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  • Kozanji Temple was founded by famous monk Myoe and is renowned for its numerous national treasures and important cultural properties, especially the picture scroll called Choju-giga. Toganoo, located deep in the mountains west of Kyoto which are famous for their autumn foliage, is considered an ideal location for mountain asceticism.  Kozanji was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich collection of historical items rather than for its architecture.
    kozanji-2.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple was founded by famous monk Myoe and is renowned for its numerous national treasures and important cultural properties, especially the picture scroll called Choju-giga. Toganoo, located deep in the mountains west of Kyoto which are famous for their autumn foliage, is considered an ideal location for mountain asceticism.  Kozanji was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich collection of historical items rather than for its architecture.
    kozanji-3.jpg
  • Jisso-in Tsukabaim kakei, water basin, tsukubai, japanese basin, chozubachi, chozuya, temizuya, tsukubai, Japanese Water Basin, Tranquility;  Simplicity; serene, serenity, exterior space, nature, pattern, scenic, visual effect, no people, scenery, tranquil, tranquility, calm, historic sites, natural light, natural beauty, spirituality, simplicity, natural, landscapes, inspiration, inspiring, calming, calms, contemplative, meditative, mellow, peaceful, pleasant, beautiful, calmness,  idyllic, ideal, peacefulness, serenity, serene, nobody,
    tsukabai-60.jpg
  • On the western shore of Kujo Pond stands the Shusuitei tea house built by the Kujo family.  Traditional Japanese architecture is designed around specific purposes. The chashitsu literally tea room is one special type of architecture, usually very small and made of natural materials:  wood, plaster, reed tatami floors, and shoji paper windows.  The special architectural style that developed for chashitsu is called sukiya style or specifically sukiya zukuri.  It has come to indicate a style of designing public facilities and private homes based on tea house aesthetics.  Features of chashitsu typically include a tokonoma alcove; subdued colors, and the size is ideally 4.5 tatami mats.
    shusuitei-teahouse-3.jpg
  • Shoden-ji - the main attraction of the temple is its Karesansui garden  ideally viewed from the deck of the temple’s Hojo.  The garden is said to have been laid out by Kobori Enshu. Its unique dry garden makes use of "borrowed scenery" in which the distant Mt. Hiei serves as one of the garden's main elements and backdrops.
    shodenji-2.jpg
  • Shoden-ji main attraction of the temple is a Karesansui garden, ideally to be viewed from the deck of the temple’s Hojo.  The garden is said to have been laid out by Kobori Enshu. In 1935 Shigemori Mirei had to restore it.  Its unique dry garden makes use of "borrowed scenery" in which the distant Mt. Hiei serves as one of the garden's main elements.
    shodenji-3.jpg
  • Shoden-ji main attraction of the temple is a Karesansui garden, ideally to be viewed from the deck of the temple’s Hojo.  The garden is said to have been laid out by Kobori Enshu. In 1935 Shigemori Mirei had to restore it.  Its unique dry garden makes use of "borrowed scenery" in which the distant Mt. Hiei serves as one of the garden's main elements.
    shodenji-1.jpg
  • Hokukuji Temple Tea House - Traditional Japanese architecture is designed around specific purposes. The chashitsu literally tea room is one special type of architecture, usually very small and made of natural materials: wood, plaster, reed tatami floords, and shoji paper windows. The special architectural style that developed for chashitsu is called sukiya style or specifically sukiya zukuri. It has come to indicate a style of designing public facilities and private homes based on tea house aesthetics. Features of chashitsu typically include a tokonoma alcove; subdued colors, and the size is ideally 4.5 tatami mats.
    hokokuji-8.jpg
  • 78.5 Engakuji 円覚寺 is the main temple of the Engakuji sect of the Rinzai Buddhist sect. Engakuji is one of the leading Zen temples in eastern Japan and ranks second among Kamakura's five great Zen temples. Its unique garden was restored in 1969 according to an old drawing. Zen Buddhism regarded gardens as microcosms of the natural landscape and this is a fine example.
