Following the demolition of a similar, smaller garden in the
Retiro area, the Japanese Argentine Cultural Foundation secured a title to on the northeast corner of the city's extensive
Parque Tres de Febrero for the purpose of creating a replacement. Completed in 1967, the gardens were inaugurated on occasion of a State visit to Argentina by then-Crown Prince
Akihito and Princess
Michiko of Japan. Its entrance on
Figueroa Alcorta Avenue led to the gardens, a cultural center, restaurant, a
greenhouse known for its collection of
bonsai trees and a gift shop featuring an extensive selection of Asian garden seeds, as well as craftwork made by artisans on the grounds. The central lake is crossed by the Divine Bridge, traditionally representing entry into Heaven and by the Truncated Bridge, leading to an island where Japanese medicinal herbs are grown. The lake is surrounded by
flora of Japan, such as
sakura,
katsura,
momiji and
azalea. The park, however, also features complementing species native to
South America, notably
tipa and
floss silk trees. The lake itself is populated with
carp. Small numbers of epiphytic bromeliads of genus Tillandsia can be seen as well as one orchid of the widespread and diverse genus Oncidium. The park is also graced by a
Japanese Peace Bell and a large
ishidoro (石灯ろう Japanese stone lanterns central to their
Buddhist traditions), as well as numerous other
granite sculptures. A Japanese
Buddhist Temple is maintained on the grounds and the Institute also hosts regular cultural activities for the general public.
Alfred Zucker designed an open-air theatre for the park. ==See also==