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  • Hakone Museum of Art is not just about paintings and ancient ceramics.  The museum is famous for its moss garden with stone paths meandering through the shade of maple trees. The garden reflects seasons with vivid autumn colors during October and November with  vibrant greens in April and May. Sangetsu-an Teahouse serves traditional Japanese tea for an addtional charge, overlooking the moss garden.  There are over 130 varieties of moss in the garden.
    hakone-moss-garden-07.jpg
  • Hakone Museum of Art is not just about paintings and ancient ceramics.  The museum is famous for its moss garden with stone paths meandering through the shade of maple trees. The garden reflects seasons with vivid autumn colors during October and November with  vibrant greens in April and May. Sangetsu-an Teahouse serves traditional Japanese tea for an addtional charge, overlooking the moss garden.  There are over 130 varieties of moss in the garden.
    hakone-moss-garden-02.jpg
  • Hakone Museum of Art is not just about paintings and ancient ceramics.  The museum is famous for its moss garden with stone paths meandering through the shade of maple trees. The garden reflects seasons with vivid autumn colors during October and November with  vibrant greens in April and May. Sangetsu-an Teahouse serves traditional Japanese tea for an addtional charge, overlooking the moss garden.  There are over 130 varieties of moss in the garden.
    hakone-moss-garden-04.jpg
  • Hakone Museum of Art is not just about paintings and ancient ceramics.  The museum is famous for its moss garden with stone paths meandering through the shade of maple trees. The garden reflects seasons with vivid autumn colors during October and November with  vibrant greens in April and May. Sangetsu-an Teahouse serves traditional Japanese tea for an addtional charge, overlooking the moss garden.  There are over 130 varieties of moss in the garden.
    hakone-moss-garden-01.jpg
  • Hakone Museum of Art is not just about paintings and ancient ceramics.  The museum is famous for its moss garden with stone paths meandering through the shade of maple trees. The garden reflects seasons with vivid autumn colors during October and November with  vibrant greens in April and May. Sangetsu-an Teahouse serves traditional Japanese tea for an addtional charge, overlooking the moss garden.  There are over 130 varieties of moss in the garden.
    hakone-moss-garden-06.jpg
  • Hakone Museum of Art is not just about paintings and ancient ceramics.  The museum is famous for its moss garden with stone paths meandering through the shade of maple trees. The garden reflects seasons with vivid autumn colors during October and November with  vibrant greens in April and May. Sangetsu-an Teahouse serves traditional Japanese tea for an addtional charge, overlooking the moss garden.  There are over 130 varieties of moss in the garden.
    hakone-moss-garden-05.jpg
  • Moss Steps at Hokoku-ji  - Hokoku-ji Kamakura is world famous for its bamboo garden containing more than 2000 Moso bamboos trees. Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  The bamboo garden is punctuated with stone lanterns, jizo and moss covered stones.  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-moss-stairway-1.jpg
  • Moss Beach, California Coast
    moss-beach-image-1.jpg
  • Tree Roots, Branches and Moss
    tree-moss-roots-1.jpg
  • Moss
    moss-2.jpg
  • Hakone Museum of Art is not just about paintings and ancient ceramics.  The museum is famous for its moss garden with stone paths meandering through the shade of maple trees. The garden reflects seasons with vivid autumn colors during October and November with  vibrant greens in April and May. Sangetsu-an Teahouse serves traditional Japanese tea for an addtional charge, overlooking the moss garden.  There are over 130 varieties of moss in the garden.
    hakone-moss-garden-03.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple -  Because of the beautiful moss that covers the land in the garden, Saihoji is often called the "Moss Temple" or Koke-dera. The garden was designed by reknowned Zen monk and garden designer par excellence Muso Soseki  and is covered with 120 types of moss.
    koke-dera-7.jpg
  • Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple, one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation by mail weeks in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way, the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    koke-dera-5.jpg
  • Toshodaiji Moss Garden - Toshodaiji was founded by Ganjin - a Chinese priest invited to Japan by the emperor to train priests and teach Buddhism. Ganjin's influence propagating Buddhism in Japan was monumental, and his arrival and teaching at Toshodaiji was important in this process.  Ganjin finally arrived in Japan after 7 attempts to cross the South China Sea and eventually went blind. Toshodaiji's main hall kondo was reopened in 2009 after being renovated during which the building was dismantled and reconstructed. The temple's lecture hall was originally at the Nara Imperial Palace and was moved to Toshodaiji. Today, it is the only surviving building of the former palace. The Buddha statues inside these buildings are national treasures of Japan.  North of the temple, the tomb of Ganjin is located surrounded by a moss garden.
