Asia Images / John Lander Photography

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Books
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
61 images found
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-8.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams.  The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-5.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-4.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-9.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams.  The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-10.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-6.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and screams.  The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-3.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-7.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-2.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-11.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-1.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-15.jpg
  • Saikyoji Hyakuden Teien Garden  - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-04.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-14.jpg
  • Saikyoji Hyakuden Teien Garden  - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-02.jpg
  • Enman-in Monzeki Garden - Enman-in Monzeki is a temple of the Imperial Family located in Otsu, Shiga created in memorial to Mizuko. Mii-no-Meien garden has a pond as its focus, with two islands called Tsurushima and Kameshima.  The garden is believed to have been designed by Soami, renowned garden designer, artist and painter in servicee to the Ashikaga shogunate.  Mii-no-Meien Garden is listed by the Japanese government as an Important Cultural Asset.
    enmanin-5.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-19.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-18.jpg
  • Kyu-Chikurin-in Garden is famous for its traditional tea-ceremony houses and arbor all of which has been designated as a cultural asset of Otsu City.  The garden is composed of a river stream, stones, trees and moss which collectively reperesents nature.  The buildings and garden were once a Satobo - monks retirement villa -  many temple compounds in Sakamoto are of these satobo but most are not open to the public. Chikarin-in was once a temple but became a venue for tea ceremony, and even today has two rare teahouses that have been the venue for famous tea ceremony events in history. The teahouses can be seen in the strolling garden
    kyu-chikurin-in-2.jpg
  • Kyu-Chikurin-in Garden is famous for its traditional tea-ceremony houses and arbor all of which has been designated as a cultural asset of Otsu City.  The garden is composed of a river stream, stones, trees and moss which collectively reperesents nature.  The buildings and garden were once a Satobo - monks retirement villa -  many temple compounds in Sakamoto are of these satobo but most are not open to the public. Chikarin-in was once a temple but became a venue for tea ceremony, and even today has two rare teahouses that have been the venue for famous tea ceremony events in history. The teahouses can be seen in the strolling garden
    kyu-chikurin-in-4.jpg
  • Seianji Temple Garden - The main hall was built in the early Edo period and deisgnated as a cultural asset by Otsu City, the guest palace is a nationally designated cultural asset.  Like most temples in the region of Enraykuji these Sakamoto sub-temples were set up as retirement venues  known as Satobo for venerated monks. Its main garden is called Yakusansui, designed and built in the early Edo period, composed of white sand, satsuki, azaleas and stones. Its hedge has been integrated into the garden. Although its designer is unknown, there are a number of Kobori Enshu gardens in the near area and so it is thought that he may have designed this garden as well although there is no proof of this.
    seianji-1.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-08.jpg
  • Enman-in Monzeki Garden - Enman-in Monzeki is a temple of the Imperial Family located in Otsu, Shiga created in memorial to Mizuko. Mii-no-Meien garden has a pond as its focus, with two islands called Tsurushima and Kameshima.  The garden is believed to have been designed by Soami, renowned garden designer, artist and painter in servicee to the Ashikaga shogunate.  Mii-no-Meien Garden is listed by the Japanese government as an Important Cultural Asset.
    enmanin-1.jpg
  • Anrakuji Temple Garden - Nagahama - Anrakuji Garden was once the domain of a villa owned by the Fujiwara clan.  Its pond garden contains the requisite crane and tortoise islands, and is said to have been designed by Kokushi.  Its small pond simulates Lake Biwa which is nearby.  Others contend that the garden was constructed during the Edo Period. Either way, the original garden was destroyed by fires and other forms of devastation, therefore the present garden is a remodeled version of its former design.
    anrakuji-nagahama-03.jpg
  • Seianji Temple Garden - The main hall was built in the early Edo period and deisgnated as a cultural asset by Otsu City, the guest palace is a nationally designated cultural asset.  Like most temples in the region of Enraykuji these Sakamoto sub-temples were set up as retirement venues  known as Satobo for venerated monks. Its main garden is called Yakusansui, designed and built in the early Edo period, composed of white sand, satsuki, azaleas and stones. Its hedge has been integrated into the garden. Although its designer is unknown, there are a number of Kobori Enshu gardens in the near area and so it is thought that he may have designed this garden as well although there is no proof of this.
