Japanese Garden and Tea House

The Japanese Gardens, located at the Campbelltown Arts Centre, were presented to Campbelltown by the people of Koshigaya on 10 April 1988.

The Japanese Garden

A Japanese garden is a journey, a place for contemplation, with layers of symbols and meanings that represent the seasons of life. The gardens symbolise the beliefs and religion of both Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, and Zen Buddhism. Shinto beliefs are concerned with aspects of the universe and believe that natural objects are the home of spirits. Hence, there is a resulting reverence in Japanese culture for nature.

The Japanese Gardens feature a traditional waterfall, koi pond, timber bridge, contrived stonework, pathway and verdant planting and a tea house. The aim of the garden is to obtain quiet solitude. The design represents an antique look of elegant simplicity, leading to contemplation and heightened awareness.

You can hire the Japanese Garden as the perfect back drop to you most memorable moments, perfect for photography.

The Japanese Tea House

As a symbol of friendship between the two cities, 150 Koshigaya residents visited Campbelltown as part of the Australian Bicentennial celebrations in April 1988, and presented a gift of a traditional 16th century style Japanese tea house to Campbelltown. A qualified Japanese builder lived in Campbelltown for three months as the tea house was constructed. It is located in the Japanese Garden of the Campbelltown Arts Centre.

When entering a Japanese tea house, you would traditionally remove your shoes, as the dirt from the outside was not allowed to penetrate the clean inside. As you entered the tea house, a bow would represent your humility and ability to leave your worldy troubles behind.

The development of the Japanese tea ceremony was primarily influenced by Zen Buddhism. The ceremony is the preparation and presentation of matcha (pronounced MA-cha), a powdered green tea. The principles central to a traditional tea ceremony are harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.

Transport

The nearest bus/rail/taxi interchange is Campbelltown Railway Station.

Location

1 Art Gallery Rd, Campbelltown 2560  View Map

-34.072767,150.809112

1 Art Gallery Rd , Campbelltown 2560

1 Art Gallery Rd , Campbelltown 2560

Japanese Garden and Tea House