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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.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-5.jpg
  • Shogunzuka Seiryudan Dainichi-do Garden - one of the very finest in Kyoto, sits on top of Mt Higashiyama and is well known for its viewing deck of the city below. The Seiryuden garden is a strolling garden but with many twists and turns, leading the visitor down mossy pathways, past a Zen dry garden, the distant view of Mt Nishiyama, and a stunning view of Kyoto underneath it all. This vast undertaking, back in the Muromachi period, it is clear that this was a monumental undertaking given the resources of the times. The dry karesansui garden, a masterpiece of its kind, was created by Nakane Kinsaku.
    Shogunzuka-Seiryudan-Garden-09.jpg
  • Shogunzuka Seiryudan Dainichi-do Garden - one of the very finest in Kyoto, sits on top of Mt Higashiyama and is well known for its viewing deck of the city below. The Seiryuden garden is a strolling garden but with many twists and turns, leading the visitor down mossy pathways, past a Zen dry garden, the distant view of Mt Nishiyama, and a stunning view of Kyoto underneath it all. This vast undertaking, back in the Muromachi period, it is clear that this was a monumental undertaking given the resources of the times. The dry karesansui garden, a masterpiece of its kind, was created by Nakane Kinsaku.
    Shogunzuka-Seiryudan-Garden-06.jpg
  • Shogunzuka Seiryudan Dainichi-do Garden - one of the very finest in Kyoto, sits on top of Mt Higashiyama and is well known for its viewing deck of the city below. The Seiryuden garden is a strolling garden but with many twists and turns, leading the visitor down mossy pathways, past a Zen dry garden, the distant view of Mt Nishiyama, and a stunning view of Kyoto underneath it all. This vast undertaking, back in the Muromachi period, it is clear that this was a monumental undertaking given the resources of the times. The dry karesansui garden, a masterpiece of its kind, was created by Nakane Kinsaku.
    Shogunzuka-Seiryudan-Garden-07.jpg
  • Shogunzuka Seiryudan Dainichi-do Garden - one of the very finest in Kyoto, sits on top of Mt Higashiyama and is well known for its viewing deck of the city below. The Seiryuden garden is a strolling garden but with many twists and turns, leading the visitor down mossy pathways, past a Zen dry garden, the distant view of Mt Nishiyama, and a stunning view of Kyoto underneath it all. This vast undertaking, back in the Muromachi period, it is clear that this was a monumental undertaking given the resources of the times. The dry karesansui garden, a masterpiece of its kind, was created by Nakane Kinsaku.
    Shogunzuka-Seiryudan-Garden-05.jpg
  • Shogunzuka Seiryudan Dainichi-do Garden - one of the very finest in Kyoto, sits on top of Mt Higashiyama and is well known for its viewing deck of the city below. The Seiryuden garden is a strolling garden but with many twists and turns, leading the visitor down mossy pathways, past a Zen dry garden, the distant view of Mt Nishiyama, and a stunning view of Kyoto underneath it all. This vast undertaking, back in the Muromachi period, it is clear that this was a monumental undertaking given the resources of the times. The dry karesansui garden, a masterpiece of its kind, was created by Nakane Kinsaku.
    Shogunzuka-Seiryudan-Garden-04.jpg
  • Shogunzuka Seiryudan Dainichi-do Garden - one of the very finest in Kyoto, sits on top of Mt Higashiyama and is well known for its viewing deck of the city below. The Seiryuden garden is a strolling garden but with many twists and turns, leading the visitor down mossy pathways, past a Zen dry garden, the distant view of Mt Nishiyama, and a stunning view of Kyoto underneath it all. This vast undertaking, back in the Muromachi period, it is clear that this was a monumental undertaking given the resources of the times. The dry karesansui garden, a masterpiece of its kind, was created by Nakane Kinsaku.
    Shogunzuka-Seiryudan-Garden-08.jpg
  • Shogunzuka Seiryudan Dainichi-do Garden - one of the very finest in Kyoto, sits on top of Mt Higashiyama and is well known for its viewing deck of the city below. The Seiryuden garden is a strolling garden but with many twists and turns, leading the visitor down mossy pathways, past a Zen dry garden, the distant view of Mt Nishiyama, and a stunning view of Kyoto underneath it all. This vast undertaking, back in the Muromachi period, it is clear that this was a monumental undertaking given the resources of the times. The dry karesansui garden, a masterpiece of its kind, was created by Nakane Kinsaku.
    Shogunzuka-Seiryudan-Garden-01.jpg
  • Shogunzuka Seiryudan Dainichi-do Garden - one of the very finest in Kyoto, sits on top of Mt Higashiyama and is well known for its viewing deck of the city below. The Seiryuden garden is a strolling garden but with many twists and turns, leading the visitor down mossy pathways, past a Zen dry garden, the distant view of Mt Nishiyama, and a stunning view of Kyoto underneath it all. This vast undertaking, back in the Muromachi period, it is clear that this was a monumental undertaking given the resources of the times. The dry karesansui garden, a masterpiece of its kind, was created by Nakane Kinsaku.