    seianji-4.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-10.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-07.jpg
  • Hyozu Taisha Shrine Garden - It is said that Hyozu Taisha Shrine in Shiga was founded during the Nara period. its name literally means “the master of soldiers” it had been worshipped by the Imperial Court and the warrior class. It is said to have been dedicated by Ashikaga Takauji and the Japanese ink writing on a rafter shows that it was constructed in 1550 and is prefecturally designated as a tangible cultural property. The shrine’s magnificent garden was constructed during the Heian period and is considered to be a pond-strolling garden. The ground covered with a moss carpet is especially vibrant during the rainy season.
    hyozu-taisha-garden-3.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-16.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-12.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-09.jpg
  • Saikyoji Hyakuden Teien Garden  - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-01.jpg
  • Kyu-Chikurin-in Garden is famous for its traditional tea-ceremony houses and arbor all of which has been designated as a cultural asset of Otsu City.  The garden is composed of a river stream, stones, trees and moss which collectively reperesents nature.  The buildings and garden were once a Satobo - monks retirement villa -  many temple compounds in Sakamoto are of these satobo but most are not open to the public. Chikarin-in was once a temple but became a venue for tea ceremony, and even today has two rare teahouses that have been the venue for famous tea ceremony events in history. The teahouses can be seen in the strolling garden
    kyu-chikurin-in.jpg
  • Hyozu Taisha Shrine Garden - It is said that Hyozu Taisha Shrine in Shiga was founded during the Nara period. its name literally means “the master of soldiers” it had been worshipped by the Imperial Court and the warrior class. It is said to have been dedicated by Ashikaga Takauji and the Japanese ink writing on a rafter shows that it was constructed in 1550 and is prefecturally designated as a tangible cultural property. The shrine’s magnificent garden was constructed during the Heian period and is considered to be a pond-strolling garden. The ground covered with a moss carpet is especially vibrant during the rainy season.
    hyozu-taisha-garden-4.jpg
  • Hieizan Ritsuin Temple Garden, has  been designated as a national scenic spot, but it is usually private and not open to the public except during special exhibition periods. The gardens are made up of a small zen dry karesansui garden by the entrance, mossy pathways with dry stream elements in the central garden as well as a large carp pond adjacent.
    hieizan-ritsuin-5.jpg
  • Enman-in Monzeki Garden - Enman-in Monzeki is a temple of the Imperial Family located in Otsu, Shiga created in memorial to Mizuko. Mii-no-Meien garden has a pond as its focus, with two islands called Tsurushima and Kameshima.  The garden is believed to have been designed by Soami, renowned garden designer, artist and painter in servicee to the Ashikaga shogunate.  Mii-no-Meien Garden is listed by the Japanese government as an Important Cultural Asset.
    enmanin-6.jpg
  • Enman-in Monzeki Garden - Enman-in Monzeki is a temple of the Imperial Family located in Otsu, Shiga created in memorial to Mizuko. Mii-no-Meien garden has a pond as its focus, with two islands called Tsurushima and Kameshima.  The garden is believed to have been designed by Soami, renowned garden designer, artist and painter in servicee to the Ashikaga shogunate.  Mii-no-Meien Garden is listed by the Japanese government as an Important Cultural Asset.
    enmanin-3.jpg
  • Shigain Monzeki Garden -  Shigain Monzeki was once Sakamoto’s main satobo residence for retired monks of Enryakuji temple where monks of imperial blood resided. Shigain Monzeki has been preserved, including its garden out behind the main hall composed of a small pond with a stone festooned hillside as backdrop.. The garden was designed by Kobori Enshu.  This is the main residence of Enryaku-ji Temple where the head monks stayed over the years. The stone walls surrounding it give the appearance of a castle.
    shigain-monzeki-2.jpg
  • Saikyoji Hyakuden Teien Garden  - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-03.jpg
  • Hyozu Taisha Shrine  Gate - It is said that Hyozu Taisha Shrine in Shiga was founded during the Nara period. its name literally means “the master of soldiers” it had been worshipped by the Imperial Court and the warrior class. It is said to have been dedicated by Ashikaga Takauji and the Japanese ink writing on a rafter shows that it was constructed in 1550 and is prefecturally designated as a tangible cultural property. The shrine’s magnificent garden was constructed during the Heian period and is considered to be a pond-strolling garden. The ground covered with a moss carpet is especially vibrant during the rainy season.
