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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-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-03.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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-6.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-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-12.jpg
  • Daijo-in garden was designed by Zenami in the mid Muromachi Period and fell into ruin with the demise of the temple of the same name. In 1958 the site was designated as a National Scenic Place then the Japan National Trust restored the garden to its original brilliance.  The former Daijo-in temple prospered as a temple whose chief priest was a member of the imperial family but now only the garden remains.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-20.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
  • 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-1.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-4.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-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-6.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    AMBER-2021-EXTRA-101.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-82.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-11.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-12.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-01.jpg
  • Taima-dera - the Inner Temple is called Okunoin and contains a Pure Land or Jyodo Garden rare in Japan. It is the largest garden representing the paradise shown in Taima Mandala with peonies and other flowers blooming  throughout the year.  Kobo Daishi was a visitor at this peony garden and deemed it Pure Land of this World. At Sainanin Temple which originated as a guardian temple of the back gate.  Three Gods of Mercy kannon are worshipped in the main hall here. In the Sainanin garden built during the Edo period, sound of suikinkutsu adds to the special atmosphere of the garden.  Nakanobo Temple is the oldest temple at Taimadera and contains the largest Buddha in the Taimadera complex.  It abounds in cultural properties such as Koguen Garden - a favorite of Emperor Gosai encompases a tea ceremony house with a round window.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-27.jpg
  • Kongorinji  Garden - These 500-year old gardens have been designated a Place of Scenic Beauty and it’s no wonder. Beautiful in any season.  The Ikezumi strolling garden at Kongorinji known as Myojuin though its creator is unknown, is especially popular during autumn.  This pond-viewing garden is intended to be viewed from the main hall, but these three combined gardens are connected as one, and the feeling of a strolling garden that goes around gardens of different times is now stronger because of it.  The colorful autumn leaves in deep red in late autumn are wonderful, it is the most spectacular garden in the three mountains of Koto.
    kongorinji-garden-2.jpg
  • Kongorinji  Garden - These 500-year old gardens have been designated a Place of Scenic Beauty and it’s no wonder. Beautiful in any season.  The Ikezumi strolling garden at Kongorinji known as Myojuin though its creator is unknown, is especially popular during autumn.  This pond-viewing garden is intended to be viewed from the main hall, but these three combined gardens are connected as one, and the feeling of a strolling garden that goes around gardens of different times is now stronger because of it.  The colorful autumn leaves in deep red in late autumn are wonderful, it is the most spectacular garden in the three mountains of Koto.
    kongorinji-garden-1.jpg
  • Shiromineji is dedicated to Senjyu Kannon Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshwara. It is the 81st temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.  Shiromineji is known as a foundational temple of both Kobo Daishi of the Shingon Sect and Chisho Daishi Enjin of the Tendai Sect. Mt. Shiramine, where it is located, is said to be the home of Sagamibo, a tengu long-nosed goblin who has appeared in a wide variety of literary worksThis temple was built to protect the imperial tomb of Emperor Sutoku and is famous for its beautiful scenery in the season of colored leaves.
    Shiromineji-4.jpg
  • Karegawa at Hiunkaku Garden - Hiunkaku garden was created during the Taiso Period.  The garden is composed of two tsukiyama or miniature artificial mountains, punctuated by very large granite landscaping stones - most of which are placed in a way to be used as stepping stones which can be found throughout the garden.  Although the giant stones are very evident in the design, the gardens most outstanding feature is often overlooked, that of a dry riverbed known as a kare-gawa.  Few of the Takamatsu castle's original buildings remain only the Asahimon Gate and two turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura, still stand. Inside the castle walls, however, visitors can enjoy a well kept garden.  At the center of the castle park stands the Hiunkaku with large tatami rooms overlooking the garden. Constructed in 1917 as a residence and governmental office, it is used today as an exhibition space and a community hall where tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes are held.
