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  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-03.jpg
  • Japanese Tea Garden at Kokoen - Kokoen Garden; Kokoen; koko-en; himeji castle garden; himeji garden; japanese stepping stones; tobi-ishi; tobi ishi; skipping stones; flying stones; exterior space; landscape; landscape architecture; idyllic; Tranquility; Simplicity; japanese landscape architecture; exterior space; no people; scenery; tranquil; tranquility; calm; natural light; calming; calmness; peacefulness; serenity; serene; nobody; Soujuan Tea House; Soujuan Teahouse
    koko-en-53.jpg
  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-01.jpg
  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-06.jpg
  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-02.jpg
  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-05.jpg
  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-04.jpg
  • Jisso-in Tsukabaim kakei, water basin, tsukubai, japanese basin, chozubachi, chozuya, temizuya, tsukubai, Japanese Water Basin, Tranquility;  Simplicity; serene, serenity, exterior space, nature, pattern, scenic, visual effect, no people, scenery, tranquil, tranquility, calm, historic sites, natural light, natural beauty, spirituality, simplicity, natural, landscapes, inspiration, inspiring, calming, calms, contemplative, meditative, mellow, peaceful, pleasant, beautiful, calmness,  idyllic, ideal, peacefulness, serenity, serene, nobody,
    tsukabai-60.jpg
  • Hakone Garden is the oldest Japanese garden in the Western Hemisphere. The garden is set in eighteen acres of in the hills of Saratoga overlooking Silicon Valley. Visitors to Hakone Garden can experience the calming effect of a Japanese garden in Northern California.
    hakone-garden-4.jpg
  • Hakone Garden is the oldest Japanese garden in the Western Hemisphere. The garden is set in eighteen acres of in the hills of Saratoga overlooking Silicon Valley. Visitors to Hakone Garden can experience the calming effect of a Japanese garden in Northern California.
    hakone-garden-1.jpg
  • Hakone Garden is the oldest Japanese garden in the Western Hemisphere. The garden is set in eighteen acres of in the hills of Saratoga overlooking Silicon Valley. Visitors to Hakone Garden can experience the calming effect of a Japanese garden in Northern California.
    hakone-garden-5.jpg
  • Kikugetsu-tei is a traditional Japanese sukiya teahouse, on the shores of Nanko South Pond, at Ritsurin, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-23.jpg
  • Ritsurin Pond Garden - Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-21.jpg
  • Ritsurin Pond Garden - Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-13.jpg
  • Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is one of Tokyo's oldest and most beautiful Japanese landscape gardens. It was built by close relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun in the early Edo Period..Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous landscapes from China and Japan in miniature, using a pond, stones, plants and a man made hill.
    koishikawa-korakuen-23.jpg
  • Ninomaru garden was designed by the famous landscape architect and tea master, Kobori Enshu. It is located between the two main rings of fortifications, next to the palace of the same name. The garden has a large pond with three islands and features numerous carefully placed stones and topiary pine trees.  Nijo Castle and its garden are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    ninomaru-7.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge at Ritsurin - a landscape garden in Takamatsu built by the local feudal lord during the Edo Period and considered one of the most esquisite gardens in Japan,  Ritsurin features ponds, hills and pavilions set in the woods which acts as background and a textbook example of borrowed scenery.
    ritsurin-garden-16.jpg
  • Kyoto Prefectural Guest House Garden - This small garden centers around a carp pond with an overlooking teahouse up on a hill in the background. There is a small waterfall that cascades into the pond from an artificial hill in the northeast corner. Natural stepping stones surround the pond, leading up to the teahouse. Both the garden and teahouse were designed and created by landscape architect Masuno Shunmyo.
    kyoto-prefecture-hall-garden-06.jpg
  • Kyoto Prefectural Guest House Garden - This small garden centers around a carp pond with an overlooking teahouse up on a hill in the background. There is a small waterfall that cascades into the pond from an artificial hill in the northeast corner. Natural stepping stones surround the pond, leading up to the teahouse. Both the garden and teahouse were designed and created by landscape architect Masuno Shunmyo.
    kyoto-prefecture-hall-garden-04.jpg
  • The official name is "Manmatsuyama Ryotanji Zen Temple has a long history, and it is said that Gyoki opened its predecessor, Jizo-ji, in 733 of the Nara period . The name Ryotanji is named after Naomori Ii .  the dry garden in front of the main hall Mt. Potalaka Garden is a relatively new garden created in the Heisei era. The front garden, because of its white sand shape it is popularly known locally as the Lake Hamana Garden.  The main pond-viewing garden on the north side of the main hall is a nationally designated scenic garden created by Kobori Enshu. According to the temple, it was built around 1630. The long horizontal pond is a Shin-ji pond, and the waterfall stone group is represented by a stone group that uses many azaleas, azaleas, and local chert stones in the artificial hill. 
    ryotan-ji-04.jpg
  • Kochiin Temple is best known for its beautiful crane and turtle garden. The unusually complex Zen garden is a perfectly tranquil escape. The main garden at Konchiin is known as the Crane and Turtle Garden. There are two islands that create the illusion of a crane and a tortoise facing each other best viewed from inside the main hall of the temple to appreciate this unusual layout. The Zen garden here is considered one of the best examples of shakkei borrowed scenery in Japan.
