written 14 July 2018
CowraJapaneseGarden
Cowra, Australia
You can lay your picnic blanket out on the grassed areas, the majority of the Cherry Blossom trees are not located in spots that would be suitable for a picnic due to surrounding garden beds.
Written 1 August 2018
CowraJapaneseGarden
Cowra, Australia
No I'm sorry. You are able to bring a picnic basket in but we do not have barbecue facilities in the garden.
Written 19 June 2018
How big is the garden? How much time do you need to see it? We will be passing through Cowra on the way the way further south but would love to have the time to enjoy this place.
Written 6 January 2017
About 5-6acres. 2 hours at least. Golf buggy is a good option but you can also take a slow walk.
Easily spend 2 days in Cowra and surrounds.
Written 4 February 2017
How much to get in? Seniors discount? Any yearly tickets ?
Written 6 September 2016
Adults - $15.00
Seniors/Pensioners - $13.00 - With valid ID card
Students - $13.00 - With valid student ID card
Children - $8.00
Families - $40.00- Two Adults and school age children all living at the same address.
Written 6 September 2016
Are there any weekend tours to Cowra for the festival from Sydney
Written 21 September 2015
I can't really help, but Cowra Information Centre would be your best bet. We found them very helpful.
Written 22 September 2015
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