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  • 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
  • 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-01.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
  • 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-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-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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Yakushiike Garden is named after its central pond, Yakushi-ike.  The Pond garden is surrounded by plum and cherry trees, so it is a famous spot in Tokyo for hanami or cherry blossom viewing.  Its unique two tried arched bridge is the centerpiece of the garden. Within the park grounds, there are thatched roof rural houses, former residences of the Nagai and Hagino families that have been preserved.  The park has been designated as a National Designated Cultural Property and a National Place of Scenic Beauty. And one of Japan’s top 100 Historical Parks.
    yakushiike-12.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-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-9.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-5.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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Keiseiruji Temple (original name was Kokadoin or Kofuin) and was a favorite of Tokugawa Mitsukuni who named it Hodenkoen. Adjacent to the temple is a Japanese pond garden called Howa-en or Mito Mitsuke - a 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.  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.
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  • 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.
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  • Hakusa Sonso Garden Gate - Hakusasonso Garden was built over a period of 32 years on land that was formerly rice fields. The expansive garden includes many elements found in Japanese gardens: stone lanterns, water basins, and statues. Paths of stepping stones lead through mossy, thatched gates over small bridges and among the pieces of historic stonework. The 10,000-square meter site contains buildings such as a large studio he used for large works, a teahouse, and a personal Buddhist temple. There are also many works of stone art from the Heian to Kamakura periods. The garden was built by Hashimoto Kansetsu, an artist who was a member of the Kyoto art world from 1913 to 1945. The scenery in the garden changes throughout the four seasons, resembling the landscapes painted by Kansetsu. He possessed knowledge of ancient Japanese and Chinese classical history, as well as ancient and modern calligraphy art and poetry.  After deciding to become an artist he produced paintings incorporating the styles of various schools from inside and outside Japan. He is also known for creating many gardens throughtout his life though this garden is considered his best work. Hakusasonso garden was designated as a National Site of Scenic beauty by the Japanese government.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Nobori Huji Wisteria Bridge at Tenshaen Garden - 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.
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  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
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  • Hyozu Taisha Shrine Garden - It is said that Hyozu Taisha Shrine in Shiga was founded during the Nara period. its name literally means “the master of soldiers” it had been worshipped by the Imperial Court and the warrior class. It is said to have been dedicated by Ashikaga Takauji and the Japanese ink writing on a rafter shows that it was constructed in 1550 and is prefecturally designated as a tangible cultural property. The shrine’s magnificent garden was constructed during the Heian period and is considered to be a pond-strolling garden. The ground covered with a moss carpet is especially vibrant during the rainy season.
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  • Eirinji or Eirinji Jokoden Temple located in Shimo-Yugi in Hachioji Tokyo.  The temple is selected as one of Hachioji Hachiji-Hakkei 88 Scenic Places in Hachioji.   Eirinji is a temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The main object of worship is Dakini Sonten.  Passing through the three gates of Somon, Romon and Suzakumon, you will reach the main hall. On a hill behind the main hall is the ruin of Oishi Sadahisa‘s old residence, as well as a magnificent dry zen garden that is rarely open to the public but can be seen from the corner of the main temple building. The temple is attributed to Oishi Sadahisa, a powerful warrior in the Warring States period 1493-1573. When Sadahisa moved to Takiyama Castle with which the temple is associated, he founded Eirinji here. Later when Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to the Kanto region, he praised the grove in the precinct of this temple.  Surrounding the temple grounds are hills planted with various types of shrubs, including azaleas that bloom in spring with color
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  • 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.
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  • Shizuoka Tea Museum Garden - Tea Ceremony House Shoumokurou and Japanese Garden - The tea ceremony house Shoumokurou and its adjacent Japanese garden are recreations of buildings and gardens designed by the tea master Kobori Enshu. Enshu was famous for establishing the kirei-sabi style of tea ceremony, following the legacy of tea masters Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. The garden is a reproduction of the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, Sento Gosho in Kyoto as it was in the seventeenth century. Before entering the teahouse you visitors cross a wooden bridge, a transition between the modern buildings of the museum and the past.
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  • Yasukuni Shinchi Teien Sacred Pond Garden  -  this strolling garden was created in the early Meiji Era. Its centerpiece is a small waterfall located in a serene pond.  The garden was neglected for many years and left in ruins but was refurbished in 1999.  Its main features are a waterfall and koi pond and pond garden. The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period. This hidden garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
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  • Tsukubai at Unryu-in - Established in 1372, Unryu-in is a sub-temple of Senyuji.  Its location is hard to find which keeps it under the radar for mass tourism.The temple has two large halls, Ryugeden and Reimeiden, each one with its rather empty garden. The best, however, is the back garden and the three rooms that surround it. There is a tiny tsuboniwa zen garden between the halls, with a single stone poking out of it.  In addition to this and its main garden, there is also a rather unusual one with radiating from a stone lantern.
