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  • Japanese Tea Garden at Kokoen - Kokoen Garden; Kokoen; koko-en; himeji castle garden; himeji garden; japanese stepping stones; tobi-ishi; tobi ishi; skipping stones; flying stones; exterior space; landscape; landscape architecture; idyllic; Tranquility; Simplicity; japanese landscape architecture; exterior space; no people; scenery; tranquil; tranquility; calm; natural light; calming; calmness; peacefulness; serenity; serene; nobody; Soujuan Tea House; Soujuan Teahouse
    koko-en-53.jpg
  • 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
  • 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-7.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-6.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-3.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
  • 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
  • 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-8.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-4.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-5.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
  • 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
  • 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-1.jpg
  • Yokokuji Garden - Ryuganzan Yokokuji, also known as Yanagidani Kannon or simply Yokokuji is an ancient temple built in 806 in the Heian period by Enchin Sozu, who opened Kiyomizu Temple.  The garden Jodoen was created in the middle of the Edo period, is a scenic spot designated and cultural properties designated by Kyoto Prefecture. Jodo-en Garden is composed of large stones arranged on the slope, each representing a bodhisattva. 
    Yokokuji-6.jpg
  • Shoboji Temple is of the Jodo sect and related to the Owari Tokugawa family, the head of the three Tokugawa families.  There are two main gardens. The dry landscape garden Hondo Teien spreads out in front of the main hall. As one of the landscapes centered on the Karamon gate, which is the so-called “Onarimon”, there are azaleas and cypresses in the white sand. The garden expresses a “sea of clouds” with its pruning and stone arrangement.  And behind the main hall, there is a pond garden that can be viewed from three sides which is designated as a cultural property by Kyoto Prefecture. This garden is presumed to have been created around the middle of the Edo period -  water flows down from the waterfall stone arrangement using the foot of the mountain to the front of the pond.
    Shoboji-Yawata-02.jpg
  • Sanzen-in Garden was originally established as a hermitage by priest Saicho and was once named Kaiji Monzeki or Nishimoto Monzeki before gaining its final name in 1871. Sanzen-in is one of the five Monzeki temples and has had several imperial family members serving priesthood here. It's the largest temple in the Ohara valley, which means it's also the busiest, especially during the autumn season.  The most famous sight of this temple is its zen garden surrounding the study hall. Another popular place is the separated Gokuraku hall built to shelter an important statue of the Amitabha trinity - a National Treasure. Most visitors will only see its exterior for the inside is very dark. The classic photo of the hall is from the main temple with two tall trees in front, and can be seen in many books, pamphlets and posters about Kyoto. The hall is surrounded by a superb moss garden on which hide a few small sculptures of "warai jizo” or laughing kids.
    sanzen-in-3.jpg
  • Musashi Garden, Akashi - There are several gardens that are said to have been created by Miyamoto Musashi, a well-known swordsman in his day.  Miyamoto Musashi was invited by Ogasawara, the lord of Akashi Castle to design the castle town and garden. At that time, he built a tea house called 'Kiyashiki' and a garden with a pond within the castle grounds. The garden was only restored in recent years within Akashi Castle Park, designated as a national historic site and one of Japan's top 100 city parks. This particular garden is known as Musashi Garden, though it is officially called Akashi Ruins Garden.
    Musashi-Garden-2.jpg
  • Korin-in Garden at Daitokuji - The front garden of the Hojo was recreated by Kinsaku Nakane based on old documents. The stonework arranged in the white sand is a Momoyama period-style stonework. The surrounding area is colored with gentle moss hills and pruned azaleas. A beautiful moss-covered garden continues around the Hojo, and on the west side there are seasonal flowers such as maple and hydrangea and a stone pagoda. And the moss continues to the outdoor area of the tea room Kankyo-tei . This tea room was donated in 1928 by Gendo Yamaguchi - a modern businessman who supported numerous temples.
    Korin-in-Daitokuji -4.jpg
  • Hyogo Prefectural Museum Garden is located in the birthplace of Hyogo Prefecture. The first Hyogo Prefectural Government Building complete with its own Japanese garden and jail behind the building - a restoration of the first Hyogo Prefectural Office. The dry landscape garden in the first prefectural office building called Hygotottsu In the Nara period, Gyoki was involved in the construction. It is essentially a replica of the First Prefectural Government Building based on old drawings and paintings.  In front of the old prefectural office, there is a Japanese garden composed of pine tree, gentle moss, artificial hills make up a dry landscape garden with many garden stones that represent the islands of the Seto Inland Sea leading to Hyogo.  The five islands of moss and stonework represent the five countries: Settsu, Harima, Tajima, Tamba, and Awaji) that make up Hyogo Prefecture. Garden stones and gravel from Hyogo Prefecture, such as Rokko granite, were used for the stones, and the moss covering the islands, which is relatively resistant to tides.
    Hyogo-City-Museum-Garden-5.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-13.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-04.jpg
  • Jurenzan Anrakuji Temple was founded by Juren Shonin and Anraku Shonin who built the Shishigaya Thatched Hut and used it as a base for missionary activities Anrakuji Temple was established at the beginning of the Kamakura period. It is open to the public for a limited time only when cherry blossoms and azaleas are at their best in spring, and when autumn leaves are at their best in November. The Shishigaya thatched hut and the thatched temple gate built in 1892 are both National registered tangible cultural properties. 
