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Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre
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Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre

See all things to do
See all things to do
Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre
4.5
#1 of 19 things to do in Cowra
Gardens
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
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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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,041 reviews
Excellent
778
Very good
222
Average
34
Poor
4
Terrible
3
Roadtripping Nanny
Newcastle, Australia466 contributions
Stunning serenity
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Nice 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.
Written 8 November 2023
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.
ozrick33Sydney
Baulkham Hills, Australia1,486 contributions
A must see
Nov. 2023 • Couples
A 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.
Written 5 November 2023
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.
Charmaine H
1 contribution
Highly recommend this relaxing
Oct. 2023 • Friends
Although I live locally near Bathurst I've never been to the gardens before
The staff extremely friendly gardens were beautiful the ducks were great I fed the fish had a lunch in the cafeteria had an enjoyable relaxing day.totaly pet friendly
I took home a great souvenir from the gift shop with me
Written 23 October 2023
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.
58travellers
Melbourne133 contributions
Japanese garden experience without visiting Japan
Aug. 2023 • Couples
These gardens are spectacular. Beautifully designed, very serene. Note, it is not free but well worth it and the attached cafe is great for coffee and cake
Written 29 September 2023
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.
Les B
New South Wales, Australia999 contributions
Picked the Right Season
Sep. 2023 • Couples
We were lucky to pick spring and get to see many of the trees in full blossom. It is a fairly easy walk around the garden however there are some steepish hills but you can navigate most of the gardens without any steps. Spent about 1 hour. Very pleasant staff at the entrance.
Written 14 September 2023
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.
deb
Canberra, Australia2 contributions
Beautiful
Sep. 2023 • Couples
An absolutely gorgeous garden, a place of peace and tranquility. A must visit when in Cowra. A great place to sit and take in the view, and listen to the birds, wind in the trees and the bubbling stream
Written 3 September 2023
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.
Helen
16 contributions
Superb tranquil gardens
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Friendly informative staff, beautiful grounds with lots of seating to spend time enjoying the beautiful and tranquil surroundings. We enjoyed delicious scones with generous jam and cream with great coffee in the cafe/garden area. The shop had a wonderful selection of gifts for our family.
Written 31 August 2023
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.
Travellers from Oz
Sydney, Australia137 contributions
Relaxing Serene Japanese Garden
Jun. 2023 • Couples
We visited the Gardens on a cold grey June day. Having been to Japan many times, this garden was an authentic take on a Japanese garden with an Australian flavour.

Loved the huge gum trees in the centre of the garden, complimenting the Japanese design.

Lovely to walk around for a relaxing afternoon.

Loved the sentiment of the garden, with a focus on peace.
Written 21 June 2023
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.
tes108
Newcastle, Australia719 contributions
Gorgeous
Mar. 2023 • Couples
The gardens exceeded my expectations. What an incredible spot and the story behind the gardens is lovely. Gift shop improved out of sight and has more Japanese stuff now.
Written 7 March 2023
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.
Trish M
Kambah, Australia103 contributions
Very beautiful Gardens
Mar. 2023 • Friends
We all walked around the gardens this morning before it got too hot, the gardens are beautiful the ducks are very friendly and the fish huge
Written 4 March 2023
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.
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Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre
Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:30 am - 5:00 pm