No visit to the town of Cowra, in Central West NSW is complete without taking the time to explore the beautiful Japanese Gardens. No matter what time of year you visit, they are always stunning. They really are a credit to the staff that maintain them.
HISTORY
During the Second World War, there was a Prisoner of War Camp on the outskirts of the township. One night several hundred Japanese prisoners staged a breakout attempt. As a result, four Australian soldiers died along with 231 prisoners.
The Japanese POW’s were buried in Cowra, and in 1960 the Japanese Government decided to bring all it’s war dead from other parts of Australia and bury them together in Cowra. This was the beginning of the friendship between Cowra and Japan, which continues to this day.
The gardens first opened in 1979 and were completed with the opening of the second stage in 1986. Mr Ken Nakajima was the architect of the gardens. The gardens cover an area of 5 hectares (12.5 acres) and are designed to represent the entire landscape of Japan.
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AROUND THE GARDENS
As you walk around the gardens, you will see how Australian gum trees and granite rocks that dominate the area have been cleverly blended with more traditional Japanese plants. There are lovely areas all around the gardens where you can sit and take in the wonderful views.
Central to the gardens, are two large ponds which are full of Japanese Koi (carp). They swarm to the banks of the ponds at the first sign of food. Some of the Koi are fantastically multi-coloured and about a foot long. There are always lots of ducks wandering around as well. Because the area is fully fenced it is some thing of a safe haven for them.
Another feature of the gardens are the water falls, as water is an important element in Japanese garden design. They really add to the sense of peace and tranquility whilst you are there.
The small and large traditional tea houses within the gardens are both lovely spots to sit and relax. From within them, you can sometimes feel like you are the only person in the whole of the gardens.
CULTURAL CENTRE
Attached to the gardens is the Cultural Centre which houses a display of both Japanese and Australian works of art. There are also several items of Japanese artifacts including Kimono and vases. They often host art exhibitions as well.
GARDENS CAFE
Once you have finished your tour of the gardens, make sure you stop by the Gardens Cafe, either for lunch or morning or afternoon tea. They have a very good menu which includes a selection of cakes and desserts. The cafe is licenced so you can also enjoy a glass of local wine with your meal. It’s also a great spot for breakfast as well.
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Entry to the gardens is $15.00 for adults. The gardens are generally open from 8.30am until 5pm. One added bonus is that the Cowra Japanese Gardens are 100% pet friendly so dogs on leads are welcome throughout the gardens.
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I saw this on a program on television and I now want so much to go there. The beauty of the gardens and the calming is what I need to see.
It is a beautiful garden and a beautiful peaceful place.