    Shogunzuka-Seiryudan-Garden-10.jpg
  • Shogunzuka Seiryudan Dainichi-do Garden - one of the very finest in Kyoto, sits on top of Mt Higashiyama and is well known for its viewing deck of the city below. The Seiryuden garden is a strolling garden but with many twists and turns, leading the visitor down mossy pathways, past a Zen dry garden, the distant view of Mt Nishiyama, and a stunning view of Kyoto underneath it all. This vast undertaking, back in the Muromachi period, it is clear that this was a monumental undertaking given the resources of the times. The dry karesansui garden, a masterpiece of its kind, was created by Nakane Kinsaku.
    Shogunzuka-Seiryudan-Garden-03.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-6.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-2.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-11.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams.  The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-10.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-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-9.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-4.jpg
  • The Singapore Japanese Garden is based on Japanese gardens from the Muromachi period (1392 – 1568) to the Momoyama period (1568 – 1615).  The garden  includes  a karesansui dry garden which exudes a sense of peace and tranquility with its minimalist and abstract design.  The garden is made up of arched bridges, stone lantern and ponds faithfully recreating traditional Japanese gardening style. The Singapore Japanese Garden is within the Chinese Garden complex, also known as Jurong Gardens, was made  in 1975 and designed by Prof. Yuen-chen Yu, an architect from Taiwan,. The garden’s concept is based on the integration of architectural features within the natural environment. The garden is modeled along the northern Chinese imperial styles of landscaping.  In Chinese gardens, bridges play a critical role and the most important structures may denote a specific character.
    singapore-japanese-garden-4.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and screams.  The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-3.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent some time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter. The back garden, behind the main hall is called the Shojo Garden and is composed of water, a waterfall and streams. The waterfall is known as Muinotaki or Mui-no-taki which flows along the path to the entrance to Pure Land Paradise. The completion of both gardens took Kitayama thirty years to complete.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-7.jpg
  • Ryuun-ji Temple Garden, sometimes spelled Ryuoun-ji or Ryounji, has two distinct gardens: The Muryoju Garden is a dry zen karesansui garden in front of the main hall.  The garden was designed by Yasuo Kitayama, a disciple of Enshu Kobori.  It is common for most temples and gardens in Shizuoka to claim some connection to Kobori Enshu as he spent time in the area, and in fact did design a couple of the more renowned temple gardens in Hamamatsu. The three largest stones represent the Buddhist triad, with the surrounding stones representing the disciples.  In front of the Paradise area, where the Buddha is located, a tortoise stone to the west and a dragon to the east watch over Buddha. The walls were kept low by the designer so that passers-by and event motorists could glimpse into the garden, feel welcome and enter.
    Ryuunji-Temple-Garden-1.jpg
  • Karesansui Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine  - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The adjacent peony garden features large stones which were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government.  This peony garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.  The dry garden was created along Japanese lines similar to Zen karesansui gardens, although Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shinto shrine which honors various gods, and has little to do with Zen Buddhism.
    tsurugaoka-garden-1.jpg
  • Karesansui Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine  - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The adjacent peony garden features large stones which were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government.  This peony garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.  The dry garden was created along Japanese lines similar to Zen karesansui gardens, although Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shinto shrine which honors various gods, and has little to do with Zen Buddhism.
    tsurugaoka-garden-3.jpg
  • Shogo-in Garden - Shogo-in Monzeki - After repeated relocations due to fires such as the Onin War in the Muromachi periodthe temple moved to its current location in the early Edo period.The temple and its gardens are only open a few weeks per year usually in autumn, and besides its large dry karesansui garden, there are moss gardens behind the main hall.This is the head temple of the Honzan sect of the Shugendo religion which was founded by the ascetic and mystic En-no-Gyoja. Shogo-in Monzeki Temple is also known for the fact that it served as the Monzeki Temple for generations of the imperial family and imperial court. The temple also once served as the temporary living quarters for Emperor Kokaku when the imperial palace was damaged by a fire. Monzeki temples were where the royal family serve as the head priest. Shogo-in Monzeki has another side; a more beautiful side. The temple hall, known as the shinden, houses over 100 sliding doors beautifully painted by Edo Period painter Masunobu Kano, and Kano Eino, the third heir to the Kyogano Kyoto school of Kano painting. Shugendo is an ancient Japanese religion based on mountain religions and seeks to attain Buddhist enlightenment through grueling mountainous training
    shogo-in-garden-03.jpg