    hiunkaku-05.jpg
  • Arched Bridge at Banshoen Garden - Nakatsu Banshoen - Marugame is famous for its historic castle, but few realize that there is an amazing garden hidden nearby. Nakatsu Banshoen was built in 1688 for the second generation feudal lord of Marugame. It contains a winding path around a lovely pond garden full of islands.  This is a daimyo garden and one of the largest and most famous gardens in Kagawa prefecture. Eight islands of the eight most scenic places of Omi were created in the pond which was modelled on Lake Biwa. The garden is also covered with more than 1,500 pine trees plus hundreds of Satsuki, making use of the surrounding landscape in the design of a garden in Seto Inland Sea.
    banshoen-3.jpg
  • Bamboo Garden at Tenshaen - Tenshaen Garden was built for the retirement of Munetada Date, the seventh feudal lord of Uwajma. It was named after a poem by Masamune Date that described the ideal way to live a life of retirement. The garden delights visitors with seasonal flowers in particular its famous arched bridge lined with wisteria trellises known as the “ascending wisterias”.  Another feature of the garden is the many varieties of bamboo surrounding a pond, associated with the sparrow and bamboo crest of the Date family.  Tensho-en Garden is a Daimyo Garden which was designed as a retirement villa for Masamune and is completed in the late Edo period.
    tenshaen-12.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
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-195.jpg
  • Komyoji is a popular temple with locals in the Kamakura area for its abundant cherry blossoms in spring, frequent weekend flea markets, and free parking near the beach. Komyoji Garden has a rare example of a dry garden, sometimes called a Zen garden, as this temple is not of the Zen sect of Buddhism.  In addition to the temple's zen dry karesansui garden, on the north side of the temple is the pond garden, which comes to life in spring with sakura cherry trees.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-182.jpg
  • Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period.  Left dormant for many years, it was restored in 1999.  The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  This secret garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-169.jpg
  • Tsukabai Water Basin at Showa Kinen Garden, Tachikawa Tokyo - Water is considered purifying in Japan, hence the emphasis on cleanliness in everyday life. Water fountains such as these, known as tsukubai, are also beneficial to hear the trickling of falling water to soothe the nerves as well. A tsukubai is a small basin provided at Japanese Buddhist temples for visitors to purify themselves by the ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. This type of ritual cleansing is also the custom for guests attending a tea ceremony.<br />
Tsukubai are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small scoop, laid across the top, ready for use.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-47.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing sutras before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of this UNESCO World Heritage Japanese garden.
    koke-dera-1.jpg
  • Chikurinji Temple Garden, Temple Number 31 - Chikurinji Temple is an important stop on the Shikikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage - it is marked as Temple 31 on the trail and one of Kochi’s most popular attractions.  Chikurin-ji sits on top of Mt Godai or Godaisan and was established during the 8th century and is most famous for its five storied pagoda; it is also known as a scholarly institution of Buddhism with its vast holding of important scrolls and Buddhist statues in its treasure hall.  There's a small pond garden - when looked at from the proper angle - gives the illusion that the temple is floating.
    chikurinji-6.jpg
  • Enkoji is a Shingon Buddhist temple, number 39 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.  It is famous for its pond garden and stone garden, as well as its eye cleaning water well.  There are many other Enkoji Temples around Japan, though this one is found in Kochi Prefecture, at temple number 39.  Enkoji Temple was built in 724 under the emperor's orders. Within the temple grounds a statue of a turtle with a copper bell on it is  legendary - the story is it that a red turtle brought a bell to this temple in 911.   There is also a small pond garden with a massive moss-covered tortoise in the pond, surrounded by koi carp.
    enkoji-kochi-10.jpg
  • The strolling garden at Kyorinbo was designed by Kobori Enshu during the Momoyama period . It is open for a limited time every year only on weekends and holidays in spring and in autumn.The pond-viewing garden facing the main hall where Tsurushima and Kameshima are represented by numerous rocks on the slope, the moss attached to the stone makes one feel the depth of history. There is also Kakejiku Garden that you can see from inside the main hall. In front of the Enshu Garden, the place where you can enjoy the bright red autumn leaves built at the end of the Muromachi period.  Kyorinbo was founded by Prince Shotoku. The temple name Kyorin is derived from the fact that the prince preached in the forest, and a large preaching rock and a sacred cave enshrining the principal image are left in the precincts. It is also called Stone Temple.