    toshodaiji-1.jpg
  • Entsuin Moss Garden - Entsuin Temple has two noteworthy gardens.  There is a Japanese-style moss garden with a heart shaped pond, as well as a stone and moss garden nearer the entrance to Entsuin.  Entsuin was built in 1646 near Zuiganji Temple to house the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, the son of the ruling local feudal lord Date Terumune. The temple is devoted to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Mitsumune died an untimely death at the age of 19.  Entsuin's main hall was originally Mitsumune's summer residence in Tokyo before his death, and was relocated to Matsushima by his father, who surrounded the structure with gardens and renamed it Daihitei or mercy in Japanese.
    entsuin-8.jpg
  • Gio-ji Temple Garden in Arashiyama Kyoto/  In recent years the temple was left unattended and fell in disrepair until an enterprising nun Chishoni moved in and tidied the grounds. Chishoni had been a geisha before taking the vows as a nun. Giyo-ji is a small hermitage now, and its main feature is its moss garden. A small stream crosses through the garden, allowing different types of moss to grow.  The garden is surrounded by a path.  On the northern side, there is a bamboo grove nicely integrated in the composition of the garden as a whole.  Giyo-ji is one of the best moss gardens in Kyoto, after the more famous Koke-dera.
    gio-ji-5.jpg
  • Hitsujiyama Moss Phlox Shibazakura is a hit in Japan during springtime, and one of the best places to view moss phlox in the Tokyo area this is at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu.  Pink, white and purple flowers carpet the undulating hills in Chichibu anually from mid April through early May.  Shibazakura moss phlox, flowers carpets the ground making a huge floral carpet.  Hitsujiyama incorporates the  landscape of Chichibu as a backdrop.
    hitsujiyama-park-10.jpg
  • Hitsujiyama Moss Phlox Shibazakura is a hit in Japan during springtime, and one of the best places to view moss phlox in the Tokyo area this is at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu.  Pink, white and purple flowers carpet the undulating hills in Chichibu anually from mid April through early May.  Shibazakura moss phlox, flowers carpets the ground making a huge floral carpet.  Hitsujiyama incorporates the  landscape of Chichibu as a backdrop.
    hitsujiyama-park-03.jpg
  • Hitsujiyama Moss Phlox Shibazakura is a hit in Japan during springtime, and one of the best places to view moss phlox in the Tokyo area this is at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu.  Pink, white and purple flowers carpet the undulating hills in Chichibu anually from mid April through early May.  Shibazakura moss phlox, flowers carpets the ground making a huge floral carpet.  Hitsujiyama incorporates the  landscape of Chichibu as a backdrop.
    hitsujiyama-park-01.jpg
  • Entsuin Moss Garden - Entsuin Temple has two noteworthy gardens.  There is a Japanese-style moss garden with a heart shaped pond, as well as a stone and moss garden nearer the entrance to Entsuin.  Entsuin was built in 1646 near Zuiganji Temple to house the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, the son of the ruling local feudal lord Date Terumune. The temple is devoted to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Mitsumune died an untimely death at the age of 19.  Entsuin's main hall was originally Mitsumune's summer residence in Tokyo before his death, and was relocated to Matsushima by his father, who surrounded the structure with gardens and renamed it Daihitei or mercy in Japanese.
    entsuin-12.jpg
  • Hitsujiyama Moss Phlox Shibazakura is a hit in Japan during springtime, and one of the best places to view moss phlox in the Tokyo area this is at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu.  Pink, white and purple flowers carpet the undulating hills in Chichibu anually from mid April through early May.  Shibazakura moss phlox, flowers carpets the ground making a huge floral carpet.  Hitsujiyama incorporates the  landscape of Chichibu as a backdrop.
