The Cowra Japanese Gardens is a cultural exchange center coming out of World War II. In 2018 we decided to visit, because they had a Bonsai display, and because they have an annual Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom) festival.
The Bonsai
As it turned out, there were maybe 10 bonsai on display, and they were locked away, so viewing was through bars, and well and truly at arms length. I only took photos of two, so from a bonsai point of view, this post is going to be a bust.
During this same trip I went to the National Arboretum in Canberra, where I certainly got my fill of bonsai. So no harm done.
The Festival
This certainly delivered. There was things happening all day, in the cultural centres or somewhere on the grounds. I assume that the groups performing were composed in equal measure of ex-pats, kids told to do things by their parents, and genuine enthusiasts.
A variety of martial arts, although I seem to have missed much of it.
And of course, the whole point of Sakura Matsuri is to watch the Cherry Blossoms, which were on display:
Not just the Cherry trees… it’s spring after all. Eveything’s in on the act.
The Grounds
The grounds are all carefully curated and tended, giving a little patch of… not really Japan, because there’s not nearly enough rain, but a pleasant garden.
