Buenos Aires Japanese Garden

The Jardín Japonés was created in 1967 for a state visit by the Japanese crown prince and later gifted to the city by the Japanese-Argentine community, and it has been maintained ever since as one of the largest gardens of its kind outside Japan. Within a walled enclosure in Palermo it holds a central lake full of large koi, crossed by an arched red bridge and a zigzag one, with stone lanterns, a bonsai display, clipped pines, azaleas and cherry trees, and paths that turn to hide and reveal views in the traditional manner. A cultural centre runs classes and exhibitions, and a restaurant serves Japanese food. The contrast with the traffic outside is the point, and it works.

What you actually see

• The koi lake - the central pond with large carp and arched bridges.
• The bonsai and lanterns - the collection and stone ornaments along the paths.
• The blossom - cherry and azalea flowering in the southern spring.
• The cultural centre - exhibitions, classes and a Japanese restaurant.

When to go

September to November for cherry and azalea blossom, which is when the garden is loveliest and busiest. It is open year-round, and weekday mornings are the calmest. Rain leaves the paths slippery but empties the garden.

Honest expectations

The garden is compact and can be walked in half an hour, and the entry fee strikes some visitors as high for the size. Weekends are crowded and the koi feeding areas get boisterous with families. Traffic noise reaches parts of the enclosure.

Nearby

The Palermo rose garden and MALBA are within walking distance.