    hitsujiyama-park-09.jpg
  • Entsuin Moss Garden - Entsuin Temple has two noteworthy gardens.  There is a Japanese-style moss garden with a heart shaped pond, as well as a stone and moss garden nearer the entrance to Entsuin.  Entsuin was built in 1646 near Zuiganji Temple to house the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, the son of the ruling local feudal lord Date Terumune. The temple is devoted to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Mitsumune died an untimely death at the age of 19.  Entsuin's main hall was originally Mitsumune's summer residence in Tokyo before his death, and was relocated to Matsushima by his father, who surrounded the structure with gardens and renamed it Daihitei or mercy in Japanese.
    entsuin-7.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    saihoji-10.jpg
  • Gio-ji Temple Garden in Arashiyama Kyoto/  In recent years the temple was left unattended and fell in disrepair until an enterprising nun Chishoni moved in and tidied the grounds. Chishoni had been a geisha before taking the vows as a nun. Giyo-ji is a small hermitage now, and its main feature is its moss garden. A small stream crosses through the garden, allowing different types of moss to grow.  The garden is surrounded by a path.  On the northern side, there is a bamboo grove nicely integrated in the composition of the garden as a whole.  Giyo-ji is one of the best moss gardens in Kyoto, after the more famous Koke-dera.
    gio-ji-11.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    koke-dera-6.jpg
  • Toshodaiji Moss Garden - Toshodaiji was founded by Ganjin - a Chinese priest invited to Japan by the emperor to train priests and teach Buddhism. Ganjin's influence propagating Buddhism in Japan was monumental, and his arrival and teaching at Toshodaiji was important in this process.  Ganjin finally arrived in Japan after 7 attempts to cross the South China Sea and eventually went blind. Toshodaiji's main hall kondo was reopened in 2009 after being renovated during which the building was dismantled and reconstructed. The temple's lecture hall was originally at the Nara Imperial Palace and was moved to Toshodaiji. Today, it is the only surviving building of the former palace. The Buddha statues inside these buildings are national treasures of Japan.  North of the temple, the tomb of Ganjin is located surrounded by a moss garden.
    toshodaiji-4.jpg
  • Hitsujiyama Moss Phlox Shibazakura is a hit in Japan during springtime, and one of the best places to view moss phlox in the Tokyo area this is at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu.  Pink, white and purple flowers carpet the undulating hills in Chichibu anually from mid April through early May.  Shibazakura moss phlox, flowers carpets the ground making a huge floral carpet.  Hitsujiyama incorporates the  landscape of Chichibu as a backdrop.
    hitsujiyama-park-04.jpg
  • Gio-ji Temple Garden in Arashiyama Kyoto/  In recent years the temple was left unattended and fell in disrepair until an enterprising nun Chishoni moved in and tidied the grounds. Chishoni had been a geisha before taking the vows as a nun. Giyo-ji is a small hermitage now, and its main feature is its moss garden. A small stream crosses through the garden, allowing different types of moss to grow.  The garden is surrounded by a path.  On the northern side, there is a bamboo grove nicely integrated in the composition of the garden as a whole.  Giyo-ji is one of the best moss gardens in Kyoto, after the more famous Koke-dera.
    gio-ji-17.jpg
  • Gio-ji Temple Garden in Arashiyama Kyoto/  In recent years the temple was left unattended and fell in disrepair until an enterprising nun Chishoni moved in and tidied the grounds. Chishoni had been a geisha before taking the vows as a nun. Giyo-ji is a small hermitage now, and its main feature is its moss garden. A small stream crosses through the garden, allowing different types of moss to grow.  The garden is surrounded by a path.  On the northern side, there is a bamboo grove nicely integrated in the composition of the garden as a whole.  Giyo-ji is one of the best moss gardens in Kyoto, after the more famous Koke-dera.
    gio-ji-15.jpg
  • Gio-ji Temple Garden in Arashiyama Kyoto/  In recent years the temple was left unattended and fell in disrepair until an enterprising nun Chishoni moved in and tidied the grounds. Chishoni had been a geisha before taking the vows as a nun. Giyo-ji is a small hermitage now, and its main feature is its moss garden. A small stream crosses through the garden, allowing different types of moss to grow.  The garden is surrounded by a path.  On the northern side, there is a bamboo grove nicely integrated in the composition of the garden as a whole.  Giyo-ji is one of the best moss gardens in Kyoto, after the more famous Koke-dera.