    konchi-in-4.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge at Ritsurin - a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan,  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-18.jpg
  • The Issa Soju Memorial Hall in Nagareyama commemorates Issa Kobayashi, a renowned Japanese haiku poet in the 18th and 19th centuries and Soju Akimoto, a brewer of mirin. Issa Kobayashi visited Nagareyama often to see Sanzaemon Akimoto whose pen name was Soju. The home of Akimoto family showcases the Sojutei outer garden, Issa-an dry garden. Sojutei was originally built as the library and study of the Akimotos in the style of a tea-ceremony house. It has been restored, and consists of Okunoma, Nakanoma and Ochanoma with verandas  facing east, west and south overlooking the dry garden.  Issa-an consists of an eight tatami-mat room and is used for tea ceremonies and gathering of haiku poets.  The Issa-Soju Memorial Hall opened in 1995 to commemorate <br />
the friendship and correspondence between Soju Akimoto and Issa Kobayashi.
    issa-sojo-10.jpg
  • Ritsurin Pond Garden - Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-11.jpg
  • The Adachi Museum of Art was based on the private collection of Zenko Adachi.  Adachi collected Japanese paintings, ceramics and scrolls.  Adachi himself was an aficionado of Japanese gardens and collected each pine tree and each stone for the garden himself from around Japan.   In this way he created a beautiful garden filled with his own vision and passion.  Adachi believed that Japanese gardens were "as beautiful as pictures” and even framed one of the gardens in one of the museums rooms as if it is a painting itself. Adachi Museum Garden has been selected as the best garden in Japan year after year since 2003, by the Journal of Japanese Gardens Shisai Project.
    adachi-garden-09.jpg
  • Ritsurin is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan,  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-garden-01.jpg
  • Ritsurin Pond Garden - a landscape garden in Takamatsu was built by  feudal lords during the Edo Period.  Ritsurin is considered to be one of the finest gardens in Japan, and features many pavilions, ponds, bridges and hills set beside wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and serves as an example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-garden-17.jpg
  • Ritsurin Pond Garden - Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-23.jpg
  • Ritsurin Pond Garden - Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-8.jpg
  • Kikugetsu-tei is a traditional Japanese sukiya teahouse, on the shores of Nanko South Pond, at Ritsurin, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-6.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-garden-02.jpg
  • Kikugetsu-tei is a traditional Japanese sukiya teahouse, on the shores of Nanko South Pond, at Ritsurin, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-19.jpg
  • The Hirakushi Denchu Art Museum Garden is both an unusual museum dedicated to one of Japan's masters of wood sculpture, Denchu Hirakushi.  The artworks are presented in his well preserved Japanese style home and garden where he lived in the last years of his life which provides insight into the harmony of his life and work that formed the background to his art. The gardens alone merits a visit, and are regularly used for tea ceremonies and other cultural activities. The front garden features the trunk of a camphor laurel tree, one of the largest and hardest varieties of wood.
    kodaira-1.jpg
  • The Hirakushi Denchu Art Museum Garden is both an unusual museum dedicated to one of Japan's masters of wood sculpture, Denchu Hirakushi.  The artworks are presented in his well preserved Japanese style home and garden where he lived in the last years of his life which provides insight into the harmony of his life and work that formed the background to his art. The gardens alone merits a visit, and are regularly used for tea ceremonies and other cultural activities. The front garden features the trunk of a camphor laurel tree, one of the largest and hardest varieties of wood.
    hirakush-denchu-museum-garden-2.jpg
  • Hinata-wada Riverside Garden - Ome City opened up this domain built by Tsukumo Teruyuki in the early Showa period as a riverside garden along the Tama River. Its tiny teahouse was built by local Ome craftsmen and designed by Kawarimaki Iriomoya.  Tsukumo had been involved in a member of the Japan House of Representatives during the Showa era, so many high-ranking government officials and famous people of the time have visited. One of the highlights of the teahouse is the delicate workmanship such as family crests and phoenix images.
    hinata-wada-garden-2.jpg
  • Shomyoji was built by Sanetoki Hojo during the Kamakura period, and was made the Hojo family temple of the Kanazawa area. The Jodo style garden with Ajiike Pond in front of the main temple is its most unique feature when considering the arched bridge. The temple's bell was portrayed in the woodblock print "Shomyo-no-Bansho," one of eight prints depicting views of Kanazawa by Hiroshige Utagawa.
    shomyo-ji-17.jpg
  • Shokokuji Temple Kaisando Garden - Shokoku-ji occupies a vast area of northern Kyoto with many sub-temples under its dominion. In addition to the main hall Hojo gardens, the Kaisando next door is really the showcase of Shokokuji gardens. The Kaisando front garden is dedicated to Muso Soseki a prominent figure in Japanese Buddhism and forerunner of Japanese garden design. The two tiered Ryubuchimizu-no- Niwa garden has white sand in the foreground and moss at the base of maple trees in back.  The Kaisando garden has been listed as a National Important Property by the Japanese government. 