    78.5.TENTATIVE-KAMAKURA-ENGAKUJI-02.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-garden-10.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    AMBER-2022-C-47.jpg
  • Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is one of Tokyo's oldest and most beautiful Japanese landscape gardens. It was built by close relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun in the early Edo Period..Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous landscapes from China and Japan in miniature, using a pond, stones, plants and a man made hill.
    koishikawa-korakuen-23.jpg
  • Ninomaru garden was designed by the famous landscape architect and tea master, Kobori Enshu. It is located between the two main rings of fortifications, next to the palace of the same name. The garden has a large pond with three islands and features numerous carefully placed stones and topiary pine trees.  Nijo Castle and its garden are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    ninomaru-7.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge at Ritsurin - a landscape garden in Takamatsu built by the local feudal lord during the Edo Period and considered one of the most esquisite gardens in Japan,  Ritsurin features ponds, hills and pavilions set in the woods which acts as background and a textbook example of borrowed scenery.
    ritsurin-garden-16.jpg
  • Ritsurin 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
  • 23. Daigo-ji 醍醐寺 Within its grounds, Daigo-ji houses eighteen of Japan’s National Treasures. Among them are buildings belonging to Sanbo-in famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden was laid out with a large pond, paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  Sanbo-in was designed for viewing from a specific perspective within the temple’s buildings. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden’s islands depict ‘fortuitous crane’, the ‘tortoise’ and the ‘"isle of eternal youth’ - poetic terms that show stones and ponds can be poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship.
    23.KYOTO-DAIGOJI-02.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-garden-11.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-garden-09.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-garden-08.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-garden-07.jpg
  • 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-05.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
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-garden-03.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-garden-01.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    AMBER-2022-179.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge, or "full moon bridge" built in the Chinese style at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden in Tokyo.  It has this name because a full moon is formed by the arch of the bridge and its reflection in the pond beneath.
    koishikawa-korakuen-24.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-06.jpg
  • Ritsurin Trail within this magnificent landscape garden in Takamatsu.  It is  thought to be one of the finest gardens in Japan.  The garden boasts many features such as trails, teahouses, ponds, hills and pavilions set by Mt. Shiun providing a kind of borrowed scenery.
    ritsurin-garden-09.jpg
  • 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-10.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge at Ritsurin - a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan,  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-garden-12.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-13.jpg
  • Ritsurin is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan,  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-garden-21.jpg
  • Bentendo Hall at Daigoji Temple Pond - Daigoji Temple Garden within Daigoji temple complex, a UNESCO world heritage site that includes many temple halls, structures and pagodas including Kyoto's oldest building.
    daigoji-pond-garden-1.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-garden-06.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    AMBER-2022-C-112.jpg
  • Japanese Tea House at the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate park was originally part of the Pan Pacific Exposition.  One of the craftsmen of the Japanese village, Makoto Hagiwara, helped design the Japanese village, and later he became responsible for the majority of the Japanese Tea Garden.  Hagiwara and his family became residents of one of the buildings in the garden, living within Golden Gate Park at the time.
    golden-gate-tea-9.jpg
  • Ritsurin is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan,  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-garden-01.jpg
  • Ritsurin 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-07.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge at Ritsurin - a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan,  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-garden-15.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
  • 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-9.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
  • Inomata Garden Tsuboniwa - The former Inomata residence, designed by architect Isohachi Yoshida is a Sukiya-style building surrounded by a Japanese garden that spreads around the residence. Mr. Inomata donated it to Setagaya Ward, in 1999.  There are many diverse species of trees such as Japanese red pine, plum, and maple in the residence, and the garden is planted with different types of moss.
    Inomata-Garden-06.jpg
  • In the western part of the precincts of Ryoan-ji Temple, Seigen-in is located on the bank of Kyoyo-ike Pond. It was built during the Heian period as a villa for the aristocratic Tokudaiji family. It was also once a temple in the Muromachi period, but now the precincts and temples are used as a restaurant where Kyoto style Nanakusa Tofu is a specialty.  Although it is called Ryoanji Saigen-in because it is located within the precincts of Ryoan-ji, it is not actually part of Ryoan-ji but a sub-temple of Myoshin-ji. This garden was created by the chief priest's passion and obsession with the garden, and you can enjoy seasonal plants and flowers. 