    gio-ji-3.jpg
  • Zuishin-in Moss Garden - Zuishin-in is a quiet temple removed from the Kyoto city center in Yamashina.  The temple is also called the Mandala Temple after a legend in which the founding priest’s mother had been reincarnated and had a priest make a mandala.  The famous poet Ono no Komachi is also strongly  connected to this temple, and items related to her are scattered around the temple halls and the gardens.  The garden is known for its small pond and abundant use of moss.  Zuishin-in’s appeal is in its seclusion, with the exception of the famous flowering plum season for which it is known.  Zuishinin temple belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism
    zuishin-in-05.jpg
  • Hitsujiyama Moss Phlox Shibazakura is a hit in Japan during springtime, and one of the best places to view moss phlox in the Tokyo area this is at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu.  Pink, white and purple flowers carpet the undulating hills in Chichibu anually from mid April through early May.  Shibazakura moss phlox, flowers carpets the ground making a huge floral carpet.  Hitsujiyama incorporates the  landscape of Chichibu as a backdrop.
    hitsujiyama-park-05.jpg
  • Daiho-in Moss Garden - Daiho-in is a sub-temple of Myoshin-ji and was founded in 1625 as a family temple for the Nobuyuki clan. Its main feature is a roji moss garden.  Daiho-in is at its best in November when the maple trees show their deep red beauty.  The temple is only open to the public during the high seasons of autumn and spring.
    daiho-in-6.jpg
  • Gio-ji Temple Garden was originally a Buddhist nunnery.  An enterprising nun Chishoni had been a geisha before taking the vows as a nun. Giyo-ji is a small hermitage now, and its main feature is its moss garden. A small stream crosses through the garden, allowing different types of moss to grow. The garden is surrounded by a path.  On the northern side, there is a bamboo grove nicely integrated in the composition of the garden as a whole.  Giyo-ji is one of the best moss gardens in Kyoto, after the more famous Koke-dera.
    gio-ji-1.jpg
  • Iou-ji Temple Moss Garden - Iou-ji is an old temple that is said to have been opened by Gyoki Bosatsu under the command of Emperor Shomu during the Nara period. The dry garden is thought to have been created by Kobori Enshu in the early Edo period as he was active in this area at that time, and even left his travel diary at Ioji Temple. The appearance of Satsuki and Azalea planting cut into pieces is quite unique The moss in front of the approach, the guest hall, and the back of the main buildings are also very beautiful - the approach along with the garden is a cultural property of Iwata City.   Ioji îs meticulously maintained and even has sakura cherry blossoms in April a favorite local feature.
    iou-ji-07.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    saihoji-06.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-82.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    koke-dera-10.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    koke-dera-9.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    koke-dera-8.jpg
  • Hitsujiyama Moss Phlox Shibazakura is a hit in Japan during springtime, and one of the best places to view moss phlox in the Tokyo area this is at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu.  Pink, white and purple flowers carpet the undulating hills in Chichibu anually from mid April through early May.  Shibazakura moss phlox, flowers carpets the ground making a huge floral carpet.  Hitsujiyama incorporates the  landscape of Chichibu as a backdrop.
    hitsujiyama-park-08.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    AMBER-2022-17.jpg
  • Gio-ji Temple Garden in Arashiyama Kyoto/  In recent years the temple was left unattended and fell in disrepair until an enterprising nun Chishoni moved in and tidied the grounds. Chishoni had been a geisha before taking the vows as a nun. Giyo-ji is a small hermitage now, and its main feature is its moss garden. A small stream crosses through the garden, allowing different types of moss to grow.  The garden is surrounded by a path.  On the northern side, there is a bamboo grove nicely integrated in the composition of the garden as a whole.  Giyo-ji is one of the best moss gardens in Kyoto, after the more famous Koke-dera.
    gio-ji-14.jpg
  • Iou-ji Temple Moss Garden - Iou-ji is an old temple that is said to have been opened by Gyoki Bosatsu under the command of Emperor Shomu during the Nara period. The dry garden is thought to have been created by Kobori Enshu in the early Edo period as he was active in this area at that time, and even left his travel diary at Ioji Temple. The appearance of Satsuki and Azalea planting cut into pieces is quite unique The moss in front of the approach, the guest hall, and the back of the main buildings are also very beautiful - the approach along with the garden is a cultural property of Iwata City.   Ioji îs meticulously maintained and even has sakura cherry blossoms in April a favorite local feature.