  • Shogo-in Garden - Shogo-in Monzeki - After repeated relocations due to fires such as the Onin War in the Muromachi periodthe temple moved to its current location in the early Edo period.The temple and its gardens are only open a few weeks per year usually in autumn, and besides its large dry karesansui garden, there are moss gardens behind the main hall.This is the head temple of the Honzan sect of the Shugendo religion which was founded by the ascetic and mystic En-no-Gyoja. Shogo-in Monzeki Temple is also known for the fact that it served as the Monzeki Temple for generations of the imperial family and imperial court. The temple also once served as the temporary living quarters for Emperor Kokaku when the imperial palace was damaged by a fire. Monzeki temples were where the royal family serve as the head priest. Shogo-in Monzeki has another side; a more beautiful side. The temple hall, known as the shinden, houses over 100 sliding doors beautifully painted by Edo Period painter Masunobu Kano, and Kano Eino, the third heir to the Kyogano Kyoto school of Kano painting. Shugendo is an ancient Japanese religion based on mountain religions and seeks to attain Buddhist enlightenment through grueling mountainous training
    shogo-in-garden-02.jpg
  • Shogo-in Garden - Shogo-in Monzeki - After repeated relocations due to fires such as the Onin War in the Muromachi periodthe temple moved to its current location in the early Edo period.The temple and its gardens are only open a few weeks per year usually in autumn, and besides its large dry karesansui garden, there are moss gardens behind the main hall.This is the head temple of the Honzan sect of the Shugendo religion which was founded by the ascetic and mystic En-no-Gyoja. Shogo-in Monzeki Temple is also known for the fact that it served as the Monzeki Temple for generations of the imperial family and imperial court. The temple also once served as the temporary living quarters for Emperor Kokaku when the imperial palace was damaged by a fire. Monzeki temples were where the royal family serve as the head priest. Shogo-in Monzeki has another side; a more beautiful side. The temple hall, known as the shinden, houses over 100 sliding doors beautifully painted by Edo Period painter Masunobu Kano, and Kano Eino, the third heir to the Kyogano Kyoto school of Kano painting. Shugendo is an ancient Japanese religion based on mountain religions and seeks to attain Buddhist enlightenment through grueling mountainous training
    shogo-in-garden-01.jpg
  • Yugyoji Temple Garden is officially called Shojiko-ji Temple, but is much more commonly known as Yugyo-ji located in Fujisawa City near Kamakura. <br />
Yugyoji has been named as one of the “100 Most Scenic Places in Japan” and also has an important historic and religious significance.  It is the headquarters of the Ji Sect, an offshoot of Pure Land Buddhism which has over 400 temples and 350,000 followers.  The main hall of the temple is a massive, beautiful building with an ornate interior and prayer area that visitors can access.  Beyond it is a beautiful and tranquil garden, filled with statues, a koi pond, and beautiful landscaping of the traditional Japanese style including a Japanese dry karesansui rock garden.
    yugyoji-garden-01.jpg
  • Yugyoji Temple Garden is officially called Shojiko-ji Temple, but is much more commonly known as Yugyo-ji located in Fujisawa City near Kamakura. <br />
Yugyoji has been named as one of the “100 Most Scenic Places in Japan” and also has an important historic and religious significance.  It is the headquarters of the Ji Sect, an offshoot of Pure Land Buddhism which has over 400 temples and 350,000 followers.  The main hall of the temple is a massive, beautiful building with an ornate interior and prayer area that visitors can access.  Beyond it is a beautiful and tranquil garden, filled with statues, a koi pond, and beautiful landscaping of the traditional Japanese style including a Japanese dry karesansui rock garden.
    yugyoji-garden-02.jpg
  • Komyoji Garden at Komyoji Temple is a dry garden, sometimes called a Zen garden, though 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.
    komyoji-garden-5.jpg
  • Komyoji Garden at Komyoji Temple is a dry garden, sometimes called a Zen garden, though 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.
    komyoji-garden-6.jpg
  • Komyoji Garden at Komyoji Temple is a dry garden, sometimes called a Zen garden, though 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.
    komyoji-garden-7.jpg
  • Komyoji Garden at Komyoji Temple is a dry garden, sometimes called a Zen garden, though 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.
    komyoji-garden-3.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
  • 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-14.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-15.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-13.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-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-10.jpg
  • The Adachi Museum of Art is made up of the private collection of Zenko Adach who collected Japanese paintings, ceramics and scrolls.  He was an aficionado of Japanese gardens and collected each pine tree and  stone for the garden himself from all around Japan.  In this way he created a beautiful garden filled with his own vision. 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 Shoisai Project.
    adachi-garden-06.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-03.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
  • 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-08.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-05.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-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-02.jpg
  • Kongobuji Temple's Banryutei rock garden is Japan's largest Zen Garden with 140 granite stones arranged to suggest dragons emerging from clouds to protect the temple. It is said to be the largest karesansui dry garden in Japan.
    banryutei-garden-7.jpg
  • Canadian Embassy Garden Tokyo was designed by Shunmyo Masuno, the head priest and landscape architect at a Zen Buddhist temple in Yokohama.  Shunmyo Masumo is the only Buddhist cleric still practicing garden design in the tradition of the traditional stone-setting priests.  Indeed, part of the tradition of a Zen garden is the design, care, maintenance of such a garden as a form of meditation. In the Tokyo Canadian Embassy garden, stones in Japan were chosen to represent the geological character of the bedrock that forms the Canadian Shield and to embody harmony between Canada and Japan. The ruggedness of the Canadian terrain is suggested in the rough edges of the stone.  The vast expanse of land in Canada is also reflected in the design of the garden.
