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The gardens were designed in the style of the Edo period and are a kaiyū-shiki or strolling garden.

They are designed to show all of the landscape types of Japan.

At five hectares ( 12 acres ), the Cowra Japanese Garden is the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere.

An annual Sakura Matsuri ( cherry blossom festival ) is a major event in Cowra's tourism calendar and is held in the gardens during September.

The festival celebrates the birth of spring.

It attracts performers from across Australia and around the world.

Locals, Australian and International visitors alike have the opportunity to experience traditional elements of Japanese culture.

Sakura at the Cowra Japanese Garden is celebrated annually when the cherry blossoms are at their peak.

In 2011 the main festival date will be held on Saturday, 24 September.