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  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Ishidoro lanterns are usually used to decorate Japanese gardens, shrines and temples rather than for providing light, although occasionally they are lit up with candles inside during festivals.   Ishidoro Lanterns were introduced to Japan via China in the 6th century.  The earliest lanterns, found only in temple grounds, were designed to hold the flame representing Buddha.  Light  helps us overcome the darkness of ignorance. Ishidoro were originally used at temples, gardens and shrines.  Around the 16th century stone lanterns were adopted and placed in the gardens of teahouses. The garden itself is a forest pond style garden designed by Nishimura, a Kyoto artist, which took 10 years to complete.  Its pond is in the shape of a heart.
    kodaira-shosenji-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-6.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-7.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
  • 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-18.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
  • Eirinji Pagoda - Eirinji or Eirinji Jokoden Temple located in Shimo-Yugi in Hachioji Tokyo.  The temple is selected as one of Hachioji Hachiji-Hakkei 88 Scenic Places in Hachioji.   Eirinji is a temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The main object of worship is Dakini Sonten.  Passing through the three gates of Somon, Romon and Suzakumon, you will reach the main hall. On a hill behind the main hall is the ruin of Oishi Sadahisa‘s old residence, as well as a magnificent dry zen garden that is rarely open to the public but can be seen from the corner of the main temple building. The temple is attributed to Oishi Sadahisa, a powerful warrior in the Warring States period 1493-1573. When Sadahisa moved to Takiyama Castle with which the temple is associated, he founded Eirinji here. Later when Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to the Kanto region, he praised the grove in the precinct of this temple.  Surrounding the temple grounds are hills planted with various types of shrubs, including azaleas that bloom in spring with color
    hachioji-eirinji-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-9.jpg
  • Shizuoka Tea Museum Garden - Tea Ceremony House Shoumokurou and Japanese Garden - The tea ceremony house Shoumokurou and its adjacent Japanese garden are recreations of buildings and gardens designed by the tea master Kobori Enshu. Enshu was famous for establishing the kirei-sabi style of tea ceremony, following the legacy of tea masters Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. The garden is a reproduction of the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, Sento Gosho in Kyoto as it was in the seventeenth century. Before entering the teahouse you visitors cross a wooden bridge, a transition between the modern buildings of the museum and the past.
    Shizuoka-Tea-Museum-Garden-6.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-15.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 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-02.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
  • 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-5.jpg
  • Eirinji or Eirinji Jokoden Temple located in Shimo-Yugi in Hachioji Tokyo.  The temple is selected as one of Hachioji Hachiji-Hakkei 88 Scenic Places in Hachioji.   Eirinji is a temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The main object of worship is Dakini Sonten.  Passing through the three gates of Somon, Romon and Suzakumon, you will reach the main hall. On a hill behind the main hall is the ruin of Oishi Sadahisa‘s old residence, as well as a magnificent dry zen garden that is rarely open to the public but can be seen from the corner of the main temple building. The temple is attributed to Oishi Sadahisa, a powerful warrior in the Warring States period 1493-1573. When Sadahisa moved to Takiyama Castle with which the temple is associated, he founded Eirinji here. Later when Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to the Kanto region, he praised the grove in the precinct of this temple.  Surrounding the temple grounds are hills planted with various types of shrubs, including azaleas that bloom in spring with color
    hachioji-eirinji-7.jpg
  • Eirinji Pagoda - Eirinji or Eirinji Jokoden Temple located in Shimo-Yugi in Hachioji Tokyo.  The temple is selected as one of Hachioji Hachiji-Hakkei 88 Scenic Places in Hachioji.   Eirinji is a temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The main object of worship is Dakini Sonten.  Passing through the three gates of Somon, Romon and Suzakumon, you will reach the main hall. On a hill behind the main hall is the ruin of Oishi Sadahisa‘s old residence, as well as a magnificent dry zen garden that is rarely open to the public but can be seen from the corner of the main temple building. The temple is attributed to Oishi Sadahisa, a powerful warrior in the Warring States period 1493-1573. When Sadahisa moved to Takiyama Castle with which the temple is associated, he founded Eirinji here. Later when Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to the Kanto region, he praised the grove in the precinct of this temple.  Surrounding the temple grounds are hills planted with various types of shrubs, including azaleas that bloom in spring with color
    hachioji-eirinji-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-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
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-5.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-3.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Wooden Bas Relief - Ioji Temple has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple.  Ioji Temple gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. There is a small garden in front of the main hall, just after the intricately carved wooden bas releif entrance gates, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-bas-relief.jpg
  • Shizuoka Tea Museum Garden - Tea Ceremony House Shoumokurou and Japanese Garden - The tea ceremony house Shoumokurou and its adjacent Japanese garden are recreations of buildings and gardens designed by the tea master Kobori Enshu. Enshu was famous for establishing the kirei-sabi style of tea ceremony, following the legacy of tea masters Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. The garden is a reproduction of the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, Sento Gosho in Kyoto as it was in the seventeenth century. Before entering the teahouse you visitors cross a wooden bridge, a transition between the modern buildings of the museum and the past.