    iou-ji-09.jpg
  • Zuishin-in Moss Garden - Zuishin-in is a quiet temple removed from the Kyoto city center in Yamashina.  The temple is also called the Mandala Temple after a legend in which the founding priest’s mother had been reincarnated and had a priest make a mandala.  The famous poet Ono no Komachi is also strongly  connected to this temple, and items related to her are scattered around the temple halls and the gardens.  The garden is known for its small pond and abundant use of moss.  Zuishin-in’s appeal is in its seclusion, with the exception of the famous flowering plum season for which it is known.  Zuishinin temple belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism
    zuishin-in-02.jpg
  • Hitsujiyama Moss Phlox Shibazakura is a hit in Japan during springtime, and one of the best places to view moss phlox in the Tokyo area this is at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu.  Pink, white and purple flowers carpet the undulating hills in Chichibu anually from mid April through early May.  Shibazakura moss phlox, flowers carpets the ground making a huge floral carpet.  Hitsujiyama incorporates the  landscape of Chichibu as a backdrop.
    hitsujiyama-park-07.jpg
  • Zuisenji Temple Moss Stairway - Zuisenji Temple Garden was laid out by renowned garden designer and Zen Buddhist monk Muso Kokushi, founder of the temple.  Zuisen-ji is located in a valley called Momijigayatsu surrounded by hills which serve as natural background for the garden.  Beyond the small pond Tennyodo cave is a hall used for meditation and appreciating the moon reflected on the surface of Choseichi Pond.  Zuisenji Temple Garden uses these natural rocks and caves as elements of the garden. Bridges are built across the western side of the pond.  The garden is the only remaining one of the gardens in Kamakura that were constructed during the Kamakura Era.  Must Kobushi believed that understanding landscapes and gardens led to the cultivation of the human mind.  The temple is also known for its flowers and trees in other parts of the temple grounds, particularly plum trees and hydrangeas.
    zuisenji-9.jpg
  • Gio-ji Temple Garden in Arashiyama Kyoto/  In recent years the temple was left unattended and fell in disrepair until an enterprising nun Chishoni moved in and tidied the grounds. Chishoni had been a geisha before taking the vows as a nun. Giyo-ji is a small hermitage now, and its main feature is its moss garden. A small stream crosses through the garden, allowing different types of moss to grow.  The garden is surrounded by a path.  On the northern side, there is a bamboo grove nicely integrated in the composition of the garden as a whole.  Giyo-ji is one of the best moss gardens in Kyoto, after the more famous Koke-dera.
    gio-ji-10.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    AMBER-2021-EXTRA-102.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    AMBER-2021-EXTRA-101.jpg
  • Zuishin-in Moss Garden - Zuishin-in is a quiet temple removed from the Kyoto city center in Yamashina.  The temple is also called the Mandala Temple after a legend in which the founding priest’s mother had been reincarnated and had a priest make a mandala.  The famous poet Ono no Komachi is also strongly  connected to this temple, and items related to her are scattered around the temple halls and the gardens.  The garden is known for its small pond and abundant use of moss.  Zuishin-in’s appeal is in its seclusion, with the exception of the famous flowering plum season for which it is known.  Zuishinin temple belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism
    zuishin-in-19.jpg
  • Zuishin-in Moss Garden - Zuishin-in is a quiet temple removed from the Kyoto city center in Yamashina.  The temple is also called the Mandala Temple after a legend in which the founding priest’s mother had been reincarnated and had a priest make a mandala.  The famous poet Ono no Komachi is also strongly  connected to this temple, and items related to her are scattered around the temple halls and the gardens.  The garden is known for its small pond and abundant use of moss.  Zuishin-in’s appeal is in its seclusion, with the exception of the famous flowering plum season for which it is known.  Zuishinin temple belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism
    zuishin-in-10.jpg
  • Daiho-in Moss Garden - Daiho-in is a sub-temple of Myoshin-ji and was founded in 1625 as a family temple for the Nobuyuki clan. Its main feature is a roji moss garden.  Daiho-in is at its best in November when the maple trees show their deep red beauty.  The temple is only open to the public during the high seasons of autumn and spring.