    canadian-embassy-garden-7.jpg
  • Canadian Embassy Garden Tokyo was designed by Shunmyo Masuno, the head priest and landscape architect at a Zen Buddhist temple in Yokohama.  Shunmyo Masumo is the only Buddhist cleric still practicing garden design in the tradition of the traditional stone-setting priests.  Indeed, part of the tradition of a Zen garden is the design, care, maintenance of such a garden as a form of meditation. In the Tokyo Canadian Embassy garden, stones in Japan were chosen to represent the geological character of the bedrock that forms the Canadian Shield and to embody harmony between Canada and Japan. The ruggedness of the Canadian terrain is suggested in the rough edges of the stone.  The vast expanse of land in Canada is also reflected in the design of the garden.
    canadian-embassy-garden-6.jpg
  • Canadian Embassy Garden Tokyo was designed by Shunmyo Masuno, the head priest and landscape architect at a Zen Buddhist temple in Yokohama.  Shunmyo Masumo is the only Buddhist cleric still practicing garden design in the tradition of the traditional stone-setting priests.  Indeed, part of the tradition of a Zen garden is the design, care, maintenance of such a garden as a form of meditation. In the Tokyo Canadian Embassy garden, stones in Japan were chosen to represent the geological character of the bedrock that forms the Canadian Shield and to embody harmony between Canada and Japan. The ruggedness of the Canadian terrain is suggested in the rough edges of the stone.  The vast expanse of land in Canada is also reflected in the design of the garden.
    canadian-embassy-garden-5.jpg
  • Canadian Embassy Garden Tokyo was designed by Shunmyo Masuno, the head priest and landscape architect at a Zen Buddhist temple in Yokohama.  Shunmyo Masumo is the only Buddhist cleric still practicing garden design in the tradition of the traditional stone-setting priests.  Indeed, part of the tradition of a Zen garden is the design, care, maintenance of such a garden as a form of meditation. In the Tokyo Canadian Embassy garden, stones in Japan were chosen to represent the geological character of the bedrock that forms the Canadian Shield and to embody harmony between Canada and Japan. The ruggedness of the Canadian terrain is suggested in the rough edges of the stone.  The vast expanse of land in Canada is also reflected in the design of the garden.
    canadian-embassy-garden-1.jpg
  • Canadian Embassy Garden Tokyo was designed by Shunmyo Masuno, the head priest and landscape architect at a Zen Buddhist temple in Yokohama.  Shunmyo Masumo is the only Buddhist cleric still practicing garden design in the tradition of the traditional stone-setting priests.  Indeed, part of the tradition of a Zen garden is the design, care, maintenance of such a garden as a form of meditation. In the Tokyo Canadian Embassy garden, stones in Japan were chosen to represent the geological character of the bedrock that forms the Canadian Shield and to embody harmony between Canada and Japan. The ruggedness of the Canadian terrain is suggested in the rough edges of the stone.  The vast expanse of land in Canada is also reflected in the design of the garden.
    canadian-embassy-garden-2.jpg
  • Canadian Embassy Garden Tokyo was designed by Shunmyo Masuno, the head priest and landscape architect at a Zen Buddhist temple in Yokohama.  Shunmyo Masumo is the only Buddhist cleric still practicing garden design in the tradition of the traditional stone-setting priests.  Indeed, part of the tradition of a Zen garden is the design, care, maintenance of such a garden as a form of meditation. In the Tokyo Canadian Embassy garden, stones in Japan were chosen to represent the geological character of the bedrock that forms the Canadian Shield and to embody harmony between Canada and Japan. The ruggedness of the Canadian terrain is suggested in the rough edges of the stone.  The vast expanse of land in Canada is also reflected in the design of the garden.
    canadian-embassy-garden-3.jpg
  • Canadian Embassy Garden Tokyo was designed by Shunmyo Masuno, the head priest and landscape architect at a Zen Buddhist temple in Yokohama.  Shunmyo Masumo is the only Buddhist cleric still practicing garden design in the tradition of the traditional stone-setting priests.  Indeed, part of the tradition of a Zen garden is the design, care, maintenance of such a garden as a form of meditation. In the Tokyo Canadian Embassy garden, stones in Japan were chosen to represent the geological character of the bedrock that forms the Canadian Shield and to embody harmony between Canada and Japan. The ruggedness of the Canadian terrain is suggested in the rough edges of the stone.  The vast expanse of land in Canada is also reflected in the design of the garden.
