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  • 26. Saihoji 西芳寺 The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is often called Koke-dera or Moss Temple.  More than 120 different types of moss now grow at Saihoji, some developed naturally or even accidentally thanks to its nearness to the pond. Saihoji is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in tracing sutras before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the integrity of the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of this unique retreat.
    26.KYOTO-SAIHOJI-01.jpg
  • 26. Saihoji 西芳寺 The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is often called Koke-dera or Moss Temple.  More than 120 different types of moss now grow at Saihoji, some developed naturally or even accidentally thanks to its nearness to the pond. Saihoji is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in tracing sutras before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the integrity of the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of this unique retreat.
    26.KYOTO-SAIHOJI-02.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
  • 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-10.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-09.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-07.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-04.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-03.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-11.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-08.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
  • Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is one of Tokyo's oldest and most beautiful Japanese landscape gardens. It was built by close relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun in the early Edo Period..Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous landscapes from China and Japan in miniature, using a pond, stones, plants and a man made hill.
    koishikawa-korakuen-23.jpg
  • Ninomaru garden was designed by the famous landscape architect and tea master, Kobori Enshu. It is located between the two main rings of fortifications, next to the palace of the same name. The garden has a large pond with three islands and features numerous carefully placed stones and topiary pine trees.  Nijo Castle and its garden are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    ninomaru-7.jpg
  • Ritsurin 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
  • 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 - 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
  • Sumida Park Japanese Pond Garden - Sumida Park is one of the best 100 Sakura Spots in Japan with more than a thousand 1000 cherry trees planted on both sides of the park, which straddles the Sumida River. Formerly the garden was the private domain of the 8th Shogun of Tokugawa, Later it was opened to the public and is now maintained by Tokyo city government.
    sumida-park-japanese-garden-4.jpg
  • Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period.  Left dormant for many years, it was restored in 1999.  The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  This secret garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    shinchi-07.jpg
  • Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period.  Left dormant for many years, it was restored in 1999.  The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  This secret garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    shinchi-04.jpg
  • Shinjuku Gyoen was designed and built on the estate of Lord Naito, a feudal lord of the Edo period. Shinjuku Gyoen was originally an imperial garden,but then donated to the public and designated a national garden after WWII. One of Tokyo's largest parks, it covers over 144 acres. Besides the Japanese Traditional Garden, Shinjuku Gyoen also has a French Formal Garden and an English Garden. Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most important gardens of the Meiji era.
    shinjuku-gyoen-garden-11.jpg
  • Rikugien Garden - the name of this garden means the six traditional elements essential to great poetry. A wonderful, romantic sentiment in itself for a garden stroll but especially apt because the concept has been followed through to the design and layout of this garden which depicts 88 scenes from a classic Japanese poem. It does so by use of the pond, stone islands, teahouses and bridges
    rikugien-yamakage-bridge-6.jpg
  • Shinjuku Gyoen Garden was designed and built on the estate of Lord Naito, a feudal lord of the Edo period.  Shinjuku Gyoen was originally an imperial garden, but then donated to the public.  Shinjuku Gyoen Garden was designated a national garden after WWII.  Besides the Japanese Traditional Garden, Shinjuku Gyoen also has a French Formal Garden and an English Garden.  Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most important Japanese gardens of the Meiji era.
    shinjuku-gyoen-13.jpg
  • Yamanashi Prefecture is famous for its rock crystals and many world-class lapidary experts.  It should not be surprising, therefore, that a rock garden, for which the Japanese are famous, should be born.  The main difference here is that the stones are not austere white pebbles, but multicolored ones from local crystals.  The Jewel Dream Garden is large, and run by a local jewelry company that sponsors it and the adjacent Jewelry Museum.
    shingen-jewel-garden-2.jpg
  • Kannon-in Garden was built in the mid 17th century and artfully incorporates the forest behind the pond as its natural background.  This style is called Shakkei "borrowed scenery”.  Kannon-in Garden was designated as a national scenic spot by the Japanese government.
    kannon-in-2.jpg
  • Yuushien garden is found on Daikonshima Island and was designed as a strolling garden with ponds, streams, trails and waterfalls. The garden is resplendent year round with a variety of seasonal blooms and is famous for peonies. In the 1950's, sericultural industry was in decline on the small island of Daikonshima, and women on the island had to travel all around Japan selling peony seedlings to make a living. A local man, Mr Sakai Kadowaki opened the garden at Daikonshima so that people would visit the island and the free the locals from constant travel around Japan. The garden named after Kadowaki’s father.
