Jardín Japonés

The Jardín Japonés is one of the most peaceful places in Buenos Aires. It was inaugurated in 1967 during a state visit by the then Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko of Japan, and it is run by the Japanese Argentine Cultural Foundation. It covers about two hectares on the north-east edge of Parque Tres de Febrero, Palermo's great park.

The garden is laid out around a central lake full of carp, crossed by bridges, including the Divine Bridge and a second bridge that leads to an island where Japanese medicinal herbs are grown. Planting mixes Japanese species such as cherry, katsura, maples and azaleas with South American trees such as the tipa and the floss silk tree. Along the paths you will find a peace bell, a large stone lantern, granite sculptures, a small Buddhist temple and an open-air theatre designed by Alfred Zucker. Keen gardeners can also look for epiphytic bromeliads and an Oncidium orchid among the trees.

The garden is also a cultural centre. There is a greenhouse known for its bonsai, a craft house named after Aomori Prefecture, the Salón Tokyo and a restaurant, the Espacio de Arte Culinario. The foundation runs courses and demonstrations in disciplines such as ikebana, origami, calligraphy, taiko drumming and martial arts, and events are held through the year, so it is worth checking the programme before you go.

The garden opens every day, including weekends and public holidays, from 10:00 to 18:45, with the ticket office closing at 18:30, and it stays open when it rains. Children under 12 accompanied by an adult enter free, as do visitors with an Argentine disability certificate and Argentine or resident seniors over 65. Pets are not allowed except assistance animals, and picnics, alcohol, smoking and drones are not permitted, which helps keep the atmosphere calm. An hour is enough for a relaxed walk, longer if you stop to eat.

It suits families, couples and anyone needing a break from city noise, and the foundation also offers guided and school visits. The entrance is on Avenida Casares 3500, between Avenida Berro and Avenida del Libertador, and MALBA is also on Avenida Figueroa Alcorta, which borders the garden, so the two make an easy pairing.