    hyozu-taisha-garden-1.jpg
  • Hieizan Ritsuin Temple Garden, has  been designated as a national scenic spot, but it is usually private and not open to the public except during special exhibition periods. The gardens are made up of a small zen dry karesansui garden by the entrance, mossy pathways with dry stream elements in the central garden as well as a large carp pond adjacent.
    hieizan-ritsuin-3.jpg
  • Seianji Temple Garden - The main hall was built in the early Edo period and deisgnated as a cultural asset by Otsu City, the guest palace is a nationally designated cultural asset.  Like most temples in the region of Enraykuji these Sakamoto sub-temples were set up as retirement venues  known as Satobo for venerated monks. Its main garden is called Yakusansui, designed and built in the early Edo period, composed of white sand, satsuki, azaleas and stones. Its hedge has been integrated into the garden. Although its designer is unknown, there are a number of Kobori Enshu gardens in the near area and so it is thought that he may have designed this garden as well although there is no proof of this.
    seianji-2.jpg
  • Anrakuji Temple Garden - Nagahama - Anrakuji Garden was once the domain of a villa owned by the Fujiwara clan.  Its pond garden contains the requisite crane and tortoise islands, and is said to have been designed by Kokushi.  Its small pond simulates Lake Biwa which is nearby.  Others contend that the garden was constructed during the Edo Period. Either way, the original garden was destroyed by fires and other forms of devastation, therefore the present garden is a remodeled version of its former design.
    anrakuji-nagahama-01.jpg
  • Shigain Monzeki Garden -  Shigain Monzeki was once Sakamoto’s main satobo residence for retired monks of Enryakuji temple where monks of imperial blood resided. Shigain Monzeki has been preserved, including its garden out behind the main hall composed of a small pond with a stone festooned hillside as backdrop.. The garden was designed by Kobori Enshu.  This is the main residence of Enryaku-ji Temple where the head monks stayed over the years. The stone walls surrounding it give the appearance of a castle.
    shigain-monzeki-1.jpg
  • Seianji Temple Garden - The main hall was built in the early Edo period and deisgnated as a cultural asset by Otsu City, the guest palace is a nationally designated cultural asset.  Like most temples in the region of Enraykuji these Sakamoto sub-temples were set up as retirement venues  known as Satobo for venerated monks. Its main garden is called Yakusansui, designed and built in the early Edo period, composed of white sand, satsuki, azaleas and stones. Its hedge has been integrated into the garden. Although its designer is unknown, there are a number of Kobori Enshu gardens in the near area and so it is thought that he may have designed this garden as well although there is no proof of this.
    seianji-3.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-11.jpg
  • Kyu-Chikurin-in Garden is famous for its traditional tea-ceremony houses and arbor all of which has been designated as a cultural asset of Otsu City.  The garden is composed of a river stream, stones, trees and moss which collectively reperesents nature.  The buildings and garden were once a Satobo - monks retirement villa -  many temple compounds in Sakamoto are of these satobo but most are not open to the public. Chikarin-in was once a temple but became a venue for tea ceremony, and even today has two rare teahouses that have been the venue for famous tea ceremony events in history. The teahouses can be seen in the strolling garden
    kyu-chikurin-in-3.jpg
  • Hyozu Taisha Shrine Garden - It is said that Hyozu Taisha Shrine in Shiga was founded during the Nara period. its name literally means “the master of soldiers” it had been worshipped by the Imperial Court and the warrior class. It is said to have been dedicated by Ashikaga Takauji and the Japanese ink writing on a rafter shows that it was constructed in 1550 and is prefecturally designated as a tangible cultural property. The shrine’s magnificent garden was constructed during the Heian period and is considered to be a pond-strolling garden. The ground covered with a moss carpet is especially vibrant during the rainy season.
    hyozu-taisha-garden-2.jpg
  • Hieizan Ritsuin Temple Garden, has  been designated as a national scenic spot, but it is usually private and not open to the public except during special exhibition periods. The gardens are made up of a small zen dry karesansui garden by the entrance, mossy pathways with dry stream elements in the central garden as well as a large carp pond adjacent.