    Shizuoka-Tea-Museum-Garden-9.jpg
  • Shizuoka Tea Museum Garden - Tea Ceremony House Shoumokurou and Japanese Garden - The tea ceremony house Shoumokurou and its adjacent Japanese garden are recreations of buildings and gardens designed by the tea master Kobori Enshu. Enshu was famous for establishing the kirei-sabi style of tea ceremony, following the legacy of tea masters Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. The garden is a reproduction of the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, Sento Gosho in Kyoto as it was in the seventeenth century. Before entering the teahouse you visitors cross a wooden bridge, a transition between the modern buildings of the museum and the past.
    Shizuoka-Tea-Museum-Garden-7.jpg
  • Shizuoka Tea Museum Garden - Tea Ceremony House Shoumokurou and Japanese Garden - The tea ceremony house Shoumokurou and its adjacent Japanese garden are recreations of buildings and gardens designed by the tea master Kobori Enshu. Enshu was famous for establishing the kirei-sabi style of tea ceremony, following the legacy of tea masters Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. The garden is a reproduction of the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, Sento Gosho in Kyoto as it was in the seventeenth century. Before entering the teahouse you visitors cross a wooden bridge, a transition between the modern buildings of the museum and the past.
    Shizuoka-Tea-Museum-Garden-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-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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Shosenji Temple was made by Ogawa Kuro, who developed Ogawa Village along Ome Kaido Road in the Edo period.  The waterway stream of Tamagawajosui that has been used as the water of the village life is part of the temple in the form of a small pond.. The garden is known as "The Village of Runaway Water”.  In this unique garden, shrubs have been sculpted around massive stones throughout the garden, with stone pagodas and 33 Kannon statues.  Although the temple grounds and garden are not well maintained, nevertheless,  it is one of the most unique Japanese gardens in the Tokyo area and well worth visiting, especially in spring when azaleas are in bloom.  The weeds and tasteless sculptures need to be overlooked, but the original garden masterful design is its high point.   The temple itself was destroyed in 1819 and again in 1898 but was rebuilt both times.  The temple structures were remodeled in 1916 and again in 1999.
    kodaira-shosenji-1.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-9.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-4.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-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-02.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Eirinji or Eirinji Jokoden Temple located in Shimo-Yugi in Hachioji Tokyo.  The temple is selected as one of Hachioji Hachiji-Hakkei 88 Scenic Places in Hachioji.   Eirinji is a temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The main object of worship is Dakini Sonten.  Passing through the three gates of Somon, Romon and Suzakumon, you will reach the main hall. On a hill behind the main hall is the ruin of Oishi Sadahisa‘s old residence, as well as a magnificent dry zen garden that is rarely open to the public but can be seen from the corner of the main temple building. The temple is attributed to Oishi Sadahisa, a powerful warrior in the Warring States period 1493-1573. When Sadahisa moved to Takiyama Castle with which the temple is associated, he founded Eirinji here. Later when Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to the Kanto region, he praised the grove in the precinct of this temple.  Surrounding the temple grounds are hills planted with various types of shrubs, including azaleas that bloom in spring with color
    hachioji-eirinji-1.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 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
  • Shizuoka Tea Museum Garden - Tea Ceremony House Shoumokurou and Japanese Garden - The tea ceremony house Shoumokurou and its adjacent Japanese garden are recreations of buildings and gardens designed by the tea master Kobori Enshu. Enshu was famous for establishing the kirei-sabi style of tea ceremony, following the legacy of tea masters Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. The garden is a reproduction of the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, Sento Gosho in Kyoto as it was in the seventeenth century. Before entering the teahouse you visitors cross a wooden bridge, a transition between the modern buildings of the museum and the past.