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  • 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.
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  • Rakujuen Garden was built around Kohama Pond where the natural spring brings in water from Mt. Fuji. Built by the Imperial Family Komatsu-no-miya in 1890 on the Mishima Lava that flowed from Mt. Fuji. Rakujuen has been designated as a place of scenic beauty and a national natural treasure by the Japanese government.  Its centerpiece is the Rakujukan teahouse built in the Takayukashiki Sukiyazukuri style.
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  • Yoshiike Garden - Yoshiike Ryokan's garden has been planted with seasonal flowers, lying along a stream whose source is the Sukumo river. it was once the private villa of Yanosuke Iwasaki.  Adjacent to the villa a Japanese tea ceremony room Shinkou-An - both the villa and tea ceremony room is registered as the important cultural properties of Japan.  The Japanese garden incorporates borrowed scenery using the background landscape of mountains into the composition of the garden.
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  • Expo Commemoration Japanese Garden was designed in the style of the Showa Period. The garden was a Japanese Government exhibit at Expo 70.  Going along the stream there are four styles of gardens.  The Heian Period Garden, the Kamakura and the Muromachi Period Garden, the Edo Period Garden, and the modern style garden. The main focus of the garden is of the Shinji-ike Pond, in front of the Heian Period garden.  In this way, visitors can see the contrast between the different styles of gardens within their historical periods presented in a modern museum-like way.
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  • Mirei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
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  • Suikinkutsu or Japanese water harp produces sounds of echoes made by water drops falling inside the jar beneath.  This unique device lets you hear the sound of water dripping below the basin.   Some suikinkutsu have “earphones” consisting of bamboo pipes that you need to put your ear to hear the echo of water inside, others have been designed to amplify the echo without tubes that can be heard in the nearby area of this unique feature.
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  • Erin-ji Garden - Erin-ji is a Zen temple set in the mountains of Yamanashi Prefecture built in 1330. Zen priest and garden designer Muso Soseki was asked to establish and design the temple and its garden. It is now a temple of the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai Zen Buddhism.  The temple's pond garden is best viewed from either the temple's tatami rooms or connecting hallways.
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  • Jinpukaku Garden is adjact to the Jimpukaku Mansion in Tottori.  The grounds are just below the ruins of  Tottori Castle - long under the control of the Ikeda clan.  The garden is also referred to as Horyuin or Horyu-in.
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  • Kitain Garden is meant to be viewed only from the temple building itself.  The garden is planted with plum, cherry, and maple trees and a variety of flowers.  In this way, the garden can be enjoyed in many different seasons of Japan.  In visiting Kitain Temple, the garden is often overlooked because of poor signage, but it is the furthermost temple room in back, so visitors should persist as it is the highlight of the temple, apart from the 500 rakan.
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  • Happo-en Garden was built in the early seventeenth century in Tokyo. In 1915 Fusanosuke Kuhara revised the garden for his personal retreat.  It is now the site of a famous wedding banquet hall, though the garden has been preserved as a photo op backdrop for wedding couples.
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  • Ryoanji or the Temple of the Dragon at Peace is a Zen temple in northwest Kyoto, Ryoanji belongs to the My shin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. The garden is considered to be the finest examples of a karesansui, Japanese rock garden, or zen garden, in the world. The temple and gardens are listed as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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  • Chion-in Yuzen-en Garden is named after Miyazaki Yuzen the founder of Yuzen style of dyeing silk and fabric.  Two types of garden are found at Yuzen-en garden:  dry karesansui and strolling garden merged into one with two teahouses perched above the gardens.
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  • Heian Shrine Garden was designed by gardener Jihei Ogawa who created the garden over a twenty year period. Species rare in Japan such as Acheilognathus cyanostigma, the Yellow pond turtle and the Japanese pond turtle live around the ponds here.  The Naka Shinen or Middle Garden was constructed in 1895 formed around Soryu-Ike pond.  The pond features Garyu-kyo, a walkway consisting of stone pillars and is surrounded by an expanse of irises. This strolling landscape garden is representative of Meiji Period garden design.
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  • Gonaitei Garden is within the Kyoto Imperial Palace  -  the estate dates from the Edo period when the residence of high court nobles were grouped  together within the palace walls. When the capital moved to Tokyo the court nobles' residences were demolished. Then Kyōto Gyoen became a public park open to the public, with the exception of the Imperial Palace itself.
