Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre

Nestled in Cowra, New South Wales, the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre spans 12.5 acres, making it the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere. Designed by Ken Nakajima in 1979, the garden features a serene landscape with rocky hillsides, manicured hedges, waterfalls, streams, and two lakes, providing a tranquil environment for various bird species. Special attractions include a Bonsho Bell, a traditional Edo Cottage, an open-air Tea House, and a Bonsai House. The adjacent Cultural Centre showcases an extensive collection of Japanese artworks and artefacts, including ceramics, kimonos, lacquerware, wood carvings, folk dolls, ink paintings, and scrolls. Visitors can also enjoy a café offering modern Australian and Japanese cuisine, a gift shop with Japanese and local items, and annual events like the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) in September and the Kōyō Matsuri (Autumn Festival) in May.