History
The garden was a gift to the people of Gosford as a symbol of cultural exchange and friendship, by our Sister City, Edogawa, (near Tokyo in Japan).
It is designed in accordance to the original principles of Japanese design of the Heian (700AD) period. The gardens were officially opened in September 1994 by the Mayor of Gosford and the Mayor of Edogawa.

This garden is now one of the most popular tourist attractions on the NSW Central Coast.
It is based on a traditional 'Shuyu' (strolling style) garden, and covers an area of approximatley 4000m2.

The meandering pathways lead to traditional Japanese features including, a Japanese teahouse, raked dry stone garden (Karesansui), stone lanterns and a pond filled with Koi fish.
A roofed pavilion overlooking the Koi Pond is a popular choice for wedding ceremonies. There are guided tours of the garden, available by booking through the gallery office. These are conducted by trained volunteer guides who skillfully explain the Japanese aesthetics and philosophies of this garden.

The gardens are open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm

Free guided tours of the garden are conducted every Wednesday at 11am

Elements within a Japanese style garden     

Feature elements could comprise any number of things – waterfall and pond, stone lantern, feature boulder, shaped tree, waterbowl, stone island in a sea of gravel. The garden can imitate the wider landscape in miniature by the construction of artificial hills for tiny mountains and valleys, meandering pathways and streams. Viewing points are essential in the Japanese garden. The arrangement of features within the garden must consider the different views, and what will be seen from each viewing position.  

Stone Lanterns have been used in temples, shrines and gardens in Japan since the 6 th century.   Each style has its own unique symbolism and significance. Often placed in gardens that are used at night., they line a pathway, or are positioned next to a gate or by an entrance. Their most magical use is to create a reflection in a pond. One of the more interesting stone lanterns, the two legged “Kotoji”, is named for its resemblance to the Japanese harp (Koto). It is positioned half on land and half in the water to symbolise the interdependence of the two.

Shakkei means borrowed scenery or views. When a background view that is outside or beyond the garden, such as a mountain or groupings of trees are used as an integral part of the scenic composition of the garden it is referred to as Shakkei.

With Shakkei, not only is the view used in the garden composition, but also the garden is designed to develop the relationship between the garden and the view, so that the view becomes more effective.
The idea is to visually extend the boundaries of the garden space.  

Philosophy of the Japanese garden      
Chinese and Japanese philosophy tell us that ones life can be lived more fully by being open to the universal rhythms of nature. A Japanese garden seeks to give us a tranquil setting for meditation and reflection.

We hope you enjoy your visit to this garden and find pleasure in its beauty and tranquility.     

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