    Anrakuji-1.jpg
  • Unpenji - Temple 66 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage-   Although Unpenji is much closer to the population centers of Ehime and Kagawa prefectures, but it is officially a part of Tokushima prefecture.  Unpenji temple is a Sekisho temple, a sort of spiritual checkpoint to ensure sincerity, and also a difficult one to reach.  What is the most impressive at Unpenji temple is the expressive and lifelike 500 Arhats - saints who gathered for the Buddhist Councils when the Buddha reached Nirvana. The expression of each 500 Arhati is different from each other. Some look thoughtful, some fierce, and a few with smiles. At 911 meters above the sea level, Unpenji is at the border between Tokushima and Kagawa Prefectures. Standing on the mountain, visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of the Sanuki plain, the Inland Sea and the mountains of Tokushima.
    temple-66-umpenji-6.jpg
  • Fudo Waterfall at Maegami-ji - temple No. 64 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The temple is located in the foothills of Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest mountain in western Japan. The temple was founded in 678 by En no Gyoja who was pursuing ascetic training on the summit of the mountain. The buildings take the architectural form of a Shinto shrine, reflecting the influence of the Shinto on Buddhism in Japan.  Kukai is said to have spent 21 days on the top of Mt. Ishizuchi performing a fire ritual. Mt. Ishizuchi dominates the scenery of Saijo. Maegami-ji Temple stands in a valley between the foothills of Ishizuchi. The mountain itself is revered as a god, and Maegami-ji means “the temple in front of the god”. Buddhism and Shinto have been closely interrelated over the centuries, and in layout of the grounds and architectural appearance of its main hall, this temple has a lot in common with Shinto shrines.
    temple-64-maegamiji-5.jpg
  • Guardian at Senyuji Gate - Senyuji Temple is No. 58 on the Shikoku pilgrimage and one of the more impressively located pilgrimage temples standing on a hillside 1,300 feet above sea level which means that pilgrims who walk to it have quite a climb. The guardian statues in the gateway below the temple are impressive. Behind the daishi-do is a flight of concrete steps which leads up into the hill behind the temple. This path passes through pleasant woods of evergreen and trees including sasa bamboo. It’s lined at intervals with attractive Buddhist statues. The path leads to a hilltop with panoramic views of Imabari, the Shimanami-Kaido suspension bridge and the Seto Inland Sea. For this walk, sensible shoes are a must.  Sadly In 1947, all of the buildings built by Kobo Daishi between 810-824 burned down in a forest fire. They were rebuilt from 1953.  Senyu-ji is one of six pilgrimage temples located relatively close together in Imabari.
    temple-58-senyuji-3.jpg
  • Taisanji Temple is number 56 on the Shikoku pilgrimage, where women come to pray for giving birth painlessly.  The characters that are used to write the name of the temple have the same pronunciation as the characters for “Easy Birth Temple” and women come here to pray for giving birth painlessly.  In addition to being a holy man, Kukai was an accomplished civil engineer, and when he visited here the local people were troubled by a river that tended to flood and carry people away. Kukai supervised the construction of embankments.  In 1881, the bell tower was rebuilt using timbers from the drum hall of Imabari Castle. 
    temple-56-taisan-ji-2.jpg
  • Buddha's Footprint at Enmyoji -  temple No. 53 on the Shikoku pilgrimage. The temple has tile sculptures on the roofs of its buildings with Wheel of Dharma features prominently as a motif.  The first point of interest is the Nio guardians in the gatehouse with fierce eyes made of translucent yellow material that rather make them look like aliens.  Near the graves, there is a vaguely crucifix stone, carved with a figure who is said to be Mary, mother of Jesus. Christianity was forbidden in Japan from the 1600s, but there were many hidden Christians in Shikoku. The location of the temple has changed over the centuries. Between 668 and 749, Gyoki visited the area and built a temple around it. The temple he built was close to the sea where the temple's Okunoin is today. He called the temple Enmyo-ji.  Kukai designated the temple as number fifty-three. The local Kono clan, whose ancestors were pirates, were benefactors of the temple. The temple burned down on several occasions, and the site was often in ruins until the Suga, a powerful local family moved the temple to its current site in the early 1600s.
    temple-53-enmyoji-13.jpg
  • Enkoji is a Shingon Buddhist temple, number 39 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.  It is famous for its pond garden and stone garden, as well as its eye cleaning water well.  There are many other Enkoji Temples around Japan, though this one is found in Kochi Prefecture, at temple number 39.  Enkoji Temple was built in 724 under the emperor's orders. Within the temple grounds a statue of a turtle with a copper bell on it is  legendary - the story is it that a red turtle brought a bell to this temple in 911.   There is also a small pond garden with a massive moss-covered tortoise in the pond, surrounded by koi carp.
    enkoji-kochi-25.jpg
  • Turtle at Enko-ji - Temple 39 - Enkoji is a Shingon Buddhist temple, number 39 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.  It is famous for its pond garden and stone garden, as well as its eye cleaning water well.  There are many other Enkoji Temples around Japan, though this one is found in Kochi Prefecture, at temple number 39.  Enkoji Temple was built in 724 under the emperor's orders. Within the temple grounds a statue of a turtle with a copper bell on it is  legendary - the story is it that a red turtle brought a bell to this temple in 911.   There is also a small pond garden with a massive moss-covered tortoise in the pond, surrounded by koi carp.
