Javi C.
Google
After an overnight flight and barely any sleep, we needed sunlight and something low-key to kick off our Buenos Aires trip. The Japanese Garden in Palermo fit the bill perfectly: conveniently located near Recoleta, San Telmo, and Palermo, it’s an easy add-on to any first-day itinerary.
The good:
• Medium sized – you can easily spend 1–2 hours wandering the paths, bridges, and koi ponds.
• Genuine cultural effort – exhibits on Japanese immigration to Argentina were thoughtful and well-curated. We even caught a live judo demonstration by a local dojo, which added authentic energy.
• Lively atmosphere – packed with locals and tourists alike, it felt like a community space, not just a checklist stop.
• reasonably priced
The not-so-good:
• Some elements felt inauthentic or caricatured. My Japanese wife cringed at the geisha wood carving – more kitsch than cultural. Creative license is fine, but this missed the mark.
• The main lake was murky and swamp-like, a stark contrast to the pristine water features in traditional Japanese gardens. A little maintenance would go a long way.
Verdict:
Not a must-see, but a solid, relaxing addition to any Buenos Aires trip – especially if you enjoy gardens, need a calm green space, or want a budget-friendly cultural detour. Worth 1–2 hours, particularly on a sunny afternoon. Just temper expectations on authenticity and water clarity.