    yuushien-14.jpg
  • Yuushien garden is found on Daikonshima Island and was designed as a strolling garden with ponds, streams, trails and waterfalls. The garden is resplendent year round with a variety of seasonal blooms and is famous for peonies. In the 1950's, sericultural industry was in decline on the small island of Daikonshima, and women on the island had to travel all around Japan selling peony seedlings to make a living. A local man, Mr Sakai Kadowaki opened the garden at Daikonshima so that people would visit the island and the free the locals from constant travel around Japan. The garden named after Kadowaki’s father.
    yuushien-13.jpg
  • Tonogayato Garden is a landscape type  garden in Kokubunji, Tokyo. It was built for the vice-president of Manchurian Railway.  In 1929 the estate was bought by the founder of Mitsubishi and is now owned by Tokyo Metropolitan Parks who maintain it.  There is a teahouse on the garden's grounds that can be rented for tea ceremony.
    tonogayato-3.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyukodo-6.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
  • 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
  • Komyoji is a popular temple with locals in the Kamakura area for its abundant cherry blossoms in spring, frequent weekend flea markets, and free parking near the beach. Komyoji Garden has a rare example of a dry garden, sometimes called a Zen garden, as this temple is not of the Zen sect of Buddhism.  In addition to the temple's zen dry karesansui garden, on the north side of the temple is the pond garden, which comes to life in spring with sakura cherry trees.
    kamakura-komyoji-01.jpg
  • Rikugien Garden Sakura - the name of this garden means the six traditional elements essential to great poetry. A wonderful, romantic sentiment in itself for a garden stroll but especially apt because the concept has been followed through to the design and layout of this garden which depicts 88 scenes from a classic Japanese poem. It does so by use of the pond, stone islands, teahouses and bridges
    rikugien-sakura-6.jpg
  • Shinjuku Gyoen was designed and built on the estate of Lord Naito, a feudal lord of the Edo period. Shinjuku Gyoen was originally an imperial garden,but then donated to the public and designated a national garden after WWII. One of Tokyo's largest parks, it covers over 144 acres. Besides the Japanese Traditional Garden, Shinjuku Gyoen also has a French Formal Garden and an English Garden. Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most important gardens of the Meiji era.
    shinjuku-gyoen-garden-10.jpg
  • Rikugien Garden - the name of this garden means the six traditional elements essential to great poetry. A wonderful, romantic sentiment in itself for a garden stroll but especially apt because the concept has been followed through to the design and layout of this garden which depicts 88 scenes from a classic Japanese poem. It does so by use of the pond, stone islands, teahouses and bridges
    rikugien-31.jpg
  • Showa Kinen Park is a large space surrounded by greenery in the outer suburbs of Tokyo.  A traditional Japanese garden was created in 1997 in a corner of this spacious park.  The strolling garden surrounds a pond, overlooking a tea house.   The delicacy of traditional Japanese landscaping takes account of details as small as a single flower plant or small stone. Kanfu-tei is the tea house built in the Sukiya style in harmony with the pond garden. It was built using mostly cypress special techniques such as roofing with cypress bark and special joints at pillars and beams.
    showa-kinen-1.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori. The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty. To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond. Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-7.jpg
  • Shinjuku Gyoen Garden was designed and built on the estate of Lord Naito, a feudal lord of the Edo period.  Shinjuku Gyoen was originally an imperial garden, but then donated to the public.  Shinjuku Gyoen Garden was designated a national garden after WWII.  Besides the Japanese Traditional Garden, Shinjuku Gyoen also has a French Formal Garden and an English Garden.  Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most important Japanese gardens of the Meiji era.
    shinjuku-gyoen-12.jpg
  • 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.
    erin-ji-garden-8.jpg
  • Tojo-tei Tojogaoka Garden is the former domain of Kokugawa Akitake, often called “the last Shogun".  In 1887 when the last Shogun returned power to the emperor.  At the time,  a new era had begun and people from Shogun families faded into obscurity.  The house was designed in styles of both the Edo and Meiji periods with only precious materials used in its construction.   The minimalism found in the design creates the beauty of form. The garden surrounding the home is  an important element havin been designed so that seasonal followers can be enjoyed viewing from all rooms.
    tojitei-tojogaoka-4.jpg
  • Kozenji Garden Tottori - while many temples around Japan share the name Kozenji, the Tottori Kozenji features a small landscape garden using "borrowed scenery" - that is hills and forest behind the garden incorporated into the garden's tableaux.