    Seigan-in-Ryoanji -4.jpg
  • Oyamazaki Villa Garden is noteworthy in that Shotaro Kaga himself designed the architecture and garden. Having stayed in Europe at a time when studying abroad was not as common as it is now, he took the lead in reflecting the modern British culture and style. Originally built during the Taisho eras as a country villa for Shotaro Kaga - a wealthy businessman from the Kansai region who left behind a legacy as a man of exquisite tastes who cultivated orchids and published a series of botanical woodblock of orchids. Oyamazaki Villa was relinquished by the Kaga family in 1967. After being sold several times, a plan emerged to demolish the villa and garden to make way for an apartment building. However, local people led a campaign to preserve it and Asahi Breweries and Kyoto Prefecture, decided to restore and reopen it as a museum.
    Oyamazaki-Villa-Garden-07.jpg
  • Oyamazaki Villa Garden is noteworthy in that Shotaro Kaga himself designed the architecture and garden. Having stayed in Europe at a time when studying abroad was not as common as it is now, he took the lead in reflecting the modern British culture and style. Originally built during the Taisho eras as a country villa for Shotaro Kaga - a wealthy businessman from the Kansai region who left behind a legacy as a man of exquisite tastes who cultivated orchids and published a series of botanical woodblock of orchids. Oyamazaki Villa was relinquished by the Kaga family in 1967. After being sold several times, a plan emerged to demolish the villa and garden to make way for an apartment building. However, local people led a campaign to preserve it and Asahi Breweries and Kyoto Prefecture, decided to restore and reopen it as a museum.
    Oyamazaki-Villa-Garden-01.jpg
  • Honen-in was established in 1680 to honor Honen the founder of the Jodo sect. The temple is especially worth visiting in April for its cherry blossoms and in the fall for its magnificent maples. Honen-in also has a small camellia garden visible from the main hall. The Hojo Hall, which houses paintings by Kano Mitsunobu, is opened to the public only in April and November, when the temple becomes very popular with visitors. Honen-in often stages small exhibitions by local artists and musicians. In fact, in recent years there has been over 100 events a year held at the temple including symposiums, music recitals and tea gatherings. Reaching out to the wider community has been a policy of the abbot Shinsho Kajita, who became the head monk after the death of his father.  Though the temple itself is rarely open to the public outside of special events, the extraordinary Zen mounds by the exterior gate never fail to impress and they are open for viewing year round.
    Honen-in-09.jpg
  • Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a strolling garden centered around a pond, reflecting the preference for the Chinese aesthetic with landscapes replicating famous sites in China, in accordance with the style of Zhu Zhiyu, a scholar of Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty.  Koishikawa Korakuen is now maintained by Tokyo City Parks.
    koishikawa-korakuen-08.jpg
  • Iyo Kokubunji Temple is No. 59 on the Shikoku pilgrimage.  This is the only temple on the pilgrimage belonging to the Shingon Ritsu Sect. It was founded in 807 by Kobo Daishi, the founder of the pilgrimage, who carved the statue of Enmei Jizo Bosatsu. This deity is called the Helmsman Jizo, and fishermen believe that it protects them at sea. In the main hall there are thousands of small statues of Jizo donated by pilgrims from all over Japan. In the hands of each statue is a ship's wheel  There is a statue of Kobo Daishi on the grounds near the medicine ball, with which you can shake hands.
    temple-59-iyo-kokubunji-3.jpg
  • Sankaku-ji is temple No. 65 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, located at an elevation of 450 m near the top of a mountain. Its name, the 'triangular temple' refers to a triangular altar used by Kobo Daishi at the temple to exorcise a ghost. The triangle has been used as a holy symbol in many faith systems, including mythologies in Christian religions as well. This temple has its name from the a triangular altar, as well as a triangular mini lake on the premises as well.The temple is dedicated to easy childbirth. The temple features some spectacular wooden carving.  Sankaku-ji is devoted to Juichimen Kannon, the boddhisattva of compassion.