    Shokokuji-Kaisando-Garden-3.jpg
  • Westin Kyoto Garden  - The Aoiden Garden and Kasuien Garden were created by the 7th generation of Ogawa Jihei Ueji and his son - 8th generation  - Ogawa Shirayo a landscape architect representing modern Kyoto.  Kasuien was renovated in 2020 by Hiroshi Nakamura.  Originally, Kasuien is where the villa Kiyoura of the Prime Minister Kiyoura Keigo in the Taisho era was built -  the garden was also created at the time of its construction. This is a pond garden that creates a stream by flowing water while making the best use of the natural bedrock and the unevenness of the rock wall.  Miyako Hotel is also close to Yamagata's villa. After the death of Kiyoura, it was donated to the Miyako Hotel, and the current Sukiya-style annex Kasuien was built by Togo Murano. The dry garden part of the white sand was added by Togo Murano.
    westin-kyoto-garden-1.jpg
  • Kyocera Museum Garden - the museum and garden were founded in 1933, occupying the large space of a product display facility that the city acquired. The pond garden behind the museum was designed and created by Ogawa Jihei,the 7th generation of this celebrated family of Japanese garden masters. In this Meiji period garden, the pond makes use of Lake Biwa Canal water and uses Higashiyama hills as a backdrop. 
    kyocera-garden-2.jpg
  • The official name is "Manmatsuyama Ryotanji Zen Temple has a long history, and it is said that Gyoki opened its predecessor, Jizo-ji, in 733 of the Nara period . The name Ryotanji is named after Naomori Ii .  the dry garden in front of the main hall Mt. Potalaka Garden is a relatively new garden created in the Heisei era. The front garden, because of its white sand shape it is popularly known locally as the Lake Hamana Garden.  The main pond-viewing garden on the north side of the main hall is a nationally designated scenic garden created by Kobori Enshu. According to the temple, it was built around 1630. The long horizontal pond is a Shin-ji pond, and the waterfall stone group is represented by a stone group that uses many azaleas, azaleas, and local chert stones in the artificial hill. 
    ryotan-ji-10.jpg
  • Eikan-do Zenrin-ji is a major temple east of Kyoto. Eikan-do was founded in 853 at the beginning of the Heian period by Shinjo. The first building was a simple training hall until Shinjo obtained permission from the Emperor to build a temple. Later the abbot Eikan, became the main priest consequently Zenrin-ji expanded significantly under his rule. The temple consists in various buildings arranged around Hojo Pond. Two of the unique features that can be found here are the small pagoda Taho-to located in the hill above the main temple halls, and the wooden staircase that leads to it Garyuro.  Eikan-do is at its best in autumn, when the maple trees of its front garden are brightly coloured.
    eikando-12.jpg
  • Mitsui Shimogamo Villa is a fine example of a classical residence of the Taisho era. The entrance is composed in the shoin-zukuri style and the main building has a tower on the third floor with views of the Kamo River, Higashiyama Hills and Mt Hiei. The garden contains a central pond in the shape of a gourd, a tea ceremony hut, and a moss garden adorned with a stone bridge that crosses the pond, stepping stones, stone lanterns, artificial hills and large stones punctuating the rest of the space. The villa was built by Hachiroemon Takamine, the head of the Mitsui clan, in 1925 for relatives visiting Shimogamo Shrine. Thanks to its well preserved condition, the villa was desiginated as an important cultural property of Japan. The Omoya main building whose biggest feature is the Boro watch tower is built within the beatiful garden, showing off the prosperity of the merchant in the old days. The Mitsui clan were a powerful business family that began trading during the Edo period and rose to become the richest family in Japan. Now the villa and gardens are open to the public.
    old-mitsui-2.jpg
  • Nanzenji Hojo Garden - Nanzenji Temple is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan and the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The Hojo is the former head priest's residence and Nanzenji's main hall. The Hojo is most famous for its dry rock karesansui garden whose rocks are said to resemble tigers and cubs crossing through water. Hojo Garden is a typical rock and sand garden built in the early Edo era. It features a wide, open space in front of a corner of green. It is said to be designed by Kobori Enshu, who was an expert at weaving perspective into his stone arrangements.  Besides its renowned karesansui garden, the hojo is in fact surrounded by smaller gardens.
    nanzenji-hojo-8.jpg
  • Kikugetsu-tei is a traditional Japanese sukiya teahouse, on the shores of Nanko South Pond, at Ritsurin, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-12.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-garden-10.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-garden-04.jpg
  • The Adachi Museum of Art was based on the private collection of Zenko Adachi.  Adachi collected Japanese paintings, ceramics and scrolls.  Adachi himself was an aficionado of Japanese gardens and collected each pine tree and each stone for the garden himself from around Japan.   In this way he created a beautiful garden filled with his own vision and passion.  Adachi believed that Japanese gardens were "as beautiful as pictures” and even framed one of the gardens in one of the museums rooms as if it is a painting itself. Adachi Museum Garden has been selected as the best garden in Japan year after year since 2003, by the Journal of Japanese Gardens Shisai Project.
    adachi-garden-12.jpg
  • The Adachi Museum of Art was based on the private collection of Zenko Adachi.  Adachi collected Japanese paintings, ceramics and scrolls.  Adachi himself was an aficionado of Japanese gardens and collected each pine tree and each stone for the garden himself from around Japan.   In this way he created a beautiful garden filled with his own vision and passion.  Adachi believed that Japanese gardens were "as beautiful as pictures” and even framed one of the gardens in one of the museums rooms as if it is a painting itself. Adachi Museum Garden has been selected as the best garden in Japan year after year since 2003, by the Journal of Japanese Gardens Shisai Project.
    adachi-garden-02.jpg
  • Ritsurin is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan,  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-garden-18.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge at Ritsurin - a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan,  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-4.jpg
  • The main garden at Bishamon-do is called Bansuien or sometimes Yushuien. The Benten Pond behind the main hall uses a natural water spring drawn from Mt Anshoji to create a waterfall in back and a pond in front. In the pond are two islands, and the pond is surrounded by maple trees, crepe myrtle and azaleas. A stone pagoda stands on one of the islands as an accent to the rest of the composition. 