    enkoji-kochi-22.jpg
  • Chikurinji Temple Garden, Temple Number 31 - Chikurinji Temple is an important stop on the Shikikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage - it is marked as Temple 31 on the trail and one of Kochi’s most popular attractions.  Chikurin-ji sits on top of Mt Godai or Godaisan and was established during the 8th century and is most famous for its five storied pagoda; it is also known as a scholarly institution of Buddhism with its vast holding of important scrolls and Buddhist statues in its treasure hall.  There's a small pond garden - when looked at from the proper angle - gives the illusion that the temple is floating.
    chikurinji-7.jpg
  • Seigenji Garden is a pond garden created in the early Edo period, and designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in Kochi Prefecture together with nearby Jodaiji. It is said that one of the Tosa Sanen garden.  Dr. Tomitaro Makino, who was from Sagawa-cho and a world renowned botanist often went to this temple and grew up appreciating this garden which influenced him into studying plants and botany.
    seigenji-garden-2.jpg
  • Byodo-in is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji Kyoto prefecture, a National Treasure and a World Heritage Site.  Its outline is featured on the ¥10 coin. Built in 998 AD during the Heian period, Byodo-in was originally a private residence like many Japanese temples.  It was converted into a temple by the Fujiwara clan in 1052. The Phoenix Hall, the great statue of Amida inside it, and several other items at Byodoin are Japanese National Treasures. UNESCO listed the garden and building as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
    byodo-in-13.jpg
  • Ritsurin Pond Garden - Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-24.jpg
  • Rakujuen Garden was built around Kohama Pond where the natural spring brings in water from Mt. Fuji. Built by the Imperial Family Komatsu-no-miya in 1890 on the Mishima Lava that flowed from Mt. Fuji. Rakujuen has been designated as a place of scenic beauty and a national natural treasure by the Japanese government.  Its centerpiece is the Rakujukan teahouse built in the Takayukashiki Sukiyazukuri style.
    rakujuen-garden-5.jpg
  • Yosuien Garden was built by the 10th lord of the Kishu Tokugawa domain as an addition to the Nishihama Goten palace. It is typical of the Tokugawa era. Yosuien is a strolling pond style garden with trails that encircle the pond, leading visitors over various types of unique bridges to islands within the pond.  Adjacent to the pond garden is the Yosuitei teahouse built in the Sukiya style tea ceremony style and the Omotesenke tearoom.  Its official name is Minato Goten Palace.  The garden is most famous for its unique arched bridges.
    yosuien-3.jpg
  • Kokawa-dera Temple Garden was created by Ueda Soko, a Sengoku warrior and master of tea ceremony.  The garden at Kokawa-dera is designated as a national site of scenic beauty of Japan.  Its formation is unique, with stones and shrubs artfully vertially arranged on a slope. The stones are of chlorite, piedmontite and serpentine brought in from nearby mountains.  Kokawa-dera was founded by a hunter in the 8th century, Wakayama's Kokawa-dera Temple is still maintained by the hunter's descendants. The temple is known nationwide as an important place for the Buddhist belief in Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. It is the third temple in the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage.
    kokawa-dera-8.jpg
  • Kokawa-dera Temple Garden was created by Ueda Soko, a Sengoku warrior and master of tea ceremony.  The garden at Kokawa-dera is designated as a national site of scenic beauty of Japan.  Its formation is unique, with stones and shrubs artfully vertially arranged on a slope. The stones are of chlorite, piedmontite and serpentine brought in from nearby mountains.  Kokawa-dera was founded by a hunter in the 8th century, Wakayama's Kokawa-dera Temple is still maintained by the hunter's descendants. The temple is known nationwide as an important place for the Buddhist belief in Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. It is the third temple in the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage.
    kokawa-dera-7.jpg
  • Rinshoji Garden, Rinshoji Temple is known for its unique modern Japanese garden, designed by renowned modern Japanese garden designer Mirei Shigemori.  Mirei fused modern art with Japanese garden design.  Here, he took advantage of the gentle hill and sculpted shrubs as part of the motif.  It follows a Japanese wave pattern, often used in kimono designs. The garden is especially alive during May when the azaleas are at their peak.
    rinshoji-08.jpg
  • Rinshoji Garden, Rinshoji Temple is known for its unique modern Japanese garden, designed by renowned modern Japanese garden designer Mirei Shigemori.  Mirei fused modern art with Japanese garden design.  Here, he took advantage of the gentle hill and sculpted shrubs as part of the motif.  It follows a Japanese wave pattern, often used in kimono designs. The garden is especially alive during May when the azaleas are at their peak.
    rinshoji-06.jpg
  • Sorakuen was once the residence of Taijiro Kodera.  This pond garden was built in the early 20th century but now surrounded by modern buildings.  At one time the garden was called “Kodera Residence” or “Sotetsu Garden”/. When Kobe City took over its maintenance it was opened to the public under the name “Sorakuen”.  Like most strolling gardens Sorakuen has a central pond and stone pathways that circle around it.. What makes it distinct is its western influences as it was built during the Meiji period.  Although most buildings were burnt during WWII important cultural properties such as The Hassam House and Funayakata, a sort of houseboat, which were moved to the garden for the sake of preservation.