    temple-65-sankakuji-1.jpg
  • Kichijoji is Temple No. 63 on the pilgrimage standsing between busy Route 11 and the JR railway line, with a number of tall trees growing in its precincts, which give it a luxuriously leafy atmosphere.  Every temple has a votive image representing something of Buddhist significance, and Kichijo-ji is unique in having a Bishamon statue. Bishamon is one of the Seven Lucky Gods revered in Japan. They originated in India and China from various Hindu and Taoist backgrounds. Bishamon’s wife is Kichijo, and the temple takes its name from her. Bishamon is a warrior who serves as guardian of the places where Buddha preaches. There's a little eight-sided building with a Chinese look which holds statues of the six lucky gods other than Bishamon.  In the grounds of the temple, you’ll see a stone with a hole in it - it’s said that if you put your kongozue or pilgrim’s staff into it, your prayers will be granted.
    temple-63-kichijoji-2.jpg
  • Joruriji is temple No. 46 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.  It stands among fields on a gentle slope in the south of Matsuyama.  The temple building is largely hidden from view by the tall trees that surround it. These ancient junipers are thought to be about 1,000 years old.  The grounds are composed of a beautiful, well-tended garden. Next to the main hall is a wisteria bower next to lotus ponds. The temple is believed to have a lot of divine favors, so it is also referred to as "Handyman of divine favors"Emon Saburo came from this area, and a stone monument is engraved with a haiku written by Masaoka Shiki.
    temple-46-jororiji-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-1.jpg
  • Kyu Yasuda Pond Garden - Kyu Yasuda Teien was once the grounds of a samurai and designed in 1688 by Honjo Inabanokami Munesuke.   The strolling garden was taken over and remodeled in 1894 by Zenjiro Yasuda. The Great Kanto Earthquake and also WWII seriously damaged the garden. It was renovated in 1927 after the earthquake and again in 1971.  It was given to the city of Tokyo according to Yasuda’s dying wishes. Kyu Yasuda Teien has been open to the public ever since as a public park. The pond garden retains the appearance described in literature of the Meiji period and is one of the typical gardens of this period.
    kyu-yasuda-garden-30.jpg
  • Nakanobu Koguen Garden Taima-dera - Taima-dera contains two famous gardens, the main one being the Pure Land austere garden at Okunoin at the back of the temple complex.  The other garden is Nakanobu Koguen.  Koguen is a moss garden surrounding a small narrow pond, with a teahouse facing it.  Taima-dera was established when the Imperial Prince Maroko, the brother of Prince Shotoku, who worked on spreading Buddhism, built the temple in 612. Because it was moved to the present location in 681 by Taima no Kunimi, a powerful figure of the time, it came to be known as Taima-dera. Its object of worship is a mandala, which is a painting that depicts the teachings of the Buddha.
    nakanobu-4.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    stepping-stones-1.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji  is famous for its bamboo garden Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-zen-2.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-teahouse-2.jpg
  • Stepping Stones at Naritasan Shinshoji Garden - Naritasan Shinshoji is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the Tokyo area, and the Head of the Chisan Shingon Buddhism sect.  Its Japanese garden, usually called Naritasan Park,is composed of wooded and landscaped greenery. Stone monuments and memorials bearing haiku poetry punctuate the landscape, making it one of the most unusual Japanese gardens in the country. Its centerpiece is a pond with a pagoda in the middle.  In addition there is a waterfall composed with a surrounding rock garden.
    shinshoji-garden-7.jpg
  • Mirei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-mirei-garden-2.jpg
  • Myomanji temple grounds are made up of islands of raked gravel surrounding a stupa tower,  which is a copy of the Bodh Gaya in India where Buddha gained Enlightenment.
    myomanji-12.jpg
  • Yukinoniwa Garden  - The garden of Myomanji named Yuki-no-niwa or “snow garden” was built by Matsunaga Teitoku. In its heyday it was called one of the three best gardens in Kyoto that had the combination of: snow, moon and flowers.  There is a fine washitsu tatami room from which to admire the garden. Yukinoniwa Garden has been compared to Jojuin garden - a sub-temple of Kiyomizudera. Myomanji temple grounds are made up of islands of raked gravel.  Additionally there is a tower, as well as a large stupa which is a copy of Bodh Gaya in India where Buddha gained Enlightenment.
