A Japanese treat in country Australia

Visitors to Cowra in the Central West of New South Wales can now enjoy a special twilight picnic in the beautiful Cowra Japanese Garden. 

A Picnics in the Garden package is perfect for a romantic evening and features a picnic rug, chairs and table, cushions, a grazing box with beverages, and exclusive after-hours access. 

Covering over five hectares, the Gardens are the largest in the southern hemisphere with manicured hedges, waterfalls, streams and two lakes. 

To book a picnic email info@strawberryhillsevents.com.au. 

The Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre is a registered cultural organisation, and is classified by the National Trust as ‘A place of Significant Cultural, Architectural and Historic Significance.'

Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre was established to recognize and develop the relationship between the people of Cowra Shire and the people of Japan, a relationship that has its origins in the Prisoner of War Camp that housed the Japanese POW’s during World War II.

 

In 1960 the Japanese Government decided to bring all their war dead from parts of Australia to be re-buried at Cowra. This was the beginning of the friendship between Japan and the town of Cowra.

Many Japanese believe that the Buddha willed the Cowra citizens to create this garden so that the spirits of the Japanese soldiers could rest in peace.

Turning Japanese: a touch of Asia in Daylesford

Clifftop at Hepburn outside Daylesford is one of Australia's best regional destinations. 

Think beautiful villas where the attention to detail is exceptional. A luxurious getaway boasting spectacular landscapes.

Now the busy couple behind Clifftop at Hepburn - David and Manolita Penman - have launched new a new accommodation business: Samurai Villas in the heart of Daylesford.

The new venture promises "world-class luxury with an exotic Japanese twist". 

So think ornamental gardens with stunning pavilions, outdoor bath precincts, water features, bonsai trees, a barrel sauna and even a Monet bridge. 

A little slice of Japan within striking distance of one of the best small towns in Australia. 

This hidden oasis is just minutes from the many eateries, cafes quirky shops that delightfully eccentric Daylesford has to offer.

Highlights include bespoke hand-made wooden furniture, beautiful ponds and waterfalls and colourful shubunkin fish darting playfully. 

There is a new website at www.clifftopathepburn.com.au and the Samurai Villas will be live on the website this week.   

Stay tuned for more. I'll certainly be checking out Samurai Villas as soon as possible.

A slice of Japanese tranquillity in the centre of Adelaide

Just a short walk from the centre of Adelaide is a delightful surprise: a tranquil Japanese garden that is free to enter and offers a perfect location for some quiet contemplation.

Originally built to honour the Japanese city of Himeji - which became one of Adelaide’s sister cities in 1982 – the garden on show in this little oasis was the work of Japanese landscape designer Yoshitaka Kumada and many volunteers.

Enter through ornate gates and discover a little slice of Japan in Park 1, one of the southern parts of the Adelaide Parklands. You can purify yourself by using a chozubachi, or traditional water bowl.

The garden contains features which are of religious significance to the Japanese people and contains features designed to reflect the beauty of nature.

It is a blend of two classic styles. The first is the senzui (lake and mountain garden), where water and the imagination create images of vastness and grandeur. The second is the kare senzui (dry garden), where rocks and sand evoke the presence of water.

There is a lovely small lake at the centre of the park, which is fed by a mini waterfall.

Himeji, 650km west of Tokyo, is a beautiful city with a historic castle that I was fortunate enough to have visited a couple of years ago

The park is beautifully maintained and open from 8am daily.