    canadian-embassy-garden-4.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-15.jpg
  • Jodoji Temple Garden is a tsukiyama garden that uses the natural hillside and its waterfall as background scenery with the focal point a small pond at its foot. <br />
There is a tea room called Ruizudari which is mostly original though it was renovated and revived in 1999.
    jodoji-garden-onomichi-10.jpg
  • Jodoji Temple Garden is a tsukiyama garden that uses the natural hillside and its waterfall as background scenery with the focal point a small pond at its foot. <br />
There is a tea room called Ruizudari which is mostly original though it was renovated and revived in 1999.
    jodoji-garden-onomichi-9.jpg
  • Jodoji Temple Garden is a tsukiyama garden that uses the natural hillside and its waterfall as background scenery with the focal point a small pond at its foot. <br />
There is a tea room called Ruizudari which is mostly original though it was renovated and revived in 1999.
    jodoji-garden-onomichi-6.jpg
  • Jodoji Temple Garden is a tsukiyama garden that uses the natural hillside and its waterfall as background scenery with the focal point a small pond at its foot. <br />
There is a tea room called Ruizudari which is mostly original though it was renovated and revived in 1999.
    jodoji-garden-onomichi-4.jpg
  • Jodoji Temple Garden is a tsukiyama garden that uses the natural hillside and its waterfall as background scenery with the focal point a small pond at its foot. <br />
There is a tea room called Ruizudari which is mostly original though it was renovated and revived in 1999.
    jodoji-garden-onomichi-3.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-16.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-10.jpg
  • Tenju-an is one of many sub temples at Nanzenji and was built in 1336 to commemorate the founding of Nanzenji in the previous century.  There are two gardens within the compound, though the more famous and impresive of the two is the zen rock garden or karesansui.
    tenju-an-garden-1.jpg
  • Tenju-an is one of many sub temples at Nanzenji and was built in 1336 to commemorate the founding of Nanzenji in the previous century.  There are two gardens within the compound, though the more famous and impresive of the two is the zen rock garden or karesansui.
    tenju-an-garden-2.jpg
  • Banryutei rock garden at Kongobuji Temple is Japan's largest Zen Garden with one hundred and forty granite rocks arranged so as to suggest dragons emerging from clouds in order to protect the temple.
    banryutei-garden-1.jpg
  • Banryutei Stone Garden - Kongobuji is the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, at Koyasan.  Its name means "Temple of the Diamond Mountain" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple's modern Banryutei rock garden is Japan's largest Zen Garden with 140 granite stones arranged to suggest dragons emerging from clouds to protect the temple.
    banryutei-garden-6.jpg
  • Jodoji Temple Garden is a tsukiyama garden that uses the natural hillside and its waterfall as background scenery with the focal point a small pond at its foot. <br />
There is a tea room called Ruizudari which is mostly original though it was renovated and revived in 1999.
    jodoji-garden-onomichi-11.jpg
  • Jodoji Temple Garden is a tsukiyama garden that uses the natural hillside and its waterfall as background scenery with the focal point a small pond at its foot. <br />
There is a tea room called Ruizudari which is mostly original though it was renovated and revived in 1999.
    jodoji-garden-onomichi-7.jpg
  • Jodoji Temple Garden is a tsukiyama garden that uses the natural hillside and its waterfall as background scenery with the focal point a small pond at its foot. <br />
There is a tea room called Ruizudari which is mostly original though it was renovated and revived in 1999.
    jodoji-garden-onomichi-1.jpg
  • Jodoji Temple Garden is a tsukiyama garden that uses the natural hillside and its waterfall as background scenery with the focal point a small pond at its foot. <br />
There is a tea room called Ruizudari which is mostly original though it was renovated and revived in 1999.
    jodoji-garden-onomichi-2.jpg
  • Otani Garden grounds were once part of Japanese noble Kiyomasa Kato’s estate. The garden and palace came to be known as Prince Fushimi Palace. After World War II, ownership was taken by Yonetaro Otani, a sumo wrestler and founder of the New Otani Hotel, who created the present garden.  Otani Garden is known for its waterfall, thoughtfully laid out trails and cherry trees, all of which makes visitors forget that one is in the center of one of the world’s largest cities.
    otani-garden-11.jpg
  • Banryutei Stone Garden - Kongobuji is the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, at Koyasan.  Its name means "Temple of the Diamond Mountain" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple's modern Banryutei rock garden is Japan's largest Zen Garden with 140 granite stones arranged to suggest dragons emerging from clouds to protect the temple.
    banryutei-garden-6.jpg
  • Banryutei rock garden is Japan's largest Zen Garden with 140 granite stones arranged to suggest dragons emerging from clouds to protect the temple.
    banryutei-garden-2.jpg
  • Yugyoji Zen Garden - Shojiko-ji Temple, commonly known as “Yugyoji” temple in Fujisawa has been selected as one of the “100 Most Scenic Places in Japan”.  Yugyoji holds has an important historic and religious significance as the headquarters of the Ji Sect, an offshoot of Pure Land Buddhism.  The temple was founded during the Kamakura Period in the 1200s.  The main hall of the temple has an ornate interior and to its left is the Chujakumon Gate, with roof tiles indicating approval by the Imperial family.  Beyond it is a beautiful and tranquil garden, filled with statues, a koi pond and landscaping in the traditional Japanese style accentuated by meticulously crafted and maintained trees and plants.