    myomanji-5.jpg
  • Taima-dera was established when the Imperial Prince Maroko, the brother of Prince Shotoku, who worked on spreading Buddhism, built the temple in 612. It was originally in the Kawachi region (part of the present Osaka). Because it was moved to the present location in 681 by Taima no Kunimi, a powerful figure of the time, it came to be known as Taima-dera. Its object of worship is a mandala, which is a painting that depicts the teachings of the Buddha. It is called Tsuzureori Taima Mandara-zu, and depicts such Buddha images as Amitabha, Kannon (the goddess of mercy), and the Bodhisattva of wisdom, and what Nirvana looks like. This mandala is also known from the Legend of Princess Chujo, which tells that the piece was woven in one night using threads made from lotus.
    taima-dera-9.jpg
  • Ikkyu-ji Shuon-an -  Shuon-an Hojo Garden is a classic karesansui rock garden.  Another smaller moss-and-rock garden with a small stone pagoda is located around a back corner of the hojo. The garden have been designated a place of scenic beauty by the Japanese government.  Ikkyu himself is buried here and as he was an imperial prince the mausoleum is under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Agency.  Shojin ryori vegetarian temple cuisine is served here with advance reservations.
    Ikkyu-ji-shuon-an-5.jpg
  • Chishakuin Garden, the creation of tea master Sen-no-Rikyu is well known for its sense of optical expansion, here the illusion of space is created by the manipulation of scale and perspective providing an exercise in graduated topiary, with a broad expanse of shrubs.  Chishaku-in is an example of the synthesis of architecture and landscape, a feature of many Japanese gardens that is usually only noticed unconsciously.  The main garden of Chishakuin was inspired by the area around Mt. Rozan, China.  Chishakuin Temple is the headquarters of the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism. The temple itself is has several National Treasures of Japan, wall paintings and decorative screen paintings.
    chishakuin-tsukubai-4.jpg
  • Tofukuji Fumo-in is a Japanese garden at Kaisan-do, a sub-temple at Tofuku-ji. On the east side of the path that cuts through the dry zen garden, a lush pond garden has a stone bridge, shrubs and a hill.
    fumo-in-kaisando-01.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.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-44.jpg
  • Hashin-tei Garden at Komyo-in.  Komyo-in is one of many sub-temples at Tofuku-ji and was founded in 1391. Several tatami rooms in this small temple offer a commanding view of its fine garden. The central part of the garden is a composed of a moss and stone design with numerous standing stones protruding from the mossy hillocks. The raked gravel, symbolizes water.  Komyo-in is much quieter than the rest of Tofuku-ji, even during the peak seasons and there lies is charm.  The garden at Komyo-in was designed by renowned garden designer and landscape architect Mirei Shigemori.  Mirei designed the garden with three Buddhist triads with stones placed on lines drawn from the large stone in the middle of the garden likened to rays from the Buddha. Hashin-tei Garden at Komyo-in. Komyo-in is one of many sub-temples at Tofuku-ji and was founded in 1391. Several tatami rooms in this small temple offer a commanding view of its fine garden. The central part of the garden is a composed of a moss and stone design with numerous standing stones protruding from the mossy hillocks. The raked gravel, symbolizes water. Komyo-in is much quieter than the rest of Tofuku-ji, even during the peak seasons and there lies is charm. The garden at Komyo-in was designed by renowned garden designer and landscape architect Mirei Shigemori. Mirei designed the garden with three Buddhist triads with stones placed on lines drawn from the large stone in the middle of the garden likened to rays from the Buddha.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-142.jpg
  • Tenryuji Sogenchi Pond Garden - Tenryuji Garden has been ranked first among Kyoto's "Five Great Zen Temples". Tenryuji was established in 1339, and like many other temples burnt down several times over its history. Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden which, unlike the temple buildings, survived the many fires and is considered one of the oldest of its kind, that is "borrowed landscape" garden, taking in the background scenery of the hills of  Arashiyama as part of the garden's composition. Sogenchi pond and Ishigumi rock clusters in the garden are this pond garden's essential ingredients.
    tenryuji-9-crop.jpg
  • Washitsu and Moon Window at Tojo-tei Tojogaoka Garden - 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-9.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-1.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-04.jpg
  • There are 540 of these statues representing disciples of Buddha at Kitain Temple in Kawagoe. They were sculpted between 1782 and 1825.  No two rakan statues are alike.  This assemblage on the temple grounds is known as Go Kyuaku Rakan, or "500 Rakan" although there are actually 540.