    Shizuoka-Tea-Museum-Garden-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
  • 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-17.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-08.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
  • 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
  • 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-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-3.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
  • 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
  • Ishidoro lanterns are usually used to decorate Japanese gardens, shrines and temples rather than for providing light, although occasionally they are lit up with candles inside during festivals.   Ishidoro Lanterns were introduced to Japan via China in the 6th century.  The earliest lanterns, found only in temple grounds, were designed to hold the flame representing Buddha.  Light  helps us overcome the darkness of ignorance. Ishidoro were originally used at temples, gardens and shrines.  Around the 16th century stone lanterns were adopted and placed in the gardens of teahouses. The garden itself is a forest pond style garden designed by Nishimura, a Kyoto artist, which took 10 years to complete.  Its pond is in the shape of a heart.
    kodaira-shosenji-4.jpg
  • Shosenji Temple was made by Ogawa Kuro, who developed Ogawa Village along Ome Kaido Road in the Edo period.  The waterway stream of Tamagawajosui that has been used as the water of the village life is part of the temple in the form of a small pond.. The garden is known as "The Village of Runaway Water”.  In this unique garden, shrubs have been sculpted around massive stones throughout the garden, with stone pagodas and 33 Kannon statues.  Although the temple grounds and garden are not well maintained, nevertheless,  it is one of the most unique Japanese gardens in the Tokyo area and well worth visiting, especially in spring when azaleas are in bloom.  The weeds and tasteless sculptures need to be overlooked, but the original garden masterful design is its high point.   The temple itself was destroyed in 1819 and again in 1898 but was rebuilt both times.  The temple structures were remodeled in 1916 and again in 1999.
    kodaira-shosenji-2.jpg
  • Eirinji or Eirinji Jokoden Temple located in Shimo-Yugi in Hachioji Tokyo.  The temple is selected as one of Hachioji Hachiji-Hakkei 88 Scenic Places in Hachioji.   Eirinji is a temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The main object of worship is Dakini Sonten.  Passing through the three gates of Somon, Romon and Suzakumon, you will reach the main hall. On a hill behind the main hall is the ruin of Oishi Sadahisa‘s old residence, as well as a magnificent dry zen garden that is rarely open to the public but can be seen from the corner of the main temple building. The temple is attributed to Oishi Sadahisa, a powerful warrior in the Warring States period 1493-1573. When Sadahisa moved to Takiyama Castle with which the temple is associated, he founded Eirinji here. Later when Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to the Kanto region, he praised the grove in the precinct of this temple.  Surrounding the temple grounds are hills planted with various types of shrubs, including azaleas that bloom in spring with color
    hachioji-eirinji-4.jpg
  • Eirinji or Eirinji Jokoden Temple located in Shimo-Yugi in Hachioji Tokyo.  The temple is selected as one of Hachioji Hachiji-Hakkei 88 Scenic Places in Hachioji.   Eirinji is a temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The main object of worship is Dakini Sonten.  Passing through the three gates of Somon, Romon and Suzakumon, you will reach the main hall. On a hill behind the main hall is the ruin of Oishi Sadahisa‘s old residence, as well as a magnificent dry zen garden that is rarely open to the public but can be seen from the corner of the main temple building. The temple is attributed to Oishi Sadahisa, a powerful warrior in the Warring States period 1493-1573. When Sadahisa moved to Takiyama Castle with which the temple is associated, he founded Eirinji here. Later when Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to the Kanto region, he praised the grove in the precinct of this temple.  Surrounding the temple grounds are hills planted with various types of shrubs, including azaleas that bloom in spring with color
    hachioji-eirinji-6.jpg