    sorakuen-15.jpg
  • Byodo-in is a Buddhist temple in the city of Uji Kyoto prefecture, a National Treasure and a World Heritage Site.  Its outline is featured on the •10 coin. Built in 998 AD during the Heian period, Byodo-in was originally a private residence like many Japanese temples.  It was converted into a temple by the Fujiwara clan in 1052. The Phoenix Hall, the great statue of Amida inside it, and several other items at Byodoin are Japanese National Treasures. UNESCO listed the garden and building as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
    byodo-in-amber.jpg
  • Shuheki-en Garden at Sanzen-in.  Sanzen-in is a Tendai Buddhism monzeki; temple. Its gardens and a small hall called Ojogokuraku-in as well as the three Buddhist images in the hall are the main attractions. Monzeki is a temple of which the head priests has always been a member of the imperial family or of the nobility.
    sanzen-in-11.jpg
  • Jakko-in Temple is an old temple that is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku. The nunnery where I spent my time. The official name of the temple is Seikosan Gyokusenji Jakkoin.  There are several pond gardens in the precincts. First of all, Shinji Pond and Tei no Pond on the left and right of the main hall. The pond has been described as “The cherry blossoms on the beach are scattered, and the flowers of the waves are the best” from a famous poem.  On the right hand side of the main hall Shinjiike Pond expresses a three-tiered waterfall with water drawn from the mountain behind.
    jakkoin-8.jpg
  • Jakko-in Temple is an old temple that is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku. The nunnery where I spent my time. The official name of the temple is Seikosan Gyokusenji Jakkoin.  There are several pond gardens in the precincts. First of all, Shinji Pond and Tei no Pond on the left and right of the main hall. The pond has been described as “The cherry blossoms on the beach are scattered, and the flowers of the waves are the best” from a famous poem.  On the right hand side of the main hall Shinjiike Pond expresses a three-tiered waterfall with water drawn from the mountain behind.
    jakkoin-6.jpg
  • Zennoji is a sub-temple of Sennyuji and in the precincts there is a garden called Senyu-en created by renowned landscape designer Mirei Shigemori composed of moss and dramatic giant stones. Sennyuji itself is also known as Mitera - the family temple of the imperial family and the head temple of the Sennyuji sect of Shingon Buddhism. Sennyuji is made up of numerous sub-temples of which Zennoji is one.
    Zennoji-Sennyuji-4.jpg
  • Zennoji is a sub-temple of Sennyuji and in the precincts there is a garden called Senyu-en created by renowned landscape designer Mirei Shigemori composed of moss and dramatic giant stones. Sennyuji itself is also known as Mitera - the family temple of the imperial family and the head temple of the Sennyuji sect of Shingon Buddhism. Sennyuji is made up of numerous sub-temples of which Zennoji is one.
    Zennoji-Sennyuji-3.jpg
  • Zennoji is a sub-temple of Sennyuji and in the precincts there is a garden called Senyu-en created by renowned landscape designer Mirei Shigemori composed of moss and dramatic giant stones. Sennyuji itself is also known as Mitera - the family temple of the imperial family and the head temple of the Sennyuji sect of Shingon Buddhism. Sennyuji is made up of numerous sub-temples of which Zennoji is one.
    Zennoji-Sennyuji-1.jpg
  • Zennoji is a sub-temple of Sennyuji and in the precincts there is a garden called Senyu-en created by renowned landscape designer Mirei Shigemori composed of moss and dramatic giant stones. Sennyuji itself is also known as Mitera - the family temple of the imperial family and the head temple of the Sennyuji sect of Shingon Buddhism. Sennyuji is made up of numerous sub-temples of which Zennoji is one.
    Zennoji-Sennyuji-2.jpg
  • The Terminal KYOTO is a café, art gallery, garden and event space that has been restored and renovated from a Kyoto machiya built in 1932 as the residence of Yasunosuke Kizaki, the founder of Kizaki Gofukuten , a famous Kyoto kimono shop as the neighborhood used to be a kimono district. Today it is a cafe gallery with a splendid Japanese garden at the back - very deep space for a Kyomachiya garden. The tatami room is now a cafe space, with a traditional Japanese tatami room overlooking the garden.
    terminal-kyoto-garden-3.jpg
  • Shorin-in is a Tendai sect temple located in Ohara village northeast of Kyoto. Shoren-in is associated with the study of Buddhist chanting called “shomyo” with an important place in the history of Tendai Buddhist chanting that was nurtured in the temples of rural Ohara as it was the first training hall for shomyo in Japan  and was once the site of a great doctrinal debate between famous monks almost a thousand years ago.  Shoren-in's two sub-temples are the nearby Jikko-in and Hosen-in which have become more popular attractions than its main temple Shorin-in. Shorin-in’s formal name is Gyozan Ohara-dera.