    Kozenji-Tottori-2.jpg
  • Tenshozan Renge-in Komyo-ji usually referred to only as Komyoji is a Buddhist temple of the Jodo sect in Kamakura.  The temple is dedicated to the training of Buddhist priests and scholarly research.  Although Komyoji is a Jodo sect temple, it has certain features normally found only in a Zen temple, that is a pond garden, dry rock garden and a temple gate.
    komyoji-garden-1.jpg
  • Sahara Kiku was a wealthy antique dealer in the Edo period established a garden for enjoying flowers and developed Mukojima Hyakkaen meaning "a garden with a hundred flowers that bloom”. The garden first opened with  360 plum trees. In later years, many different plants & flowers discussed in Japanese literature and poetry were added.  The garden is the only surviving flower garden from the Edo Period. So as to preserve the garden the owner gave the garden to the City of Tokyo. It was officially opened to the public in 1939.
    mukojima-1.jpg
  • Taishakuten Suikei-en Garden is to be viewed from a covered bridge that encircles the garden.  The garden itself is composed of a long hedge of azaleas, a pond with pines branches shaped to resemble clouds.  Walking along the covered walkway the view across the pond toward the guest house and teahouse provides the best view of the garden.
    taishakuten-suikei-en-01.jpg
  • Tonogayato Garden is a landscape type  garden in Kokubunji, Tokyo. It was built for the vice-president of Manchurian Railway.  In 1929 the estate was bought by the founder of Mitsubishi and is now owned by Tokyo Metropolitan Parks who maintain it.  There is a teahouse on the garden's grounds that can be rented for tea ceremony.
    tonogayato-4.jpg
  • Showa Kinen Park is a large space surrounded by greenery in the outer suburbs of Tokyo.  A traditional Japanese garden was created in 1997 in a corner of this spacious park.  The strolling garden surrounds a pond, overlooking a tea house.   The delicacy of traditional Japanese landscaping takes account of details as small as a single flower plant or small stone. Kanfu-tei is the tea house built in the Sukiya style in harmony with the pond garden. It was built using mostly cypress special techniques such as roofing with cypress bark and special joints at pillars and beams.
    showa-kinen-garden-6.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyukodo-7.jpg
  • Hase-Dera Garden - Since the year 736, Hase-Dera Temple has been known as the 4th station among the 33 holy places in the Kanto area, and one of the main stops for Buddhist pilgrims in Kamakura, situated down the street from the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Hase-Dera has landscaped Japanese gardens, a giant prayer wheel, jizo caves, a bamboo grove and a vegetarian restaurant up the hill with a bird-eye view of Kamakura and the Shonan Coast.
    hasedera-garden-05.jpg
  • Hase-Dera Dry Garden - Since 736, Hase-Dera has been considered the fourth station among 33 holy places in the Kanto region of Japan, and one of the main stops for Buddhist pilgrims in Kamakura.  Located near the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Hase-Dera has landscaped Japanese gardens, a giant prayer wheel,  a bamboo grove and a vegetarian restaurant with a bird-eye view of Kamakura and the Shonan Coast.
    hasedera-garden-02.jpg
  • Momijiyama Garden is located near the ruins of Sunpu Castle in Shizuoka.  Garden of the Village is made up of various flowers, plants and a wooden pavilion. The zigzag wooden bridge is surrounded by irises in late May and June.  Garden of the Mountain Village is composed of a hill meant to resemble Mt. Fuji.  Surrounding the hill are azalea bushes arranged to as to look like the terraced tea fields of Shizuoka.  Shizuoka’s claims to fame are green tea and Mt Fuji.  Next, Garden of the Sea or is meant to be viewed between the pines facing the pond with the white beach below, so as to resemble the seashore of Miwa. Stones in the pond and the opposite shore represent Izu coastline, also part of Shizuoka Prefecture and known for its seascapes.  Finally the Garden of the Mountain is composed of two small waterfalls meant to symbolize mountain scenes of Japan.
    momijiyama-03.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyokudo-4.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyokudo-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-10.jpg
  • Komyoji is a popular temple with locals in the Kamakura area for its abundant cherry blossoms in spring, frequent weekend flea markets, and free parking near the beach. Komyoji Garden has a rare example of a dry garden, sometimes called a Zen garden, as this temple is not of the Zen sect of Buddhism.  In addition to the temple's zen dry karesansui garden, on the north side of the temple is the pond garden, which comes to life in spring with sakura cherry trees.