    kitain-rakan-3.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-01.jpg
  • Hama Rikyu, the garden of a feudal lord's residence during the Edo Period, is one of Tokyo's most attractive landscape gardens. It is located next to Tokyo Bay, beside the futuristic Shiodome district. Seawater ponds, former duck hunting grounds, forested areas and a teahouse in the middle of the pond are some of the park's attractions. The difference between the traditional garden with Shiodome's skyscrapers as a background shows a remarkable contrast between modern Japan and traditional Japan which seem to co-exist in harmony.
    hama-rikkyu-12.jpg
  • Tsutenkyo Bridge at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden -  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-20.jpg
  • Suichin Arbor at Happo-en Garden - built in the early seventeenth century in Tokyo. In 1915 Fusanosuke Kuhara took over the garden for his personal retreat.  It is now the site of a popular wedding banquet hall, though the garden has been preserved as a photo op backdrop for wedding couples and is open to the public.
    happo-en-2.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-6.jpg
  • Water is considered purifying in Japan, hence the emphasis on cleanliness in everyday life. Water fountains such as these, known as tsukubai, are also beneficial to hear the trickling of falling water to soothe the nerves as well. A tsukubai is a small basin provided at Japanese Buddhist temples for visitors to purify themselves by the ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. This type of ritual cleansing is also the custom for guests attending a tea ceremony.<br />
Tsukubai are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small scoop, laid across the top, ready for use.
    hasedera-garden-07.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-16.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-11.jpg
  • Kenninji Circle Triangle Square Garden - is a small square garden in front of the abbot’s living quarters.  Its design is based on the calligraphic work by Sengai Gibon.  Sengai was abbot of Shofukuji temple, who also founded Kenninji.  The idea behind the circle, triangle, square is that all things in this universe are represented by these forms.
    kenninji-8.jpg
  • Chouontei “garden of the sound of the tide” is a refined garden nestled behind Kenninji Temple. The garden's san-zon-seki - a set of three stones that represent Buddha and two disciples.  Zazen-seki, a stone for seated meditation and maple trees are placed to afford the visitor a beautiful view from each direction.
    kenninji-7.jpg
  • Sento Gosho Garden located east of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, once also contained Sento Palace.  The garden is mosty all that has survived.  The garden’s design has been attributed to Kobori Enshu, and consists of two ponds connected by a several bridges,  and surrounded by paths for strolling. The southern pond contains two islands connected to each other and to the shore.  Part of the sound pond shore consists of a pebble beach.  Each and every stone was carefully chosen for its size and shape.
    sento-gosho-3.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    tobi-ishi-2.jpg
  • Oikeniwa Garden at Kyoto Imperial Palace dates from the Edo period when the residence of high court nobles were grouped  together within the Kyoto Imperial Palace walls. When the capital moved to Tokyo the court nobles' residences were demolished. Then Kyōto Gyoen became a public park open to the public, with the exception of the Imperial Palace itself.
    oikeniwa-garden-7.jpg
  • Hogon-in was built as a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji.  Like many Kyoto temples, it was damaged by the fires of the Onin war. It was reconstructed in the 16th century and moved to its present location in Arashiyama.   The temple’s zen garden "The Garden of the Lion's Roar”.  The temple enshrines many statues of Kannon, as well as another set of statues Arashiyama Arhats - disciples of Buddha.  There are 500 Arhats if you have the time you to count.
    hogon-in-2.jpg
  • Katsura Villa Garden Bridge - The Katsura Imperial Villa or Katsura Rikyu as it is known in Japanese is a villa in the western suburbs of Kyoto. It is one of Japan's most important large-scale cultural treasures. Its gardens are a masterpiece of Japanese gardening, and the buildings perfect examples of Japanese architecture at its best. The Katsura Imperial Villa is a good example of the essence of Japanese traditional design. The Villa combines principles usually used in early Shinto shrines and merges it with the esthetics and philosophy of Zen Buddhism. It provides an invaluable window into the villas of princes of the Edo period. The palace formerly belonged to the prince of the Hachij -no-miya family. The Imperial Household Agency now maintains and administers.