    Bishamon-do-8.jpg
  • Shokokuji Temple Garden - Shokoku-ji occupies a vast area of northern Kyoto with many sub-temples under its dominion.  The main hall’s gardens  on the southern side, a large austere Omotesando Garden is composed only of white sand karesansui in the karesansui style, that does not prepare the visitor for the fabulous Urakata moss garden on the north side, that makes use of moss and a withered stream that brings depth to the whole and contrasts between dry stones and wet moss. 
    Shokokuji-Temple-Garden-1.jpg
  • Shogunzuka Seiryudan Dainichi-do Garden - one of the very finest in Kyoto, sits on top of Mt Higashiyama and is well known for its viewing deck of the city below. The Seiryuden garden is a strolling garden but with many twists and turns, leading the visitor down mossy pathways, past a Zen dry garden, the distant view of Mt Nishiyama, and a stunning view of Kyoto underneath it all. This vast undertaking, back in the Muromachi period, it is clear that this was a monumental undertaking given the resources of the times. The dry karesansui garden, a masterpiece of its kind, was created by Nakane Kinsaku.
    Shogunzuka-Seiryudan-Garden-07.jpg
  • Kyoto Prefectural Guest House Garden - This small garden centers around a carp pond with an overlooking teahouse up on a hill in the background. There is a small waterfall that cascades into the pond from an artificial hill in the northeast corner. Natural stepping stones surround the pond, leading up to the teahouse. Both the garden and teahouse were designed and created by landscape architect Masuno Shunmyo.
    kyoto-prefecture-hall-garden-10.jpg
  • The main garden at Bishamon-do is called Bansuien or sometimes Yushuien. The Benten Pond behind the main hall uses a natural water spring drawn from Mt Anshoji to create a waterfall in back and a pond in front. In the pond are two islands, and the pond is surrounded by maple trees, crepe myrtle and azaleas. A stone pagoda stands on one of the islands as an accent to the rest of the composition. 
    Bishamon-do-9.jpg
  • Daifukuji Treasure House Garden - Daifukuji is an ancient temple built in the Heian period, and is named as one of the Five Mountains of Hubei around Lake Hamana.The Ikezumi strolling garden, which was created during the Muromachi period is said to have been modified by Sohen Yamada , the founder of the Sohen Yamada school. The pond strolling garden, which also serves as an appreciation ceremony, was once called "Jodoen", and there are many water lilies in the pond named Fukusuke Pond.  During the cherry blossom season in late March or early April it is also a well known spot for viewing sakura.
    daifukuji-d-02.jpg
  • Manyo no Mori Park was developed because Hamakita City, a part of Hamamatsu, was related to Manyoshu and Manyo culture.  The ancient temple Fudoji which was build during the Nara period is adjacent to the site.  The Kakusui Garden and its teahouses are surprisingly beautiful for a municipal park especially during springtime. Manyo-no-Mori is also a facility where visitors can experience Manyo culture and literature.
    manyo-3.jpg
  • The official name is "Manmatsuyama Ryotanji Zen Temple has a long history, and it is said that Gyoki opened its predecessor, Jizo-ji, in 733 of the Nara period . The name Ryotanji is named after Naomori Ii .  the dry garden in front of the main hall Mt. Potalaka Garden is a relatively new garden created in the Heisei era. The front garden, because of its white sand shape it is popularly known locally as the Lake Hamana Garden.  The main pond-viewing garden on the north side of the main hall is a nationally designated scenic garden created by Kobori Enshu. According to the temple, it was built around 1630. The long horizontal pond is a Shin-ji pond, and the waterfall stone group is represented by a stone group that uses many azaleas, azaleas, and local chert stones in the artificial hill. 
    ryotan-ji-13.jpg
  • Kinsaku Nakane Garden - The courtyard of the Elderly Welfare Center Kosai is a dry garden designed by world-famous landscape architect Kinsaku Nakane.  Nakane dedicated his life to landscape architecture after having been impressed by the beauty of the stone garden of Tenryu-ji in Kyoto.  After moving to Kyoto and his research in the preservation and restoration of antique gardens, he designed and created more than 300 landscape architectural projects.  These were conducted both in Japan and overseas. Mastering landscape gardening techniques on his own, he explored new designs based on the beauty of the classic Japanese gardens.  Nakane said that “Creating garden is like painting on three-dimensional space using materials such as stones and trees.”
    nakane-garden-2.jpg
  • Mitsui Shimogamo Villa is a fine example of a classical residence of the Taisho era. The entrance is composed in the shoin-zukuri style and the main building has a tower on the third floor with views of the Kamo River, Higashiyama Hills and Mt Hiei. The garden contains a central pond in the shape of a gourd, a tea ceremony hut, and a moss garden adorned with a stone bridge that crosses the pond, stepping stones, stone lanterns, artificial hills and large stones punctuating the rest of the space. The villa was built by Hachiroemon Takamine, the head of the Mitsui clan, in 1925 for relatives visiting Shimogamo Shrine. Thanks to its well preserved condition, the villa was desiginated as an important cultural property of Japan. The Omoya main building whose biggest feature is the Boro watch tower is built within the beatiful garden, showing off the prosperity of the merchant in the old days. The Mitsui clan were a powerful business family that began trading during the Edo period and rose to become the richest family in Japan. Now the villa and gardens are open to the public.