    Shorin-in.jpg
  • The Terminal KYOTO is a café, art gallery, garden and event space that has been restored and renovated from a Kyoto machiya built in 1932 as the residence of Yasunosuke Kizaki, the founder of Kizaki Gofukuten , a famous Kyoto kimono shop as the neighborhood used to be a kimono district. Today it is a cafe gallery with a splendid Japanese garden at the back - very deep space for a Kyomachiya garden. The tatami room is now a cafe space, with a traditional Japanese tatami room overlooking the garden.
    terminal-kyoto-garden-1.jpg
  • The Shokado Art Museum Garden is centered on Shokado, a thatched hut originally built in the precincts of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine by Shojo Shokado - a cultural figure and monk from the early Edo period.  The "Shokado Garden" was created along with this relocation is a garden of the Meiji period.  The Outer Garden is where seasonal flowers such as bamboo, camellia, cherry blossoms and autumn leaves welcome you, centering on the stream. There are two teahouses "Shoin" and “Umein" designed in 1970 by Sukiya architect and tea room researcher Masao Nakamura. There is also a third tea room called “Takein” which was relocated from elsewhere. "Shoin", which is characterized by a raised floor, is a reproduction of the tea room "Kanunken" built by Enshu Kobori where Shojo Shokado was the chief priest. 
    Shokado-Art-Garden-2.jpg
  • Shoboji Temple is of the Jodo sect and related to the Owari Tokugawa family, the head of the three Tokugawa families.  There are two main gardens. The dry landscape garden Hondo Teien spreads out in front of the main hall. As one of the landscapes centered on the Karamon gate, which is the so-called “Onarimon”, there are azaleas and cypresses in the white sand. The garden expresses a “sea of clouds” with its pruning and stone arrangement.  And behind the main hall, there is a pond garden that can be viewed from three sides which is designated as a cultural property by Kyoto Prefecture. This garden is presumed to have been created around the middle of the Edo period -  water flows down from the waterfall stone arrangement using the foot of the mountain to the front of the pond.
    Shoboji-Yawata-09.jpg
  • Shoboji Temple is of the Jodo sect and related to the Owari Tokugawa family, the head of the three Tokugawa families.  There are two main gardens. The dry landscape garden Hondo Teien spreads out in front of the main hall. As one of the landscapes centered on the Karamon gate, which is the so-called “Onarimon”, there are azaleas and cypresses in the white sand. The garden expresses a “sea of clouds” with its pruning and stone arrangement.  And behind the main hall, there is a pond garden that can be viewed from three sides which is designated as a cultural property by Kyoto Prefecture. This garden is presumed to have been created around the middle of the Edo period -  water flows down from the waterfall stone arrangement using the foot of the mountain to the front of the pond.
    Shoboji-Yawata-08.jpg
  • Shoboji Temple is of the Jodo sect and related to the Owari Tokugawa family, the head of the three Tokugawa families.  There are two main gardens. The dry landscape garden Hondo Teien spreads out in front of the main hall. As one of the landscapes centered on the Karamon gate, which is the so-called “Onarimon”, there are azaleas and cypresses in the white sand. The garden expresses a “sea of clouds” with its pruning and stone arrangement.  And behind the main hall, there is a pond garden that can be viewed from three sides which is designated as a cultural property by Kyoto Prefecture. This garden is presumed to have been created around the middle of the Edo period -  water flows down from the waterfall stone arrangement using the foot of the mountain to the front of the pond.
    Shoboji-Yawata-05.jpg
  • Shoboji Temple is of the Jodo sect and related to the Owari Tokugawa family, the head of the three Tokugawa families.  There are two main gardens. The dry landscape garden Hondo Teien spreads out in front of the main hall. As one of the landscapes centered on the Karamon gate, which is the so-called “Onarimon”, there are azaleas and cypresses in the white sand. The garden expresses a “sea of clouds” with its pruning and stone arrangement.  And behind the main hall, there is a pond garden that can be viewed from three sides which is designated as a cultural property by Kyoto Prefecture. This garden is presumed to have been created around the middle of the Edo period -  water flows down from the waterfall stone arrangement using the foot of the mountain to the front of the pond.
    Shoboji-Yawata-01.jpg
  • Shoboji Temple is of the Jodo sect and related to the Owari Tokugawa family, the head of the three Tokugawa families.  There are two main gardens. The dry landscape garden Hondo Teien spreads out in front of the main hall. As one of the landscapes centered on the Karamon gate, which is the so-called “Onarimon”, there are azaleas and cypresses in the white sand. The garden expresses a “sea of clouds” with its pruning and stone arrangement.  And behind the main hall, there is a pond garden that can be viewed from three sides which is designated as a cultural property by Kyoto Prefecture. This garden is presumed to have been created around the middle of the Edo period -  water flows down from the waterfall stone arrangement using the foot of the mountain to the front of the pond.
