The garden was inaugurated in 1983 as a physical manifestation of the friendship between Porto Alegre and the Shiga Prefecture.
It is one of the few places in Brazil designed following authentic 'kare-sansui' (dry landscape) and pond-style Japanese garden aesthetics.
The garden contains a specific area designated for a traditional stone lantern, or 'toro', which is a central piece in Japanese garden architecture.
The plant selection includes species like azaleas and cherry trees that are carefully pruned to reflect seasonal changes according to Japanese horticultural practices.
Praça Província de Shiga is a Japanese-style garden in Porto Alegre, created to commemorate the sister-city relationship between the state of Rio Grande do Sul and Shiga Prefecture in Japan. The park features traditional elements including a stone lantern, a dry riverbed, and a pond populated by koi fish. The landscape design emphasizes concepts of Zen, utilizing stone arrangements, bridges, and specific botanical selections like cherry blossoms. It serves as a green oasis within the urban Passo d'Areia district. The space is maintained through a collaborative effort between the local government and the Japanese-Brazilian community. The site occupies approximately 11,000 square meters of land. It functions as both a recreational space and a cultural monument dedicated to the Japanese immigrant legacy in Brazil.
The red wooden bridge crossing the central pond provides the most iconic perspective of the garden's layout.
Bring insect repellent as the pond area can attract mosquitoes, especially in late afternoon.
Visit during the spring months to witness the cherry blossoms in bloom, which significantly enhances the aesthetic of the garden.
The park is relatively small; it is best paired with a visit to other nearby green spaces in Porto Alegre if planning a full-day itinerary.
Avoid feeding the koi fish or other wildlife in the pond, as this disrupts the local ecosystem and water maintenance.