    kyorinbo-4.jpg
  • Zuishin-in Pond Garden - Zuishin-in is a quiet temple removed from the Kyoto city center in Yamashina.  The temple is also called the Mandala Temple after a legend in which the founding priest’s mother had been reincarnated and had a priest make a mandala.  The famous poet Ono no Komachi is also strongly  connected to this temple, and items related to her are scattered around the temple halls and the gardens.  The garden is known for its small pond and abundant use of moss.  Zuishin-in’s appeal is in its seclusion, with the exception of the famous flowering plum season for which it is known.  Zuishinin temple belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism
    zuishin-in-1amber-2.jpg
  • Harusame-tei Calligraphy Hut at Tenshaen Garden -  built for the retirement of Munetada Date, the seventh feudal lord of Uwajma. It was named after a poem by Masamune Date that described the ideal way to live a life of retirement. The garden delights visitors with seasonal flowers in particular its famous arched bridge lined with wisteria trellises known as the “ascending wisterias”.  Another feature of the garden is the many varieties of bamboo surrounding a pond, associated with the sparrow and bamboo crest of the Date family.  Tensho-en Garden is a Daimyo Garden which was designed as a retirement villa for Masamune and is completed in the late Edo period.
    tenshaen-21.jpg
  • Bupposhoryuji Temple Garden, Lake Suwa - The gardens are composed in different areas surrounding the temple main hall.  These are the remains of the Momoyama period with stone configurations and construction and in the center of the pond, tortoise islands have been added over the centureis.  Behind the main hall the garden continues and the pond shape of the Chinese character for heart.  Additionally there are other gardens added during the Meiji and Taisho periods, originally conceived for form a rose, no separated into two small ponds.  The Showa Period garden, slightly more modern, features a waterfall, and a statue is sculpted beside the waterfall.  The composition and arrangements of the plants are what makes this area of the garden special.  Taken as a whole, Bupposhoryuji Temple Garden needs to be considered a kind of triptiych collection of gardens, spanning different eras of Japanese history, rather than one single garden
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-250.jpg
  • Kaitokukan Tokyo University Garden - Marquis Toshinari Maeda, the 16th head of the Maeda Clan of the Kaga Domain, built a stately Western residence in the neo-baroque style in 1907 for receiving imperial visits. In 1926, the University of Tokyo reached an agreement with Marquis Maeda through which this residence and its property would be given to the University in exchange for University property in Komaba. The University named the residence Kaitokukan East Pavilionand used it as a facility for welcoming distinguished guests. In 1945, as a result of an air raid, the residence was completely destroyed. Kaitokukan was rebuilt in 1951 as a Japanese-style residence. The new Kaitokukan uses stones from the original Western-style residence in its foundation, while wood for the building was supplied by the University’s forests. The garden was designed by Hikoemon Ito, the Maeda Clan’s gardener. As well as the common characteristics of Japanese gardens from the late Meiji to Taisho periods, as well as the remains of the gardens built by the former lord of the Edo period in the modern city center of Tokyo. It is precious and has high artistic value in the history of modern Japanese gardens.  Kaitokukan is only open to the public one day of the year, on Todai's homecoming day, mid October each year.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-8.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
  • Daisen Park Japanese Garden  - In medieval times, Osaka Sakai prospered and served as an important conduit between Japan and the rest of Asia.  Daisen garden was designed to symbolize the history of Sakai.  The garden uses the Tsukiyama Rinsen Kaiyushiki form of design and layout. The far shore arbor replicates a Chinese scenic point. The Togendai stream meanders throughout the garden with several scenic viewpoints.  Daisen Garden was created to commemorate the Sakai municipal centennial.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-126.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    AMBER-2022-17.jpg
  • Hiunkaku garden was created during the Taiso Period.  The garden is composed of two tsukiyama or miniature artificial mountains, punctuated by very large granite landscaping stones - most of which are placed in a way to be used as stepping stones which can be found throughout the garden.  Although the giant stones are very evident in the design, the gardens most outstanding feature is often overlooked, that of a dry riverbed known as a kare-gawa.  Few of the Takamatsu castle's original buildings remain only the Asahimon Gate and two turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura, still stand. Inside the castle walls, however, visitors can enjoy a well kept garden.  At the center of the castle park stands the Hiunkaku with large tatami rooms overlooking the garden. Constructed in 1917 as a residence and governmental office, it is used today as an exhibition space and a community hall where tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes are held.