    yugyoji-garden-2.jpg
  • Yugyoji Zen Garden - Shojiko-ji Temple, commonly known as “Yugyoji” temple in Fujisawa has been selected as one of the “100 Most Scenic Places in Japan”.  Yugyoji holds has an important historic and religious significance as the headquarters of the Ji Sect, an offshoot of Pure Land Buddhism.  The temple was founded during the Kamakura Period in the 1200s.  The main hall of the temple has an ornate interior and to its left is the Chujakumon Gate, with roof tiles indicating approval by the Imperial family.  Beyond it is a beautiful and tranquil garden, filled with statues, a koi pond and landscaping in the traditional Japanese style accentuated by meticulously crafted and maintained trees and plants.
    yugyoji-garden-1.jpg
  • The karesansui zen garden of raked sand, rocks and plants  at Meigetsuin Temple Garden represents legendary Mount Shumi or Sumeru an imaginary mountain in the Buddhist universe. According to records Meigetsuin was originally merely the guest house of a much bigger temple called Zenko-ji which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    meigetsuin-garden-1.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
  • Jodoji Temple Garden is a tsukiyama garden that uses the natural hillside and its waterfall as background scenery with the focal point a small pond at its foot. <br />
There is a tea room called Ruizudari which is mostly original though it was renovated and revived in 1999.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-71.jpg
  • Dry Stone Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The adjacent peony garden features large stones which were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government.  This peony garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.  The dry garden was created along Japanese lines similar to Zen karesansui gardens, although Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shinto shrine which honors various gods, and has little to do with Zen Buddhism.
    tsurugaoka-peony-6.jpg
  • Dry Stone Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The adjacent peony garden features large stones which were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government.  This peony garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.  The dry garden was created along Japanese lines similar to Zen karesansui gardens, although Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shinto shrine which honors various gods, and has little to do with Zen Buddhism.
    tsurugaoka-peony-2.jpg
  • Dry Stone Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The adjacent peony garden features large stones which were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government.  This peony garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.  The dry garden was created along Japanese lines similar to Zen karesansui gardens, although Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shinto shrine which honors various gods, and has little to do with Zen Buddhism.
    tsurugaoka-peony-9.jpg
  • Dry Stone Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The adjacent peony garden features large stones which were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government.  This peony garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.  The dry garden was created along Japanese lines similar to Zen karesansui gardens, although Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shinto shrine which honors various gods, and has little to do with Zen Buddhism.
    tsurugaoka-peony-8.jpg
  • Dry Stone Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The adjacent peony garden features large stones which were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government.  This peony garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.  The dry garden was created along Japanese lines similar to Zen karesansui gardens, although Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is a shinto shrine which honors various gods, and has little to do with Zen Buddhism.
    tsurugaoka-peony-1.jpg
  • Motonobu Garden at Taizo-in - Taizo-in was built in 1404 and the oldest of the forty sub-temples at Myoshin-ji.  Taizo-in has three unusual gardens. The first garden to visit is Motonobu Garden next to the Hojo abbot's quarters - it is a classic dry landscape garden made of stones, satsuki, bamboo and white sand.  The second Heaven and Hell Garden is organized around a large weeping cherry tree that looms over the paths going left and right. To the right is a small stone garden made of black sand and pink stones. To the left of the cherry tree is another dry landscape garden, with white sand this time.  The paths around the cherry tree merge later, but it's worth trying both.  Finally,  Yoko-en is a modern design created in 1963 and very different from the previous ones.  Yoko-en is built on a slope with a waterfall with large expanse of satsuki bushes.  The lower part of the garden is occupied by a pond and a rest area covered by a wisteria or fuji in Japanese.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-150.jpg
  • Motonobu Garden at Taizo-in - Taizo-in was built in 1404 and the oldest of the forty sub-temples at Myoshin-ji.  Taizo-in has three unusual gardens. The first garden to visit is Motonobu Garden next to the Hojo abbot's quarters - it is a classic dry landscape garden made of stones, satsuki, bamboo and white sand.  The second Heaven and Hell Garden is organized around a large weeping cherry tree that looms over the paths going left and right. To the right is a small stone garden made of black sand and pink stones. To the left of the cherry tree is another dry landscape garden, with white sand this time.  The paths around the cherry tree merge later, but it's worth trying both.  Finally,  Yoko-en is a modern design created in 1963 and very different from the previous ones.  Yoko-en is built on a slope with a waterfall with large expanse of satsuki bushes.  The lower part of the garden is occupied by a pond and a rest area covered by a wisteria or fuji in Japanese.