    kamakura-komyoji-06.jpg
  • Rikugien Garden Sakura - the name of this garden means the six traditional elements essential to great poetry. A wonderful, romantic sentiment in itself for a garden stroll but especially apt because the concept has been followed through to the design and layout of this garden which depicts 88 scenes from a classic Japanese poem. It does so by use of the pond, stone islands, teahouses and bridges
    rikugien-sakura-5.jpg
  • 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.
    howa-en-02.jpg
  • Shinjuku Gyoen was designed and built on the estate of Lord Naito, a feudal lord of the Edo period. Shinjuku Gyoen was originally an imperial garden,but then donated to the public and designated a national garden after WWII. One of Tokyo's largest parks, it covers over 144 acres. Besides the Japanese Traditional Garden, Shinjuku Gyoen also has a French Formal Garden and an English Garden. Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most important gardens of the Meiji era.
    shinjuku-gyoen-garden-21.jpg
  • Shinjuku Gyoen Goryu-tei Pavilion
    shinjuku-gyoen-garden-17.jpg
  • Rikugien Garden - the name of this garden means the six traditional elements essential to great poetry. A wonderful, romantic sentiment in itself for a garden stroll but especially apt because the concept has been followed through to the design and layout of this garden which depicts 88 scenes from a classic Japanese poem. It does so by use of the pond, stone islands, teahouses and bridges
    rikugien-30.jpg
  • Yamanashi Prefecture is famous for its rock crystals and many world-class lapidary experts.  It should not be surprising that a rock garden, for which the Japanese are famous, should be born.  The main difference here is that the stones are not austere white pebbles, but multicolored ones from local crystals.  The Jewel Dream Garden is run by a local jewelry company that sponsors it and the adjacent Jewelry Museum.
    shingen-jewel-garden-7.jpg
  • Kyu Furukawa Garden was originally the domain of Mutsu Munemitsu. but later became the property of the Furukawa family.  Ogawa Jihei designed the garden renowned for its beauty. The Furukawa garden is regarded as an example of Japanese gardens of the Taisho Period.
    kyu-furukawa-12.jpg
  • Kyu Furukawa Garden was originally the domain of a Meiji Period notable Mutsu Munemitsu. but later became the property of the Furukawa family.  Ogawa Jihei  sometimes known as Niwashi Ueji designed the garden renowned for its beauty. The Furukawa garden is regarded as an example of gardens of the Taisho Period of Japan.
    kyu-furukawa-10.jpg
  • Tome Ishi is a stone is wrapped in rope and placed in a path or in front of a gate. They're sometimes called "stop stones" sekimori-ishi indicating that entry is forbidden. They are commonly found at temples,  tea houses or traditional Japanese gardens.
    stopping-stone-2.jpg
  • Ishitani Residence Garden - During the Edo period Chizu flourished as a post station. Among the quaint buildings in Chizu Town the residence of the Ishitani family, an upper class family.  Japanese, gardens are often designed to be viewed from a sitting position. The most celebrated garden at Ishitani Residence is the Chisen Garden, with plants artfully arranged around a pond, the Karesansui Garden, a dry landscape garden that uses no water to represent mountains and streams, and the Shibafu Garden showing the charm of green lawns. The space from indoors to the veranda and the gardens are connected in a gentle way.  In this way Japanese can appreciate living alongside nature by viewing from within the home.
    ishitani-garden-6.jpg
  • Ishitani Residence Garden - During the Edo period Chizu flourished as a post station. Among the quaint buildings in Chizu Town the residence of the Ishitani family, an upper class family.  Japanese, gardens are often designed to be viewed from a sitting position. The most celebrated garden at Ishitani Residence is the Chisen Garden, with plants artfully arranged around a pond, the Karesansui Garden, a dry landscape garden that uses no water to represent mountains and streams, and the Shibafu Garden showing the charm of green lawns. The space from indoors to the veranda and the gardens are connected in a gentle way.  In this way Japanese can appreciate living alongside nature by viewing from within the home.
    ishitani-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-12.jpg
  • 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.
    kitain-garden-07.jpg
  • 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.