  • Eirinji or Eirinji Jokoden Temple located in Shimo-Yugi in Hachioji Tokyo.  The temple is selected as one of Hachioji Hachiji-Hakkei 88 Scenic Places in Hachioji.   Eirinji is a temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The main object of worship is Dakini Sonten.  Passing through the three gates of Somon, Romon and Suzakumon, you will reach the main hall. On a hill behind the main hall is the ruin of Oishi Sadahisa‘s old residence, as well as a magnificent dry zen garden that is rarely open to the public but can be seen from the corner of the main temple building. The temple is attributed to Oishi Sadahisa, a powerful warrior in the Warring States period 1493-1573. When Sadahisa moved to Takiyama Castle with which the temple is associated, he founded Eirinji here. Later when Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to the Kanto region, he praised the grove in the precinct of this temple.  Surrounding the temple grounds are hills planted with various types of shrubs, including azaleas that bloom in spring with color
    hachioji-eirinji-5.jpg
  • Eirinji or Eirinji Jokoden Temple located in Shimo-Yugi in Hachioji Tokyo.  The temple is selected as one of Hachioji Hachiji-Hakkei 88 Scenic Places in Hachioji.   Eirinji is a temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The main object of worship is Dakini Sonten.  Passing through the three gates of Somon, Romon and Suzakumon, you will reach the main hall. On a hill behind the main hall is the ruin of Oishi Sadahisa‘s old residence, as well as a magnificent dry zen garden that is rarely open to the public but can be seen from the corner of the main temple building. The temple is attributed to Oishi Sadahisa, a powerful warrior in the Warring States period 1493-1573. When Sadahisa moved to Takiyama Castle with which the temple is associated, he founded Eirinji here. Later when Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to the Kanto region, he praised the grove in the precinct of this temple.  Surrounding the temple grounds are hills planted with various types of shrubs, including azaleas that bloom in spring with color
    hachioji-eirinji-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 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-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 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-7.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-8.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-2.jpg
  • Shizuoka Tea Museum Garden - Tea Ceremony House Shoumokurou and Japanese Garden - The tea ceremony house Shoumokurou and its adjacent Japanese garden are recreations of buildings and gardens designed by the tea master Kobori Enshu. Enshu was famous for establishing the kirei-sabi style of tea ceremony, following the legacy of tea masters Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. The garden is a reproduction of the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, Sento Gosho in Kyoto as it was in the seventeenth century. Before entering the teahouse you visitors cross a wooden bridge, a transition between the modern buildings of the museum and the past.
    Shizuoka-Tea-Museum-Garden-8.jpg
  • Shizuoka Tea Museum Garden - Tea Ceremony House Shoumokurou and Japanese Garden - The tea ceremony house Shoumokurou and its adjacent Japanese garden are recreations of buildings and gardens designed by the tea master Kobori Enshu. Enshu was famous for establishing the kirei-sabi style of tea ceremony, following the legacy of tea masters Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. The garden is a reproduction of the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, Sento Gosho in Kyoto as it was in the seventeenth century. Before entering the teahouse you visitors cross a wooden bridge, a transition between the modern buildings of the museum and the past.
    Shizuoka-Tea-Museum-Garden-5.jpg
  • Shizuoka Tea Museum Garden - Tea Ceremony House Shoumokurou and Japanese Garden - The tea ceremony house Shoumokurou and its adjacent Japanese garden are recreations of buildings and gardens designed by the tea master Kobori Enshu. Enshu was famous for establishing the kirei-sabi style of tea ceremony, following the legacy of tea masters Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. The garden is a reproduction of the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, Sento Gosho in Kyoto as it was in the seventeenth century. Before entering the teahouse you visitors cross a wooden bridge, a transition between the modern buildings of the museum and the past.
    Shizuoka-Tea-Museum-Garden-3.jpg
  • Shizuoka Tea Museum Garden - Tea Ceremony House Shoumokurou and Japanese Garden - The tea ceremony house Shoumokurou and its adjacent Japanese garden are recreations of buildings and gardens designed by the tea master Kobori Enshu. Enshu was famous for establishing the kirei-sabi style of tea ceremony, following the legacy of tea masters Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. The garden is a reproduction of the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, Sento Gosho in Kyoto as it was in the seventeenth century. Before entering the teahouse you visitors cross a wooden bridge, a transition between the modern buildings of the museum and the past.
    Shizuoka-Tea-Museum-Garden-1.jpg