    old-mitsui-4.jpg
  • Eikan-do Zenrin-ji is a major temple east of Kyoto. Eikan-do was founded in 853 at the beginning of the Heian period by Shinjo. The first building was a simple training hall until Shinjo obtained permission from the Emperor to build a temple. Later the abbot Eikan, became the main priest consequently Zenrin-ji expanded significantly under his rule. The temple consists in various buildings arranged around Hojo Pond. Two of the unique features that can be found here are the small pagoda Taho-to located in the hill above the main temple halls, and the wooden staircase that leads to it Garyuro.  Eikan-do is at its best in autumn, when the maple trees of its front garden are brightly coloured.
    eikando-2.jpg
  • Shogunzuka Seiryudan Dainichi-do Garden - one of the very finest in Kyoto, sits on top of Mt Higashiyama and is well known for its viewing deck of the city below. The Seiryuden garden is a strolling garden but with many twists and turns, leading the visitor down mossy pathways, past a Zen dry garden, the distant view of Mt Nishiyama, and a stunning view of Kyoto underneath it all. This vast undertaking, back in the Muromachi period, it is clear that this was a monumental undertaking given the resources of the times. The dry karesansui garden, a masterpiece of its kind, was created by Nakane Kinsaku.
    Shogunzuka-Seiryudan-Garden-10.jpg
  • Kyoto Prefectural Guest House Garden - This small garden centers around a carp pond with an overlooking teahouse up on a hill in the background. There is a small waterfall that cascades into the pond from an artificial hill in the northeast corner. Natural stepping stones surround the pond, leading up to the teahouse. Both the garden and teahouse were designed and created by landscape architect Masuno Shunmyo.
    kyoto-prefecture-hall-garden-01.jpg
  • Koshoji Temple Garden - Koshoji was the first Zen Buddhist temple of the Soto sect in Japan, which was opened by Dogen Zen Master during the Kamakura period. The official name is "Buddha Tokuyama Kannon Doriin Koshohorinzenji". The garden and the approach Kotozaka are designated scenic spots by Kyoto Prefecture.  In the front garden, the 13-storied pagoda, which was once placed in the nearby Uji River, was moved to the temple. This was built in the Kamakura period and is said to be the largest and oldest existing stone pagoda in Japan. The Shoin Garden is located back of the temple and is a pond-viewing garden that makes use of the background slope, some of the stonework and also the moss composition may be of a more modern composition. 
    Koshoji-12.jpg
  • Kogenji Temple Garden - known as Kosho-no-Niwa makes use of Arashiyama as borrowed scenery. The dry karesansui garden in front of the main hall was created by Sone Zouen , has the nickname of Tiger Garden because of a poem written about it: “the cloud occurs, and the tiger is struck by the wind”, The composition of the dry garden in harmony with maple trees and cherry trees makes this one of the best in Arashiyama. 
    Kogenji-1.jpg
  • Daikakuji Gosho Garden - Daikaku-ji is often called Sagan Gosho because of its connection with the imperial family as an imperial cloister. It is one of the largest and most important temples in Kyoto. Its Stone Stage, surrounded by a vast dry zen garden, is all that remains of the original Godai-do. Today the Stone Stage is occasionally used for performances of gagaku court music and court dances. Surrounding the garden and court stage, are a series of wooden corridors that are famous for their nightingale squeaksIng sounds, once used as early warning systems for unexpected danger approaching. The Corridor of Village Rain or Murasame-no-Roka- besides is squeaks, has a low ceiling that swords or spears could be swung and cause danger to passing noblemen.
    daikaku-ji-zen.jpg
  • Daikakuji Gosho Corridor of Village Rain - Daikaku-ji is often called SaganGosho because of its connection with the imperial family as an imperial cloister. It is one of the largest and most important temples in Kyoto. Surrounding the garden and court stone stage are a series of wooden corridors that are famous for their nightingale squeaksIng sounds, once used as early warning systems for unexpected danger approaching. The Corridor of Village Rain or Murasame-no-Roka - besides is squeaks, has a low ceiling that swords or spears could be swung and cause danger to passing noblemen.
    daikaku-ji-corridor-1.jpg
  • The main garden at Bishamon-do is called Bansuien or sometimes Yushuien. The Benten Pond behind the main hall uses a natural water spring drawn from Mt Anshoji to create a waterfall in back and a pond in front. In the pond are two islands, and the pond is surrounded by maple trees, crepe myrtle and azaleas. A stone pagoda stands on one of the islands as an accent to the rest of the composition. 
    Bishamon-do-1.jpg
  • Fudoji Temple at Manyo-no-Mori - Manyo no Mori Park was developed because Hamakita City, a part of Hamamatsu, was related to Manyoshu and Manyo culture.  The ancient temple Fudoji which was build during the Nara period is adjacent to the site.  The Kakusui Garden and its teahouses are surprisingly beautiful for a municipal park especially during springtime.
    manyo-2.jpg
  • Fukaji Temple was established in 701 A.D. around 1,300 years ago and is thus quiet ancient.  It was set up the legendary priest Gyouki who created a eleven faced Kannon statue here.  Its main garden was designed in the Edo Period. Fuka-ji temple has a secondary though small pond garden behind its main garden with a tiny island in the middle.  The combination of the slope mountain and the water lines projects an elegant natural landscape. The dry waterfall structure is highly evaluated and is designated as a piece of the Shinshiro-city cultural property.
    fukaji-24.jpg
  • Manyo no Mori Park was developed because Hamakita City, a part of Hamamatsu, was related to Manyoshu and Manyo culture.  The ancient temple Fudoji which was build during the Nara period is adjacent to the site.  The Kakusui Garden and its teahouses are surprisingly beautiful for a municipal park especially during springtime. Manyo-no-Mori is also a facility where visitors can experience Manyo culture and literature.