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  • Chishakuin Temple is the headquarters of the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism.  Its garden was inspired by the area around Mt Lushan in China ("Rozen" in Japanese) and its beauty changes with the seasons. The temple itself is has several National Treasures of Japan, wall paintings and decorative screen paintings.
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  • Yukimibashi Bridge at Kenrokuen, the "Six Attributes Garden" (spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, watercourses and panoramas) is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan along with Kairakuen and Korakuen.
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  • The Chouontei "the garden of the sound of the tide" is a simple and refined Zen garden nestled behind the main building of Kenninji Temple. The garden's San-zon-seki a set of 3 stones that represent Buddha and 2 Zen monks. Zazen-seki, a stone for seated meditation and maple trees are all placed to give the visitor a beautiful view from each direction.
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  • Keishun-in Temple has different types of gardens called the Garden of Purity to the south and the Garden of Manas to the east. Keishun-in is a smal sub temple at Myoshinji
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  • Kiyosumi Teien Garden was the site of the residence of the Edo Period business magnate, Kinokuniya Bunzaemon. Later it became the residence of the Edo of the Lord of Sekiyado castle, Shimofusa-no-kuni the period when the basic form of the garden came into existence.  In 1878,  Iwasaki Yataro, chose this property to use a garden for the entertainment of important guests. After the design and construction phases ended, the garden opened in 1880 under the name of "Fukagawa Shimbokuen." In later years, the waters of the Sumida River were brought into the grounds to make the pond. Hills and waterless waterfalls were constructed and famous rocks from all over Japan were brought in to embellish the garden. The garden was completed in the Meiji Period and developed into a famous strolling garden centered around a large pond.
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  • Ryotei Teahouse - This sukiya-style teahouse was built projecting out onto the pond, giving the gardens a true Japanese atmosphere. The open-walled teahouse was originally built by the Iwasakis.to host British dignitary Marshall Kitchener who visited Japan in 1909. It survived earthquake and war, still standing today. It was designated a historical.structure by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2005. Kiyosumi Teien Garden was the site of the residence of the Edo Period business magnate, Kinokuniya Bunzaemon. Later it became the residence of the Edo of the Lord of Sekiyado castle, Shimofusa-no-kuni the period when the basic form of the garden came into existence.  In 1878,  Iwasaki Yataro, chose this property to use a garden for the entertainment of important guests. After the design and construction phases ended, the garden opened in 1880 under the name of "Fukagawa Shimbokuen." In later years, the waters of the Sumida River were brought into the grounds to make the pond. Hills and waterless waterfalls were constructed and famous rocks from all over Japan were brought in to embellish the garden. The garden was completed in the Meiji Period and developed into a famous strolling garden centered around a large pond.
    kiyosumi-2.jpg
  • Korakuen is a Japanese landscape garden located in Okayama and is considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, along with Kenrokuen and Kairakuen. Korakuen was built in 1700 by Ikeda Tsunamasa, lord of Okayama. In 1884, ownership was transferred to Okayama Prefecture and the garden was opened to the public. The garden suffered severe flood damage in 1934 and during World War II bombing in 1945, but has been restored based on Edo period paintings and diagrams.
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  • Komyoji Garden at Komyoji Temple is a rare dry garden, sometimes called a Zen garden, although this temple is not of the Zen sect of Buddhism.  It is a popular temple with locals in the Kamakura area for its abundant cherry blossoms in spring, frequent flea markets, and free parking near the beach.
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  • 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.
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  • Kinkakuji was built in 1393 as a retirement villa for Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga.  He intended to cover the exterior with gold, but only managed to coat the third floor with gold leaf before his death.  After his death, his son converted the building into a Zen temple of the Rinzai school named Rokuonji in accordance with Ashikaga's wishes.
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  • Saikyoji Garden - altogether there are four distinct gardens surrounding the temple’s main hall.  The most famous one is the Hyakuden Teien pond garden designed by Kobori Enshu during the Ido Period,  The pond is supposed to represent Lake Biwa nearby (others contend that the pond is in the shape of a rose)  with its backdrop slope punctuated with stones and satsuki bushes.  Adjacent to the pond is a sukiya style teahouse, an addition added during the Meiji Period that is almost never open to the public.   The second garden is called Dai Honbo Teien - its style is quite different from the Hyakuden Garden as it is composed of bushes in the tsukiyama style - its unique feature is of stepping stones embedded in the white sand “sea”. The third garden is the Shoin Teien, which is a dry garden created during the Meiji Period, and is composed of Sakamoto style masonry and stones.  The fourth main garden is Yashoiun Teien or Back Shoin Garden which was created much more recently by Shigetaro Nishimura a local landscaper and is considered a pond appreciation garden.
    saikyoji-18.jpg
  • 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.
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  • 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.
    daijo-in-10.jpg
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