    katsura-5.jpg
  • The Mirei Shigemori Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the middle Edo period with an adjoining garden and tea ceremony pavilions. Both garden and pavilions were designed by Mirei Shigemori, seminal 20th century designer of Japanese gardens. The main garden consists of four rock configurations symbolizing the Elysian islands - Hojo, Eiju, Horai and Koryo placed on the sand garden. Horai island consists of a crane style rock and Hojo, a tortoise style rock composite. The stones known as blue rock are from Shikoku island. The garden is overlooked by a veranda with shoji screens, tatami mats and a hanging paper light made specially by Isamu Noguchi for this venue.
    mirei-garden-museum-5.jpg
  • Honbu Garden, Myoshinji - Although it is a main temple of the Myoshin-ji group of the Rinzai sect, which contains 47 sub-temples in a vast area, its Honbo garden is rather simple with impressive paired sand cones used for public events and ceremonies.
    Honbo-Garden-1.jpg
  • Tenryuji has been ranked first among Kyoto's "Five Great Zen Temples". Tenryuji was established in 1339, and like many other temples burnt down several times over its history. Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden which, unlike the temple buildings, survived the many fires and is considered one of the oldest of its kind, that is "borrowed landscape" garden, taking in the background scenery of the hills of  Arashiyama as part of the garden's composition. Sogenchi pond and Ishigumi rock clusters in the garden are this pond garden's essential ingredients.
    tenryuji-7.jpg
  • Korin-in was a family temple of the Maeda Family. The main temple, the front gate and the entry gates are designated Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese government and are typical Zen style architecture in the Muromachi period.
    korin-in-garden-1.jpg
  • Stepping Stones across a Rock Pond Garden in Hakone - A water source in a Japanese garden should appear to be part of the natural surroundings; this is why one will not find fountains in traditional gardens. Man-made streams are built with curves and irregularities to create a serene and natural appearance
    stepping-stones.jpg
  • Nihon Teien Ryobo Momijitei - Although the facility is officially a delux graveyard, it is in fact open to the public with two separate Japanese gardens.  The main garden is a strolling garden surrounding a pond with cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall. The tsukiyama trail includes an arched bridge over the pond with many large carps in the koi pond
    Nihon-Teien-Ryobo-Momijitei-17.jpg
  • Nihon Teien Ryobo Momijitei Dry Garden- Although the facility is officially a deluxe graveyard, it is in fact open to the public with two separate Japanese gardens.  The main garden is a strolling garden surrounding a large koi pond. However, the showcase garden is dry garden facing the cafe.
    Nihon-Teien-Ryobo-Momijitei-13.jpg
  • Nihon Teien Ryobo Momijitei - Although the facility is officially a delux graveyard, it is in fact open to the public with two separate Japanese gardens.  The main garden is a strolling garden surrounding a pond with cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall. The tsukiyama trail includes an arched bridge over the pond with many large carps in the koi pond
    Nihon-Teien-Ryobo-Momijitei-15.jpg
  • Nihon Teien Ryobo Momijitei - Although the facility is officially a delux graveyard, it is in fact open to the public with two separate Japanese gardens.  The main garden is a strolling garden surrounding a pond with cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall. The tsukiyama trail includes an arched bridge over the pond with many large carps in the koi pond
    Nihon-Teien-Ryobo-Momijitei-14.jpg
  • Nihon Teien Ryobo Momijitei - Although the facility is officially a delux graveyard, it is in fact open to the public with two separate Japanese gardens.  The main garden is a strolling garden surrounding a pond with cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall. The tsukiyama trail includes an arched bridge over the pond with many large carps in the koi pond
    Nihon-Teien-Ryobo-Momijitei-10.jpg
  • Nihon Teien Ryobo Momijitei - Although the facility is officially a delux graveyard, it is in fact open to the public with two separate Japanese gardens.  The main garden is a strolling garden surrounding a pond with cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall. The tsukiyama trail includes an arched bridge over the pond with many large carps in the koi pond
    Nihon-Teien-Ryobo-Momijitei-7.jpg
  • Nihon Teien Ryobo Momijitei Dry Garden- Although the facility is officially a deluxe graveyard, it is in fact open to the public with two separate Japanese gardens.  The main garden is a strolling garden surrounding a large koi pond. However, the showcase garden is dry garden facing the cafe.
    Nihon-Teien-Ryobo-Momijitei-4.jpg
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