    hiunkaku-11.jpg
  • Shobo-ji  Zen Garden - Shobo-ji was established in 754 by a monk called Chii - a disciple of Ganjin, who built Toshidai-ji in Nara.  Like many temples in Kyoto, Shobo-ji was burned during the wars, then reconstructed in 1615. The temple has two interesting zen gardens, particularly the "Beasts and Birds Garden” named after the shape of some of its rocks. The temple grounds are elevated compared to the rest of the valley, which gives a view of the surrounding area wthat incorporates borrowed scenery such as the distant mountains into the overall garden design.  Shobo-ji pays particular attention to flowers; ikebana can be seen on the temple grounds and in the buildings. In addition, the tsukubai water basin is usually decorated with flowers as well.
    shobo-ji-amber.jpg
  • Saimyoji Horai-Tei Garden is a nationally designated scenic spot, and the temple itself is a national treasure. The Horai Garden is said to be based on a garden designed by Kobori Enshu. The garden features standing stones that are meant to represent bodhisattvas.  There is also a stone grouping that represents the Twelve Divine Generals.  One of the islands in the Shinji-Ike Pond represents a crane, while another represents a tortoise.  There is also a sculpted lantern by artist Ishiya Miadroku.  Saimyoji is also one of the three mountains of Koto, and its garden is renowned for its moss.
    saimyo-ji-08.jpg
  • Zensuiji is a temple whose main hall was built in 1366 during the Nanbokucho period and is a national treasure. The Hyakuden-no-Ike Pond on the sleeve of the main hall is a pond strolling garden. The current appearance was recently renovated but the history of Ikezumi dates back to the beginning of the Heian period. It was founded in an ancient temple called at the beginning of the Nara period. At the beginning of the Heian period, Saicho discovered this "Hyakuden Pond" when he visited this area. Supposedly, Saicho found the golden Yakushi Buddha in the pond, which was originally created by the water flowing from the mountain, and realizes that the water in this pond is sacred water. After that, when he gave it to Emperor Kanmu and prayed for healing, he recovered in about a week, so the temple was given the name of Zensuiji which continues to this day - though not to be confused with Zentsuji in Ehime Prefecture the birthplace of Kobo Daishi, important in its own right.
    zensuiji-amber-4.jpg
  • Gyokurinji is a Rinzai Buddhist temple that was founded in the  Muromachi period 1339. The garden was created in the second half of the Heisei period. Its dry stone karesansui garden was created in recent years, and was designed in three straight lines:  an abstract representation of a treasure boat heading to the shore anchored in the pool of night. The highlights are Hiyama and a stone bridge made of natural stone. The stone bridge at the intersection of two other stones, when viewed from a different angle, the balance is maintained by slightly cutting the stone. This makes it look like a stone bridge with an exquisite balance when viewed from the front. There is a second dry mountain garden behind the zen garden, covered and surrounded with cedar moss on a gentle slope.