    taizo-in-motonobu-1.jpg
  • Entoku-in Garden was originally part of Fushimijo Castle and also a sub-temple of Kodaiji Temple. It was founded by a nephew of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The northern dry garden shows the essence of Momoyama style and is a registered National Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. It was built in 1605 and dedicated as a Rinzai sect temple in 1633..
    entoku-in-3.jpg
  • Entoku-in Garden was originally part of Fushimijo Castle and also a sub-temple of Kodaiji Temple. It was founded by a nephew of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The northern dry garden shows the essence of Momoyama style and is a registered National Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. It was built in 1605 and dedicated as a Rinzai sect temple in 1633..
    entoku-in-4.jpg
  • Joshinji Zen Garden - The Hondo main hall at Joshin-ji Temple was built in 1759 and has a striking zen garden next to the hall, one of the very few dry karesansui gardens in Tokyo. Joshin-ji Temple, also known as Kuhonbutsu is a large Jodo sect Buddhist temple in Jiyugaoka Tokyo.  The temple was established in 1678 and still maintains its original buildings . The grounds contain some of Tokyo’s oldest trees a few more than 700 years old.  Jōshin-ji is the home of the three Buddha Halls in front of the main Hall, devoted to Amida Buddha.  Each of the tall statues shows a different hand position, also known as Mudra, which have a symbolic meaning in esoteric Buddhism.  These Buddha Statues were the craftwork of the great master Kaseki Shonin who devoted his life to create nine different manifestations of the Amida Buddha.  The Niohmon Gate was completed in 1793. It houses a pair of fierce guardian divinities. Joshinji Kuhon Butsu is not listed as a tourist attraction and maintains its serenity as a working Jodo Buddhist temple without charing admissions, fees nor restrictions on entering.
    daisuke-joshinji-2.jpg
  • Joshinji Zen Garden - The Hondo main hall at Joshin-ji Temple was built in 1759 and has a striking zen garden next to the hall, one of the very few dry karesansui gardens in Tokyo. Joshin-ji Temple, also known as Kuhonbutsu is a large Jodo sect Buddhist temple in Jiyugaoka Tokyo.  The temple was established in 1678 and still maintains its original buildings . The grounds contain some of Tokyo’s oldest trees a few more than 700 years old.  Jōshin-ji is the home of the three Buddha Halls in front of the main Hall, devoted to Amida Buddha.  Each of the tall statues shows a different hand position, also known as Mudra, which have a symbolic meaning in esoteric Buddhism.  These Buddha Statues were the craftwork of the great master Kaseki Shonin who devoted his life to create nine different manifestations of the Amida Buddha.  The Niohmon Gate was completed in 1793. It houses a pair of fierce guardian divinities. Joshinji Kuhon Butsu is not listed as a tourist attraction and maintains its serenity as a working Jodo Buddhist temple without charing admissions, fees nor restrictions on entering.
    daisuke-joshinji-1.jpg
  • Joshinji Zen Garden - The Hondo main hall at Joshin-ji Temple was built in 1759 and has a striking zen garden next to the hall, one of the very few dry karesansui gardens in Tokyo. Joshin-ji Temple, also known as Kuhonbutsu is a large Jodo sect Buddhist temple in Jiyugaoka Tokyo.  The temple was established in 1678 and still maintains its original buildings . The grounds contain some of Tokyo’s oldest trees a few more than 700 years old.  Jōshin-ji is the home of the three Buddha Halls in front of the main Hall, devoted to Amida Buddha.  Each of the tall statues shows a different hand position, also known as Mudra, which have a symbolic meaning in esoteric Buddhism.  These Buddha Statues were the craftwork of the great master Kaseki Shonin who devoted his life to create nine different manifestations of the Amida Buddha.  The Niohmon Gate was completed in 1793. It houses a pair of fierce guardian divinities. Joshinji Kuhon Butsu is not listed as a tourist attraction and maintains its serenity as a working Jodo Buddhist temple without charing admissions, fees nor restrictions on entering.
    daisuke-joshinji-4.jpg
  • Daikakuji Gosho Garden - Daikaku-ji is often called Sagan Gosho because of its connection with the imperial family as an imperial cloister. It is one of the largest and most important temples in Kyoto. Its Stone Stage, surrounded by a vast dry zen garden, is all that remains of the original Godai-do. Today the Stone Stage is occasionally used for performances of gagaku court music and court dances. Surrounding the garden and court stage, are a series of wooden corridors that are famous for their nightingale squeaksIng sounds, once used as early warning systems for unexpected danger approaching. The Corridor of Village Rain or Murasame-no-Roka- besides is squeaks, has a low ceiling that swords or spears could be swung and cause danger to passing noblemen.
    daikaku-ji-stone-stage-2.jpg
  • Tenjuan Temple Garden - Tenjuan Temple is a small subtemple of Nanzenji dedicated to the Zen master who served Emperor Kameyama in his religious studies. Tenju-an has a main hall and study which date back to the early 17th century. Tenjuan is noteworthy for its two gardens, a rock garden and an adjacent pond garden, which are particularly attractive during autumn. The dry karesansui garden has unusual patterns normally not found in karesansui zen gardens.