    Shoboji-Yawata-03.jpg
  • Ichijoden Shinzenkoji is a sub-temple of the imperial family's family temple Sennyu-ji, also known as Mitera. Five buildings: the main hall, reception hall, entrance hall, front gate and middle gate are registered as Kyoto Prefectural Cultural Properties.  In 1243 of the Kamakura period Shin-Zenkoji was originally built west of Kyoto Imperial Palace. As its name suggests it is related to Zenkoji in Nagano. The front garden is flush with color: weeping cherry blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in early summer. Garan stones and stepping stones are arranged in the moss in the foreground around the pond garden as well as in front of the main hall’s moss garden. 
    shin-zenkoji-12.jpg
  • Ichijoden Shinzenkoji is a sub-temple of the imperial family's family temple Sennyu-ji, also known as Mitera. Five buildings: the main hall, reception hall, entrance hall, front gate and middle gate are registered as Kyoto Prefectural Cultural Properties.  In 1243 of the Kamakura period Shin-Zenkoji was originally built west of Kyoto Imperial Palace. As its name suggests it is related to Zenkoji in Nagano. The front garden is flush with color: weeping cherry blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in early summer. Garan stones and stepping stones are arranged in the moss in the foreground around the pond garden as well as in front of the main hall’s moss garden. 
    shin-zenkoji-09.jpg
  • Ichijoden Shinzenkoji is a sub-temple of the imperial family's family temple Sennyu-ji, also known as Mitera. Five buildings: the main hall, reception hall, entrance hall, front gate and middle gate are registered as Kyoto Prefectural Cultural Properties.  In 1243 of the Kamakura period Shin-Zenkoji was originally built west of Kyoto Imperial Palace. As its name suggests it is related to Zenkoji in Nagano. The front garden is flush with color: weeping cherry blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in early summer. Garan stones and stepping stones are arranged in the moss in the foreground around the pond garden as well as in front of the main hall’s moss garden. 
    shin-zenkoji-06.jpg
  • Ichijoden Shinzenkoji is a sub-temple of the imperial family's family temple Sennyu-ji, also known as Mitera. Five buildings: the main hall, reception hall, entrance hall, front gate and middle gate are registered as Kyoto Prefectural Cultural Properties.  In 1243 of the Kamakura period Shin-Zenkoji was originally built west of Kyoto Imperial Palace. As its name suggests it is related to Zenkoji in Nagano. The front garden is flush with color: weeping cherry blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in early summer. Garan stones and stepping stones are arranged in the moss in the foreground around the pond garden as well as in front of the main hall’s moss garden. 
    shin-zenkoji-04.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 -3.jpg
  • Sennyuji Gozasho is the rest house for the Imperial Family, the building itself was moved from Kyoto Imperial Palace and rebuilt in 1884. Its garden extends to the south of the Gozasho and mixes natural and artificial techniques, lets you enjoy the expressions of the four seasons such as satsuki and autumn leaves. Sennyuji  is also known by another name: Mitera or Imperial Temple due to its close association with Japan’s Imperial family. The Emperor Shijo was buried here in 1242 and the tombs of several subsequent emperors were also built on its land. These days you’ll be hard-pushed to find a temple worth visiting in Kyoto that isn’t crowded with selfie stick-wielding tourists and groups of kids on school trips. Yet somehow Sennyu-ji Temple manages it. This temple is a serene oasis that stays blissfully crowd-free, despite its historical importance and beautiful grounds.
    Sennyuji Gozasho-1.jpg
  • Sanzen-in Garden was originally established as a hermitage by priest Saicho and was once named Kaiji Monzeki or Nishimoto Monzeki before gaining its final name in 1871. Sanzen-in is one of the five Monzeki temples and has had several imperial family members serving priesthood here. It's the largest temple in the Ohara valley, which means it's also the busiest, especially during the autumn season.  The most famous sight of this temple is its zen garden surrounding the study hall. Another popular place is the separated Gokuraku hall built to shelter an important statue of the Amitabha trinity - a National Treasure. Most visitors will only see its exterior for the inside is very dark. The classic photo of the hall is from the main temple with two tall trees in front, and can be seen in many books, pamphlets and posters about Kyoto. The hall is surrounded by a superb moss garden on which hide a few small sculptures of "warai jizo” or laughing kids.
    sanzen-in-8.jpg
  • Sanzen-in Garden was originally established as a hermitage by priest Saicho and was once named Kaiji Monzeki or Nishimoto Monzeki before gaining its final name in 1871. Sanzen-in is one of the five Monzeki temples and has had several imperial family members serving priesthood here. It's the largest temple in the Ohara valley, which means it's also the busiest, especially during the autumn season.  The most famous sight of this temple is its zen garden surrounding the study hall. Another popular place is the separated Gokuraku hall built to shelter an important statue of the Amitabha trinity - a National Treasure. Most visitors will only see its exterior for the inside is very dark. The classic photo of the hall is from the main temple with two tall trees in front, and can be seen in many books, pamphlets and posters about Kyoto. The hall is surrounded by a superb moss garden on which hide a few small sculptures of "warai jizo” or laughing kids.
    sanzen-in-5.jpg
  • Sanzen-in Garden was originally established as a hermitage by priest Saicho and was once named Kaiji Monzeki or Nishimoto Monzeki before gaining its final name in 1871. Sanzen-in is one of the five Monzeki temples and has had several imperial family members serving priesthood here. It's the largest temple in the Ohara valley, which means it's also the busiest, especially during the autumn season.  The most famous sight of this temple is its zen garden surrounding the study hall. Another popular place is the separated Gokuraku hall built to shelter an important statue of the Amitabha trinity - a National Treasure. Most visitors will only see its exterior for the inside is very dark. The classic photo of the hall is from the main temple with two tall trees in front, and can be seen in many books, pamphlets and posters about Kyoto. The hall is surrounded by a superb moss garden on which hide a few small sculptures of "warai jizo” or laughing kids.