    hieizan-ritsuin-1.jpg
  • Hieizan Ritsuin Temple Garden, has  been designated as a national scenic spot, but it is usually private and not open to the public except during special exhibition periods. The gardens are made up of a small zen dry karesansui garden by the entrance, mossy pathways with dry stream elements in the central garden as well as a large carp pond adjacent.
    hieizan-ritsuin-2.jpg
  • Enman-in Monzeki Garden - Enman-in Monzeki is a temple of the Imperial Family located in Otsu, Shiga created in memorial to Mizuko. Mii-no-Meien garden has a pond as its focus, with two islands called Tsurushima and Kameshima.  The garden is believed to have been designed by Soami, renowned garden designer, artist and painter in servicee to the Ashikaga shogunate.  Mii-no-Meien Garden is listed by the Japanese government as an Important Cultural Asset.
    enmanin-4.jpg
  • Anrakuji Temple Garden - Nagahama - Anrakuji Garden was once the domain of a villa owned by the Fujiwara clan.  Its pond garden contains the requisite crane and tortoise islands, and is said to have been designed by Kokushi.  Its small pond simulates Lake Biwa which is nearby.  Others contend that the garden was constructed during the Edo Period. Either way, the original garden was destroyed by fires and other forms of devastation, therefore the present garden is a remodeled version of its former design.
    anrakuji-nagahama-02.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-17.jpg
  • Saikyoji Hyakuden Teien Garden  - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-05.jpg
  • Hieizan Ritsuin Temple Garden, has  been designated as a national scenic spot, but it is usually private and not open to the public except during special exhibition periods. The gardens are made up of a small zen dry karesansui garden by the entrance, mossy pathways with dry stream elements in the central garden as well as a large carp pond adjacent.
    hieizan-ritsuin-7.jpg
  • Hieizan Ritsuin Temple Garden, has  been designated as a national scenic spot, but it is usually private and not open to the public except during special exhibition periods. The gardens are made up of a small zen dry karesansui garden by the entrance, mossy pathways with dry stream elements in the central garden as well as a large carp pond adjacent.
    hieizan-ritsuin-6.jpg
  • Enman-in Monzeki Garden - Enman-in Monzeki is a temple of the Imperial Family located in Otsu, Shiga created in memorial to Mizuko. Mii-no-Meien garden has a pond as its focus, with two islands called Tsurushima and Kameshima.  The garden is believed to have been designed by Soami, renowned garden designer, artist and painter in servicee to the Ashikaga shogunate.  Mii-no-Meien Garden is listed by the Japanese government as an Important Cultural Asset.
    enmanin-2.jpg
  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-13.jpg
  • Kyu-Chikurin-in Garden is famous for its traditional tea-ceremony houses and arbor all of which has been designated as a cultural asset of Otsu City.  The garden is composed of a river stream, stones, trees and moss which collectively reperesents nature.  The buildings and garden were once a Satobo - monks retirement villa -  many temple compounds in Sakamoto are of these satobo but most are not open to the public. Chikarin-in was once a temple but became a venue for tea ceremony, and even today has two rare teahouses that have been the venue for famous tea ceremony events in history. The teahouses can be seen in the strolling garden
    kyu-chikurin-in-1.jpg
  • Jigen-do temple honors the monk Tenkai Jigen, and is part of Shigain Monzeki Temple.  Jigendo is famous for its moss garden and large stone ishidoro lanterns.  - Shigain Monzeki was once Sakamoto’s main satobo residence for retired monks of Enryakuji temple where monks of imperial blood resided. Shigain Monzeki has been preserved, including its garden out behind the main hall composed of a small pond with a stone festooned hillside as backdrop.. The garden was designed by Kobori Enshu.  This is the main residence of Enryaku-ji Temple where the head monks stayed over the years. The stone walls surrounding it give the appearance of a castle.
    jigen-do-1.jpg
  • Hieizan Ritsuin Temple Garden, has  been designated as a national scenic spot, but it is usually private and not open to the public except during special exhibition periods. The gardens are made up of a small zen dry karesansui garden by the entrance, mossy pathways with dry stream elements in the central garden as well as a large carp pond adjacent.
    hieizan-ritsuin-4.jpg