    manyo-no-mori-6.jpg
  • Manyo no Mori Park was developed because Hamakita City, a part of Hamamatsu, was related to Manyoshu and Manyo culture.  The ancient temple Fudoji which was build during the Nara period is adjacent to the site.  The Kakusui Garden and its teahouses are surprisingly beautiful for a municipal park especially during springtime. Manyo-no-Mori is also a facility where visitors can experience Manyo culture and literature.
    manyo-no-mori-2.jpg
  • Kasuisai Temple  has 600 years of history, named by the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. In April and May, cherries, peonies, and azaleas.   It is the best place for Zen training and even ordinary people can experience Zazen and also experience transcribing sutras and Shojin-ryori temple vegetarian cuisine. Sanmon mountain gate designed by Chuta Ito, a major figure in the architectural world. It was completed in 2010 based on the blueprint designed in 1935. Looking up before passing through the mountain gate, Aun's lions are looking at each other. The roof is lined with playful and expressive youkai from Chuta Ito. The Gokoku Tower on the hill on the west side of the precincts was built in 1911 to worship the dead of the Russo-Japanese War. The design by Chuta Ito, is shaped like the pagoda of Gandhara.
    kasuisai-01.jpg
  • Jissoji is an ancient temple built in 1387 during the Nanbokucho period by the first disciple of the Mubun Zen master, Etsuo Zen Master, who opened the temple. The dry garden is a scenic spot designated by Shizuoka Prefecture. Jitsusoji Garden was discovered and rebuilt in 1994 by the Nakane Garden Research & Landscape, a gardening company in Iwata City. It is estimated that the garden was built around 1700 when the adjacent main hall and Kannon hall were maintained. Not only is it beautiful as a stone set and a dry garden, but the combination of these three artificial hills and the scenery of Mt. Mitake is very special.
    jisso-ji-02.jpg
  • Kaju-ji is located in the Yamashina valley east of Kyoto and was founded in 900 by emperor Daigo who entered priesthood in the nearby Daigo-ji. Like many temples it was destroyed during the Onin war but given it's imperial status it was later restored. The garden of Kaju-ji has a large pond with a two islands. In the early history of the temple the ice covering the pond would be collected on January 2nd and send to the imperial court as ice was once precious as were no fridges at the time. The temple is also known for a uniquely shaped ishidoro stone lantern ishidoro. The lantern was donated by Mitsukuni Mito, a lord of the Kanto region. Near the temple is also located Kasho-an a retreat where Junkyo Ohishi lived and painted.
    kajuji-4.jpg
  • Howa-en is also called Mito Mitsuke is relatively hidden and unsung garden in Mito, Ibaraki. It is most famous for its hydrangeas of which there are 10 <br />
different species, in bloom during July. In addition, there are wisteria near the pond growing in their trellises. The pond garden has a small pagoda on its own tiny island framed by Japanese pines which is lit up in the evenings. Amebas Pond is the centerpiece of the garden, with a strolling path around its cicircumference, which passes by a small waterfall, plum and sakura cherry trees. The grounds of Howaen or Howa-en are adjacent to Keiseiruji Temple (original name was Kokadoin or Kofuin) and was a favorite of Tokugawa Mitsukuni who named it Hodenkoen. Locally the temple and garden complex is called
    howa-en-05.jpg
  • Kyoto Prefectural Guest House Garden - This small garden centers around a carp pond with an overlooking teahouse up on a hill in the background. There is a small waterfall that cascades into the pond from an artificial hill in the northeast corner. Natural stepping stones surround the pond, leading up to the teahouse. Both the garden and teahouse were designed and created by landscape architect Masuno Shunmyo.
    kyoto-prefecture-hall-garden-08.jpg
  • Daishin-in Temple Garden - Daishin-in was founded by Masamoto Hosokawa in the Muromachi period and  was relocated to Myoshinji Temple by Hosokawa Fujitaka.  Its small dry garden is called Auniwa was created by Kinsaku Nakane in the Showa period. The moss, white sand and pruning make this detail  a little difficult to see but the stonework expresses a dragon ascending to heaven. Many crape myrtle have been planted here to give the garden some color and contrast.  In addition, the dry garden south  of the main hall, is called Kiriishi no Niwa and has a characteristic flower bed in the center.
    Daishin-in-5.jpg
  • Shokokuji Temple Garden - Shokoku-ji occupies a vast area of northern Kyoto with many sub-temples under its dominion.  The main hall’s gardens  on the southern side, a large austere Omotesando Garden is composed only of white sand karesansui in the karesansui style, that does not prepare the visitor for the fabulous Urakata moss garden on the north side, that makes use of moss and a withered stream that brings depth to the whole and contrasts between dry stones and wet moss. 
    Shokokuji-Temple-Garden-5.jpg
  • Ryosukuin Garden - Ryosukuin is a part of the vast Kenninji Temple Complex.  Here, a few gardens have been created since the Momoyama period% The front Hojo garden is composed of moss, which the temple calls its Momoyama Garden. However, the main garden is the Shoin Front Garden which is an ikezumi strolling garden, which has been designated as a Kyoto Prefecture Scenic Spot. Ryosokuin was founded in the Muromachi period by Zen master Tatsuyama Tokumi.