    sanzen-in-12.jpg
  • Sanzen-in Garden was originally established as a hermitage by priest Saicho and was once named Kaiji Monzeki or Nishimoto Monzeki before gaining its final name in 1871. Sanzen-in is one of the five Monzeki temples and has had several imperial family members serving priesthood here. It's the largest temple in the Ohara valley, which means it's also the busiest, especially during the autumn season.  The most famous sight of this temple is its zen garden surrounding the study hall. Another popular place is the separated Gokuraku hall built to shelter an important statue of the Amitabha trinity - a National Treasure. Most visitors will only see its exterior for the inside is very dark. The classic photo of the hall is from the main temple with two tall trees in front, and can be seen in many books, pamphlets and posters about Kyoto. The hall is surrounded by a superb moss garden on which hide a few small sculptures of "warai jizo” or laughing kids.
    sanzen-in-7.jpg
  • Reikanji - there are more than 30 types of camellias on the grounds of Reikan-ji, designated as a natural monument of Kyoto City - also known as the “camellia temple”. It was founded in 1654 by Emperor Gomizunoo known for the gardens such as Shugakuin Rikyu, with his own daughter, Princess Munezumi, as the founder. Since then, five princesses and grandchildren of the imperial family have entered the temple and served as chief priests. The pond garden in front of the study makes use of the slopes of the Higashiyama mountain range and Mt. Daimonji using gardening techniques from the Edo period.
    Reikanji-7.jpg
  • Reikanji - there are more than 30 types of camellias on the grounds of Reikan-ji, designated as a natural monument of Kyoto City - also known as the “camellia temple”. It was founded in 1654 by Emperor Gomizunoo known for the gardens such as Shugakuin Rikyu, with his own daughter, Princess Munezumi, as the founder. Since then, five princesses and grandchildren of the imperial family have entered the temple and served as chief priests. The pond garden in front of the study makes use of the slopes of the Higashiyama mountain range and Mt. Daimonji using gardening techniques from the Edo period.
    Reikanji-5.jpg
  • Camelias at Reikanji - there are more than 30 types of camellias on the grounds of Reikan-ji, designated as a natural monument of Kyoto City - also known as the “camellia temple”. It was founded in 1654 by Emperor Gomizunoo known for the gardens such as Shugakuin Rikyu, with his own daughter, Princess Munezumi, as the founder. Since then, five princesses and grandchildren of the imperial family have entered the temple and served as chief priests. The pond garden in front of the study makes use of the slopes of the Higashiyama mountain range and Mt. Daimonji using gardening techniques from the Edo period.
    Reikanji-1.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-09.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-08.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-05.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-03.jpg
  • Oriental Hotel Kyoto Rokujo is one of the newest branches of the Oriental Hotel chain of Western-style hotels in Japan, originally started in the former foreign settlement of Kobe during the Meiji era. The concept is “open space and lights of the tea garden” . It is a very unique modern-style Karesansui garden right in the interior lobby of the hotel. 
    oriental-lobby-garden-5.jpg
  • Oriental Hotel Kyoto Rokujo is one of the newest branches of the Oriental Hotel chain of Western-style hotels in Japan, originally started in the former foreign settlement of Kobe during the Meiji era. The concept is “open space and lights of the tea garden” . It is a very unique modern-style Karesansui garden right in the interior lobby of the hotel. 
    oriental-lobby-garden-2.jpg
  • Nishinomiya Shrine is the headquarters of more than 3,000 Ebisu Shrines all over Japan. The two stone bridges over the Shinen Pond have existed since the middle of the Edo period and are nationally registered tangible cultural properties. The Zuiho Bridge and Kaei Bridge are nationally registered tangible cultural properties, they were donated from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period by Kihei Hachima and Etsuzo Tatsuma, respectively. The Horai Sansui Garden has an artificial hill made of an unusual rock arrangement in the center.
    Nishinomiya-Shrine-3.jpg
  • Hotel Okura Kobe Garden at Meriken Park Kobe. There is a pond garden with a scenic view of Kobe's landmark, Kobe Port Tower. The garden was created by Koutarou Iwaki, a garden representative of Tokyo in the Showa period. The Japanese garden that can be seen from the lobby was created by Iwaki Gardens, as at Hotel Okura Tokyo. The pond garden has a beach and a powerful waterfall in the center. From the lobby, the port tower, and modern white frame of the Kobe Maritime Museum as well as the harbor are part of the background scenery. Here visits and guests can enjoy seasonal flowers-  plums, cherry blossoms, azaleas, hydrangeas and autumn leaves.
    Okura-Kobe-Garden-1.jpg
  • Myokensha is a shrine within the grounds of Honshoji Temple where the garden of the great swordsman Miyamoto Musashi remains. Due to the Separation of Shinto and Buddhism, the temple and the shrine are now separate entities, but Honshoji Temple info states information about Myoken-sha Shrine, so it seems that the relationship is still deep, therefore Myokensha is still enshrined in Honshoji Temple.  At Myokensha, there remains a small dry landscape garden that is characterized by trimmed azaleas, famous spot for azaleas in Akashi.