    gyokurinji-itsukaiichi-8.jpg
  • Omote Goten Garden is located in the grounds of the former Tokushima Castle in Tokushima.  Though hardly remains of the castle as it was almost completely dismantled in 1875 at the beginning of the Meiji Period.  Fortunately the gardens remained, in fact there are two gardens, a karesansui dry garden and a pond garden.  The gardens are a designated National Scenic sites. Both were built in the Momoyama style around the year 1600. Both gardens feature the local Awa No Aoi Ishi, a local green-blue rock - Tokushima chlorite schist. The design of the garden is attributed to Ueda Soko, a famous samurai monk.  Ueda also creating a distinctive style of tea ceremony which is named after him. Japanese gardens are often associated with tea ceremony.  The dry garden was attached to the guest quarters of the palace. Its most distinctive feature is the bridge made of a single stone over ten meters long, the longest such rock in Japan.  The pond garden also features a bridge of a single, cut rock, though only 5 meters in length. It is believed to be one of the earliest examples of its kind. The water in the pond rises and falls with the tide as it is fed by the tidal inner moat of the castle. The pond garden was attached to the Lord's private quarters.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-127.jpg
  • Dogakuji Pond Garden at Dogakuji Bangai Temple,  The temple's official name is Tomei-zan and it is ranked second out of the 20 Fudasho Bangai - temples not included in the official list of the temples making up the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. The name Dogaku-ji “Child's Learning Temple” relates to the fact that Kobo Daishi studied calligraphy and other academic disciplines as child; praying at the temple was believed to bring academic success. Within the temple grounds there is a sacred spring which is reputed to have sprung forth from the ground when Kobo Daishi prayed for water to wash his ink-slab with. Near the head priest's quarters there is a shoin-style Japanese garden which is believed to have been created in the Muromachi period
    Dogakuji-Bangai-2.jpg
  • 78.5 Engakuji 円覚寺 is the main temple of the Engakuji sect of the Rinzai Buddhist sect. Engakuji is one of the leading Zen temples in eastern Japan and ranks second among Kamakura's five great Zen temples. Its unique garden was restored in 1969 according to an old drawing. Zen Buddhism regarded gardens as microcosms of the natural landscape and this is a fine example.
    78.5.TENTATIVE-KAMAKURA-ENGAKUJI-02.jpg
  • 23. Daigo-ji 醍醐寺 Within its grounds, Daigo-ji houses eighteen of Japan’s National Treasures. Among them are buildings belonging to Sanbo-in famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden was laid out with a large pond, paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  Sanbo-in was designed for viewing from a specific perspective within the temple’s buildings. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden’s islands depict ‘fortuitous crane’, the ‘tortoise’ and the ‘"isle of eternal youth’ - poetic terms that show stones and ponds can be poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship.
    23.KYOTO-DAIGOJI-02.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-35.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-24.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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-17.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-15.jpg
  • 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-14.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
  • 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-03.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.
    AMBER-2022-C-47.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.
    AMBER-2022-179.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-07.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-01.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
  • Ritsurin Trail within this magnificent landscape garden in Takamatsu.  It is  thought to be one of the finest gardens in Japan.  The garden boasts many features such as trails, teahouses, ponds, hills and pavilions set by Mt. Shiun providing a kind of borrowed scenery.
    ritsurin-garden-09.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
  • 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
  • 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-21.jpg
  • Dogakuji Pond Garden at Dogakuji Bangai Temple,  The temple's official name is Tomei-zan and it is ranked second out of the 20 Fudasho Bangai - temples not included in the official list of the temples making up the Shikoku 88-temple Pilgrimage. The name Dogaku-ji “Child's Learning Temple” relates to the fact that Kobo Daishi studied calligraphy and other academic disciplines as child; praying at the temple was believed to bring academic success. Within the temple grounds there is a sacred spring which is reputed to have sprung forth from the ground when Kobo Daishi prayed for water to wash his ink-slab with. Near the head priest's quarters there is a shoin-style Japanese garden which is believed to have been created in the Muromachi period
    Dogakuji-Bangai-1.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-36.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 Iris 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
  • 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-22.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-20.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-16.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-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-8.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-9.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-7.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
  • 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-3.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-5.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-2.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-1.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-11.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-09.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-08.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-07.jpg
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