    Ryosukuin-4.jpg
  • Reigenin is one of the many sub-temples at the vast Kenninji temple complex. Junzenshi and Sengoku Daimyo Imagawa Yoshimoto trained here in childhood and at that time the garden was created. The Amacha Kanro Garden is only open to the public in early summer every year. It is composed of stones, white sand and moss. The garden was re-created by Kinsaku Nakane, a masterpiece gardener of the Showa era.
    Reigenin-2.jpg
  • Koshoji Temple Garden - Koshoji was the first Zen Buddhist temple of the Soto sect in Japan, which was opened by Dogen Zen Master during the Kamakura period. The official name is "Buddha Tokuyama Kannon Doriin Koshohorinzenji". The garden and the approach Kotozaka are designated scenic spots by Kyoto Prefecture.  In the front garden, the 13-storied pagoda, which was once placed in the nearby Uji River, was moved to the temple. This was built in the Kamakura period and is said to be the largest and oldest existing stone pagoda in Japan. The Shoin Garden is located back of the temple and is a pond-viewing garden that makes use of the background slope, some of the stonework and also the moss composition may be of a more modern composition. 
    Koshoji-09.jpg
  • Fukuda Art Museum Garden - Based on the basic qualities of Kyoto’s traditional machiya townhouses, the museum building aims for a special derivative Japanese architecture. Even considering contemporary architecture, the exhibition room has the feeling of a warehouse, although the essence of the Kyoto machiya style has been taken into consideration. There is a reflective pond garden running from the building to the river.  It is a very modern garden that reflects Arashiyama as a water mirror. The overall architectural design was created by Yasuda Atelier and designed by Mitani Landscape Studio and constructed by Ueyakato Landscape, a purveyor of gardenIng services in Kyoto. 
    Fukuda-Museum-Garden-2.jpg
  • Daikaku-ji Temple - Daikaku-ji is often called Sagan Gosho because of its connection with the imperial family as an imperial cloister. It is one of the largest and most important temples in Kyoto. Its Stone Stage, surrounded by a vast dry zen garden, is all that remains of the original Godai-do. Today the Stone Stage is occasionally used for performances of gagaku court music and court dances. Surrounding the garden and court stage, are a series of wooden corridors that are famous for their nightingale squeaksIng sounds, once used as early warning systems for unexpected danger approaching. The Corridor of Village Rain or Murasame-no-Roka- besides is squeaks, has a low ceiling that swords or spears could be swung and cause danger to passing noblemen.
    daikaku-ji-temple-2.jpg
  • The main garden at Bishamon-do is called Bansuien or sometimes Yushuien. The Benten Pond behind the main hall uses a natural water spring drawn from Mt Anshoji to create a waterfall in back and a pond in front. In the pond are two islands, and the pond is surrounded by maple trees, crepe myrtle and azaleas. A stone pagoda stands on one of the islands as an accent to the rest of the composition. 
    Bishamon-do-5.jpg
  • Anao-ji Temple Garden is a pond viewing garden where azaleas, crepe myrtles and pine trees haven planted along the rim of the pond. There is a curiously shaped stone in the middle of the pond that some believe represents a ship, though its interpretation is not given. Additionally, there is a smaller dry garden on the western side of the main hall that incorporates Mt. Oshino in the backdrop.
    anao-ji-7.jpg
  • Daifukuji is an ancient temple built in the Heian period, and is named as one of the Five Mountains of Hubei around Lake Hamana.The Ikezumi strolling garden, which was created during the Muromachi period is said to have been modified by Sohen Yamada , the founder of the Sohen Yamada school. The pond strolling garden, which also serves as an appreciation ceremony, was once called "Jodoen", and there are many water lilies in the pond named Fukusuke Pond.  During the cherry blossom season in late March or early April it is also a well known spot for viewing sakura.
    daifuku-ji-09.jpg
  • Nanzenji Hojo Garden - Nanzenji Temple is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan and the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The Hojo is the former head priest's residence and Nanzenji's main hall. The Hojo is most famous for its dry rock karesansui garden whose rocks are said to resemble tigers and cubs crossing through water. Hojo Garden is a typical rock and sand garden built in the early Edo era. It features a wide, open space in front of a corner of green. It is said to be designed by Kobori Enshu, who was an expert at weaving perspective into his stone arrangements.  Besides its renowned karesansui garden, the hojo is in fact surrounded by smaller gardens.
    nanzenji-hojo-10.jpg
  • Nanzenji Hojo Garden - Nanzenji Temple is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan and the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The Hojo is the former head priest's residence and Nanzenji's main hall. The Hojo is most famous for its dry rock karesansui garden whose rocks are said to resemble tigers and cubs crossing through water. Hojo Garden is a typical rock and sand garden built in the early Edo era. It features a wide, open space in front of a corner of green. It is said to be designed by Kobori Enshu, who was an expert at weaving perspective into his stone arrangements.  Besides its renowned karesansui garden, the hojo is in fact surrounded by smaller gardens.