    Myokensha-6.jpg
  • Myokensha is a shrine within the grounds of Honshoji Temple where the garden of the great swordsman Miyamoto Musashi remains. Due to the Separation of Shinto and Buddhism, the temple and the shrine are now separate entities, but Honshoji Temple info states information about Myoken-sha Shrine, so it seems that the relationship is still deep, therefore Myokensha is still enshrined in Honshoji Temple.  At Myokensha, there remains a small dry landscape garden that is characterized by trimmed azaleas, famous spot for azaleas in Akashi.
    Myokensha-5.jpg
  • Minatogawa Shrine is located in front of JR Kobe Station. Kusunoki Masashige, a military commander who was active from the Kamakura period to the period of the Northern and Southern Courts, is enshrined as a deity here. There is an unusual dry landscape garden or rather stone garden created in 1975 by Shoichi Tsushima, a local landscaper in Kobe. From the connecting corridor that connects the main shrine and the shrine office, the dry landscape garden centered on the sacred camphor tree. The sukiya-style Japanese-style building Shoshikan at the end of this garden was completed in 1953 after the war, and its name was named by the writer Soho Tokutomi . Although it is not normally open to the public, it has a tea room where you can get a glimpse of its own small garden.
    Minatogawa-Shrine-2.jpg
  • Korin-in Garden at Daitokuji - The front garden of the Hojo was recreated by Kinsaku Nakane based on old documents. The stonework arranged in the white sand is a Momoyama period-style stonework. The surrounding area is colored with gentle moss hills and pruned azaleas. A beautiful moss-covered garden continues around the Hojo, and on the west side there are seasonal flowers such as maple and hydrangea and a stone pagoda. And the moss continues to the outdoor area of the tea room Kankyo-tei . This tea room was donated in 1928 by Gendo Yamaguchi - a modern businessman who supported numerous temples.
    Korin-in-Daitokuji -1.jpg
  • Jikko-in is a unique temple because it's dedicated to music, more specifically Buddhist hymns. While silence should be observed in most temples, here it is OK to actually use some of the instruments on display. The sound they make is interesting and beautiful, with a touch of exoticism. If you visit there, try the set of bells on the black rack and the lithophone -  a xylophone but using stones.  More interestingly, the musical aspect is not the only reason to visit this temple: the garden is also very beautiful. The first part is the pond located next to the main hall. It has a few remarkable features: a tsukubai basin, a water fall, a pond with beautiful koi carps and a tortoise-shaped-rock, a stone lantern and pagoda as well as moss and other vegetation. A maple tree covers part of the pond, making this temple a nice spot to visit in autumn. The garden was created in the late Edo period, in the chisen-kansho style; literally "pond-fountain-viewing". The pond empties itself through a small stream that fills the lower pond that is the centre of the second and larger part of the garden. From the hall the mountains Konpira and Koshio can be seen, and are part of the borrowed landscape garden design.
    jikko-in-14.jpg
  • Jakko-in Temple is an old temple that is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku. The nunnery where I spent my time. The official name of the temple is Seikosan Gyokusenji Jakkoin.  There are several pond gardens in the precincts. First of all, Shinji Pond and Tei no Pond on the left and right of the main hall. The pond has been described as “The cherry blossoms on the beach are scattered, and the flowers of the waves are the best” from a famous poem.  On the right hand side of the main hall Shinjiike Pond expresses a three-tiered waterfall with water drawn from the mountain behind.
    jakko-in-1.jpg
  • Hyogo Prefectural Museum Garden is located in the birthplace of Hyogo Prefecture. The first Hyogo Prefectural Government Building complete with its own Japanese garden and jail behind the building - a restoration of the first Hyogo Prefectural Office. The dry landscape garden in the first prefectural office building called Hygotottsu In the Nara period, Gyoki was involved in the construction. It is essentially a replica of the First Prefectural Government Building based on old drawings and paintings.  In front of the old prefectural office, there is a Japanese garden composed of pine tree, gentle moss, artificial hills make up a dry landscape garden with many garden stones that represent the islands of the Seto Inland Sea leading to Hyogo.  The five islands of moss and stonework represent the five countries: Settsu, Harima, Tajima, Tamba, and Awaji) that make up Hyogo Prefecture. Garden stones and gravel from Hyogo Prefecture, such as Rokko granite, were used for the stones, and the moss covering the islands, which is relatively resistant to tides.
    Hyogo-City-Museum-Garden-1.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-14.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-10.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-08.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-04.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-01.jpg
  • Honen-in Empty River - 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-empty-river-3.jpg
  • Honen-in Empty River - 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-empty-river-2.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-07.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-08.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-01.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-18.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-16.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-15.jpg
  • Hakuryu-en literally means 'white dragon garden', has been placed in an unlikely place, squeezed between a road, a rail line and a quarry. Visiting the place has only been possible in recent years and even then only for special periods during the year. It is one of the few places where moss is actually tended to the point where it grows happily, creating patches among the gravel. These patches grow larger, until they will eliminate the gravel paths. The moss is also growing between the stones of the main path, where it is expertly trimmed. But there is a lot more than moss  - both maple and cherry blossom trees and also satsuki and other flowers.  There are 5 small tea houses and pavilions scattered on the hillside. They each have their own character. The only way it to get a combined garden+train ticket at the Demachiyanagi station - the tickets are only valid for the day you bought them
    Hakuryuen-11.jpg
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