    tenju-an-4.jpg
  • Tenjuan Temple Garden - Tenjuan Temple is a small subtemple of Nanzenji dedicated to the Zen master who served Emperor Kameyama in his religious studies. Tenju-an has a main hall and study which date back to the early 17th century. Tenjuan is noteworthy for its two gardens, a rock garden and an adjacent pond garden, which are particularly attractive during autumn. The dry karesansui garden has unusual patterns normally not found in karesansui zen gardens.
    tenju-an-1.jpg
  • Daikakuji Gosho Garden - Daikaku-ji is often called Sagan Gosho because of its connection with the imperial family as an imperial cloister. It is one of the largest and most important temples in Kyoto. Its Stone Stage, surrounded by a vast dry zen garden, is all that remains of the original Godai-do. Today the Stone Stage is occasionally used for performances of gagaku court music and court dances. Surrounding the garden and court stage, are a series of wooden corridors that are famous for their nightingale squeaksIng sounds, once used as early warning systems for unexpected danger approaching. The Corridor of Village Rain or Murasame-no-Roka- besides is squeaks, has a low ceiling that swords or spears could be swung and cause danger to passing noblemen.
    daikaku-ji-zen.jpg
  • Daikakuji Gosho Garden - Daikaku-ji is often called Sagan Gosho because of its connection with the imperial family as an imperial cloister. It is one of the largest and most important temples in Kyoto. Its Stone Stage, surrounded by a vast dry zen garden, is all that remains of the original Godai-do. Today the Stone Stage is occasionally used for performances of gagaku court music and court dances. Surrounding the garden and court stage, are a series of wooden corridors that are famous for their nightingale squeaksIng sounds, once used as early warning systems for unexpected danger approaching. The Corridor of Village Rain or Murasame-no-Roka- besides is squeaks, has a low ceiling that swords or spears could be swung and cause danger to passing noblemen.
    daikaku-ji-stone-stage-5.jpg
  • Daikakuji Gosho Garden - Daikaku-ji is often called Sagan Gosho because of its connection with the imperial family as an imperial cloister. It is one of the largest and most important temples in Kyoto. Its Stone Stage, surrounded by a vast dry zen garden, is all that remains of the original Godai-do. Today the Stone Stage is occasionally used for performances of gagaku court music and court dances. Surrounding the garden and court stage, are a series of wooden corridors that are famous for their nightingale squeaksIng sounds, once used as early warning systems for unexpected danger approaching. The Corridor of Village Rain or Murasame-no-Roka- besides is squeaks, has a low ceiling that swords or spears could be swung and cause danger to passing noblemen.
    daikaku-ji-stone-stage-6.jpg
  • Daikakuji Gosho Garden - Daikaku-ji is often called Sagan Gosho because of its connection with the imperial family as an imperial cloister. It is one of the largest and most important temples in Kyoto. Its Stone Stage, surrounded by a vast dry zen garden, is all that remains of the original Godai-do. Today the Stone Stage is occasionally used for performances of gagaku court music and court dances. Surrounding the garden and court stage, are a series of wooden corridors that are famous for their nightingale squeaksIng sounds, once used as early warning systems for unexpected danger approaching. The Corridor of Village Rain or Murasame-no-Roka- besides is squeaks, has a low ceiling that swords or spears could be swung and cause danger to passing noblemen.
    daikaku-ji-stone-stage-4.jpg
  • Daikakuji Gosho Garden - Daikaku-ji is often called Sagan Gosho because of its connection with the imperial family as an imperial cloister. It is one of the largest and most important temples in Kyoto. Its Stone Stage, surrounded by a vast dry zen garden, is all that remains of the original Godai-do. Today the Stone Stage is occasionally used for performances of gagaku court music and court dances. Surrounding the garden and court stage, are a series of wooden corridors that are famous for their nightingale squeaksIng sounds, once used as early warning systems for unexpected danger approaching. The Corridor of Village Rain or Murasame-no-Roka- besides is squeaks, has a low ceiling that swords or spears could be swung and cause danger to passing noblemen.
    daikaku-ji-stone-stage-1.jpg
  • Shido-ji Temple Garden - Shidoji is the 86th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage Buddhist trail.  Its garden was originally created during the Muromachi period, the 15th century,  but was heavily damaged by an earthquake and left in ruins for many years.  The garden was commissioned by a local ruler of that time, and was designed to evoke ink wash paintings of Chinese landscapes depicting a river flowing through mountains. After being damaged it fell into disrepair and was neglected for many years. Mirei Shigemori resurrected it to its present state with a few modern twists.  Shigemori collaborated with Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese-American sculptor who had a studio on the east side of Takamatsu. In addition to resurrecting the ancient garden, Shigemori added one of his own in the karesansui or dry landscape style.
    shidoji-16.jpg
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