    kitain-garden-05.jpg
  • Shinjuku Gyoen was designed and built on the estate of Lord Naito, a feudal lord of the Edo period.  Shinjuku Gyoen was originally an imperial garden,but then donated to the public and designated a national garden after WWII.  One of Tokyo's largest parks, it covers over 144 acres.  Besides the Japanese Traditional Garden, Shinjuku Gyoen also has a French Formal Garden and an English Garden. Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most important gardens of the Meiji era.
    shinjuku-gyoen-9.jpg
  • Tenshozan Renge-in Komyo-ji usually referred to only as Komyoji is a Buddhist temple of the Jodo sect in Kamakura.  The temple is dedicated to the training of Buddhist priests and scholarly research.  Although Komyoji is a Jodo sect temple, it has certain features normally found only in a Zen temple, that is a pond garden, dry rock garden and a temple gate.
    komyoji-1.jpg
  • Tonogayato Garden is a landscape type  garden in Kokubunji, Tokyo. It was built for the vice-president of Manchurian Railway.  In 1929 the estate was bought by the founder of Mitsubishi and is now owned by Tokyo Metropolitan Parks who maintain it.  There is a teahouse on the garden's grounds that can be rented for tea ceremony.
    tonogayato-5.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyukodo-4.jpg
  • Momijiyama Garden is located near the ruins of Sunpu Castle in Shizuoka.  Garden of the Village is made up of various flowers, plants and a wooden pavilion. The zigzag wooden bridge is surrounded by irises in late May and June.  Garden of the Mountain Village is composed of a hill meant to resemble Mt. Fuji.  Surrounding the hill are azalea bushes arranged to as to look like the terraced tea fields of Shizuoka.  Shizuoka’s claims to fame are green tea and Mt Fuji.  Next, Garden of the Sea or is meant to be viewed between the pines facing the pond with the white beach below, so as to resemble the seashore of Miwa. Stones in the pond and the opposite shore represent Izu coastline, also part of Shizuoka Prefecture and known for its seascapes.  Finally the Garden of the Mountain is composed of two small waterfalls meant to symbolize mountain scenes of Japan.
    momijiyama-25.jpg
  • Momijiyama Garden is located near the ruins of Sunpu Castle in Shizuoka.  Garden of the Village is made up of various flowers, plants and a wooden pavilion. The zigzag wooden bridge is surrounded by irises in late May and June.  Garden of the Mountain Village is composed of a hill meant to resemble Mt. Fuji.  Surrounding the hill are azalea bushes arranged to as to look like the terraced tea fields of Shizuoka.  Shizuoka’s claims to fame are green tea and Mt Fuji.  Next, Garden of the Sea or is meant to be viewed between the pines facing the pond with the white beach below, so as to resemble the seashore of Miwa. Stones in the pond and the opposite shore represent Izu coastline, also part of Shizuoka Prefecture and known for its seascapes.  Finally the Garden of the Mountain is composed of two small waterfalls meant to symbolize mountain scenes of Japan.
    momijiyama-22.jpg
  • Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    seisyu-an-teahouse-1.jpg
  • Senganen Garden, also known as Isoteien is a Japanese style landscape garden along the coast of Kagoshima. One of the garden's most striking feature is its use of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay as borrowed scenery. The garden includes small ponds, streams, shrines and a bamboo grove. Senganen was constructed in 1658 by the wealthy Shimazu Clan, one of the most powerful feudal clans during the Edo Period.  The Shimazu ruled Kagoshima for almost 700 years and continued to be influential into the modern era as earlyadopters of Western science and technology.  At the center of the garden stands the Iso Residence. The residence was originally built in 1658 along with the rest of the garden, but the current building mostly dates back to a reconstruction in the mid 1880s.
    senganen-garden-02.jpg
  • Tonogayato Garden Waterfall - a landscape type garden in Kokubunji, Tokyo that was built for the vice-president of Manchurian Railway. In 1929 the estate was bought by the founder of Mitsubishi and is now owned by Tokyo Metropolitan Parks who maintain it. There is a teahouse called Koyyoutei on the garden's grounds that can be rented for tea ceremony.  Most visitors enjoy the strolling garden around the pond, admiring the koi pond and the tiny island in the center of the pond, and the spacious surrounding grounds.
    tonogayato-32.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyokudo-7.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
  • Komyoji is a popular temple with locals in the Kamakura area for its abundant cherry blossoms in spring, frequent weekend flea markets, and free parking near the beach. Komyoji Garden has a rare example of a dry garden, sometimes called a Zen garden, as this temple is not of the Zen sect of Buddhism.  In addition to the temple's zen dry karesansui garden, on the north side of the temple is the pond garden, which comes to life in spring with sakura cherry trees.