    nanzenji-hojo-4.jpg
  • Kanchi-in at Toji - There are five stones in the Godai-no-niwa Garden accessible from the reception room that represente Godaikokuzo Bodhisattva, expressing the return of Kobo Daishi from China. In addition, there is a tea ceremony chamber called the Fusenkan north of the main building, a shishi odoshi deer scare, stone lanterns and seasonal flowers create a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. Its Kyakuden guest hall is a shoin-zukuri style building beside the main hall looks out over the stone garden and a tea house classified as a National Treasure. Kanchi-in famous for its exquisite gardens as well as an ink painting by the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
    kanchi-in-1.jpg
  • Eikan-do Zenrin-ji is a major temple east of Kyoto. Eikan-do was founded in 853 at the beginning of the Heian period by Shinjo. The first building was a simple training hall until Shinjo obtained permission from the Emperor to build a temple. Later the abbot Eikan, became the main priest consequently Zenrin-ji expanded significantly under his rule. The temple consists in various buildings arranged around Hojo Pond. Two of the unique features that can be found here are the small pagoda Taho-to located in the hill above the main temple halls, and the wooden staircase that leads to it Garyuro.  Eikan-do is at its best in autumn, when the maple trees of its front garden are brightly coloured.
    eikando-11.jpg
  • Soribashi Bridge at Shomyoji - Shomyoji was built by Sanetoki Hojo during the Kamakura period, and was made the Hojo family temple of the Kanazawa area. The Jodo style garden with Ajiike Pond in front of the main temple is its most unique feature when considering the arched bridge. The temple's bell was portrayed in the woodblock print "Shomyo-no-Bansho," one of eight prints depicting views of Kanazawa by Hiroshige Utagawa.
    shomyo-ji-07.jpg
  • Anao-ji Temple Garden is a pond viewing garden where azaleas, crepe myrtles and pine trees haven planted along the rim of the pond. There is a curiously shaped stone in the middle of the pond that some believe represents a ship, though its interpretation is not given. Additionally, there is a smaller dry garden on the western side of the main hall that incorporates Mt. Oshino in the backdrop.
    anao-ji-4.jpg
  • Saikenji is a temple of the Soto sect that was built in the Muromachi period. Mr. Toshiaki Masuno worked on the approach to the mountain gate and the plum grove "Plum Grove" .  The temple espouses garden therapy or Horticultural therapy is one of the phytotherapy and has been practiced for a long time in the United States and Europe. For example, all horticultural movements such as sowing, watering, weeding, harvesting, and processing stimulate the five senses, thereby preventing dementia, reducing stress, and expanding the range of movement of the body, resulting in physical and mental health and quality of life (QOL). It has been reported that there is an improvement in. Based on such physiotherapy, various activities are carried out in horticultural therapy and Zen society.
    saikenji-06.jpg
  • Fudoji Temple  Bellfry at Manyo-no-Mori - Manyo no Mori Park was developed because Hamakita City, a part of Hamamatsu, was related to Manyoshu and Manyo culture.  The ancient temple Fudoji which was build during the Nara period is adjacent to the site.  The Kakusui Garden and its teahouses are surprisingly beautiful for a municipal park especially during springtime.
    manyo-1.jpg
  • Manyo no Mori Park was developed because Hamakita City, a part of Hamamatsu, was related to Manyoshu and Manyo culture.  The ancient temple Fudoji which was build during the Nara period is adjacent to the site.  The Kakusui Garden and its teahouses are surprisingly beautiful for a municipal park especially during springtime. Manyo-no-Mori is also a facility where visitors can experience Manyo culture and literature.
    manyo-no-mori-7.jpg
  • Kasuisai Temple Garden has 600 years of history, named by the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. In April and May, cherries, peonies, and azaleas The large garden facing the main hall is called “Hokkazokai-no-Ike” - a dry garden surrounded by stones that makes use of the slope of the mountain behind. It is the best place for Zen training and even ordinary people can experience Zazen and also experience transcribing sutras and Shojin-ryori temple vegetarian cuisine. Sanmon mountain gate designed by Chuta Ito, a major figure in the architectural world. It was completed in 2010 based on the blueprint designed in 1935. Looking up before passing through the mountain gate, Aun's lions are looking at each other. The roof is lined with playful and expressive youkai from Chuta Ito, who was also a big youkai lover. The Gokoku Tower on the hill on the west side of the precincts was built in 1911 to worship the dead of the Russo-Japanese War. The design by Chuta Ito, is shaped like the pagoda of Gandhara.
    kasuisai-08.jpg
  • Shomyoji Pond Garden - Shomyoji was built by Sanetoki Hojo during the Kamakura period, and was made the Hojo family temple of the Kanazawa area. The Jodo style garden with Ajiike Pond in front of the main temple is its most unique feature when considering the arched bridge. The temple's bell was portrayed in the woodblock print "Shomyo-no-Bansho," one of eight prints depicting views of Kanazawa by Hiroshige Utagawa.
    shomyoji-pond-garden-1.jpg
  • Shogunzuka Seiryudan Dainichi-do Garden - one of the very finest in Kyoto, sits on top of Mt Higashiyama and is well known for its viewing deck of the city below. The Seiryuden garden is a strolling garden but with many twists and turns, leading the visitor down mossy pathways, past a Zen dry garden, the distant view of Mt Nishiyama, and a stunning view of Kyoto underneath it all. This vast undertaking, back in the Muromachi period, it is clear that this was a monumental undertaking given the resources of the times. The dry karesansui garden, a masterpiece of its kind, was created by Nakane Kinsaku.
    Shogunzuka-Seiryudan-Garden-03.jpg
  • Kyoto Prefectural Guest House Garden - This small garden centers around a carp pond with an overlooking teahouse up on a hill in the background. There is a small waterfall that cascades into the pond from an artificial hill in the northeast corner. Natural stepping stones surround the pond, leading up to the teahouse. Both the garden and teahouse were designed and created by landscape architect Masuno Shunmyo.
    kyoto-prefecture-hall-garden-05.jpg
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