    kamakura-komyoji-04.jpg
  • Rikugien Garden Sakura - the name of this garden means the six traditional elements essential to great poetry. A wonderful, romantic sentiment in itself for a garden stroll but especially apt because the concept has been followed through to the design and layout of this garden which depicts 88 scenes from a classic Japanese poem. It does so by use of the pond, stone islands, teahouses and bridges
    rikugien-sakura-10.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
  • 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-6.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-1.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
  • Shinjuku Gyoen was designed and built on the estate of Lord Naito, a feudal lord of the Edo period. Shinjuku Gyoen was originally an imperial garden,but then donated to the public and designated a national garden after WWII. One of Tokyo's largest parks, it covers over 144 acres. Besides the Japanese Traditional Garden, Shinjuku Gyoen also has a French Formal Garden and an English Garden. Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most important gardens of the Meiji era.
    shinjuku-gyoen-garden-3.jpg
  • Rikugien Garden - the name of this garden means the six traditional elements essential to great poetry. A wonderful, romantic sentiment in itself for a garden stroll but especially apt because the concept has been followed through to the design and layout of this garden which depicts 88 scenes from a classic Japanese poem. It does so by use of the pond, stone islands, teahouses and bridges
    rikugien-yamakage-bridge-3.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori. The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty. To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond. Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-10.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-pond.jpg
  • 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.
    erin-ji-garden-10.jpg
  • 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.
    erin-ji-garden-7.jpg
  • 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.
    erin-ji-garden-2.jpg
  • Tojo-tei Tojogaoka Garden is the former domain of Kokugawa Akitake, often called “the last Shogun".  In 1887 when the last Shogun returned power to the emperor.  At the time,  a new era had begun and people from Shogun families faded into obscurity.  The house was designed in styles of both the Edo and Meiji periods with only precious materials used in its construction.   The minimalism found in the design creates the beauty of form. The garden surrounding the home is  an important element havin been designed so that seasonal followers can be enjoyed viewing from all rooms.
    tojitei-tojogaoka-7.jpg
  • Mihama-en was built in Makuhari  with the intention of maintaining a bit of traditional Japanese design within a very modern urban environment. Its other purpose is to provide an oasis for residents and visitors to rest from modern life.  Mihama-en is the only traditional garden in Japan that intentionally used skyscrapers as its background contrast scenery.
    mihama-en-3.jpg
  • Kyu Furukawa Garden was originally the domain of a Meiji Period notable Mutsu Munemitsu. but later became the property of the Furukawa family.  Ogawa Jihei  sometimes known as Niwashi Ueji designed the garden renowned for its beauty. The Furukawa garden is regarded as an example of gardens of the Taisho Period of Japan.
    kyu-furukawa-13.jpg
  • Kyu Furukawa Garden was originally the domain of a Meiji Period notable Mutsu Munemitsu. but later became the property of the Furukawa family.  Ogawa Jihei  sometimes known as Niwashi Ueji designed the garden renowned for its beauty. The Furukawa garden is regarded as an example of gardens of the Taisho Period of Japan.
    kyu-furukawa-11.jpg
  • Genchuji Temple in Tottori is graced with a small but beautiful pond garden behind the temple.  Genchuji is also the burial site of Araki Mataemon, a swordsman of legend. Rakan  are painted on the fusuma screen doors inside the temple by Keitaro Takagi.
    genchuji--2.jpg
  • Genchuji Temple in Tottori is graced with a small but beautiful pond garden behind the temple.  Genchuji is also the burial site of Araki Mataemon, a swordsman of legend. Rakan  are painted on the fusuma screen doors inside the temple by Keitaro Takagi.
    genchuji--3.jpg
  • Kozenji Garden Tottori - while many temples around Japan share the name Kozenji, the Tottori Kozenji features a small landscape garden using "borrowed scenery" - that is hills and forest behind the garden incorporated into the garden's tableaux.
    Kozenji-Tottori-3.jpg
  • Kotokuji Garden, Tottori, has a small modern garden in front of the main temple building.  Kotokuji Tottori is adjacent to the more renowned temple Kannon-in.
    kotokuji-2.jpg
  • 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.
    jinpukaku-garden-4.jpg
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