    daiho-in-7.jpg
  • Gio-ji Temple Garden in Arashiyama Kyoto/  In recent years the temple was left unattended and fell in disrepair until an enterprising nun Chishoni moved in and tidied the grounds. Chishoni had been a geisha before taking the vows as a nun. Giyo-ji is a small hermitage now, and its main feature is its moss garden. A small stream crosses through the garden, allowing different types of moss to grow.  The garden is surrounded by a path.  On the northern side, there is a bamboo grove nicely integrated in the composition of the garden as a whole.  Giyo-ji is one of the best moss gardens in Kyoto, after the more famous Koke-dera.
    gio-ji-9.jpg
  • Iou-ji Temple Moss Garden - Iou-ji is an old temple that is said to have been opened by Gyoki Bosatsu under the command of Emperor Shomu during the Nara period. The dry garden is thought to have been created by Kobori Enshu in the early Edo period as he was active in this area at that time, and even left his travel diary at Ioji Temple. The appearance of Satsuki and Azalea planting cut into pieces is quite unique The moss in front of the approach, the guest hall, and the back of the main buildings are also very beautiful - the approach along with the garden is a cultural property of Iwata City.   Ioji îs meticulously maintained and even has sakura cherry blossoms in April a favorite local feature.
    iou-ji-10.jpg
  • Zuishin-in Moss Garden - Zuishin-in is a quiet temple removed from the Kyoto city center in Yamashina.  The temple is also called the Mandala Temple after a legend in which the founding priest’s mother had been reincarnated and had a priest make a mandala.  The famous poet Ono no Komachi is also strongly  connected to this temple, and items related to her are scattered around the temple halls and the gardens.  The garden is known for its small pond and abundant use of moss.  Zuishin-in’s appeal is in its seclusion, with the exception of the famous flowering plum season for which it is known.  Zuishinin temple belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism
    zuishin-in-07.jpg
  • Jotenji Moss Garden - Joten-ji is a Rinzai temple in Hakata, Fukuoka, its construction was completed in 1242.  The grounds of Jotenji feature a Zen garden. The founding priest of the temple, Enni Benen went to China where he studied Zen Buddhism and came back to Japan in 1241.  Besides the teachings of Buddhism, he brought back to Japan a variety of cultural features from China including production methods of noodles.  Jotenji Temple is special because of its striking temple gate and and stone garden.   The gate has become the new symbol of Hakata.  The cry Zen karesansui garden was modeled from Kenninji Kyoto.
    Joten-ji-garden-6.jpg
  • Iou-ji Temple Moss Garden - Iou-ji is an old temple that is said to have been opened by Gyoki Bosatsu under the command of Emperor Shomu during the Nara period. The dry garden is thought to have been created by Kobori Enshu in the early Edo period as he was active in this area at that time, and even left his travel diary at Ioji Temple. The appearance of Satsuki and Azalea planting cut into pieces is quite unique The moss in front of the approach, the guest hall, and the back of the main buildings are also very beautiful - the approach along with the garden is a cultural property of Iwata City.   Ioji îs meticulously maintained and even has sakura cherry blossoms in April a favorite local feature.
    iou-ji-08.jpg
  • Jotenji Moss Garden - Joten-ji is a Rinzai temple in Hakata, Fukuoka, its construction was completed in 1242.  The grounds of Jotenji feature a Zen garden. The founding priest of the temple, Enni Benen went to China where he studied Zen Buddhism and came back to Japan in 1241.  Besides the teachings of Buddhism, he brought back to Japan a variety of cultural features from China including production methods of noodles.  Jotenji Temple is special because of its striking temple gate and and stone garden.   The gate has become the new symbol of Hakata.  The cry Zen karesansui garden was modeled from Kenninji Kyoto.
    Joten-ji-garden-1.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    koke-dera-3.jpg
  • Zuishin-in Moss Garden - Zuishin-in is a quiet temple removed from the Kyoto city center in Yamashina.  The temple is also called the Mandala Temple after a legend in which the founding priest’s mother had been reincarnated and had a priest make a mandala.  The famous poet Ono no Komachi is also strongly  connected to this temple, and items related to her are scattered around the temple halls and the gardens.  The garden is known for its small pond and abundant use of moss.  Zuishin-in’s appeal is in its seclusion, with the exception of the famous flowering plum season for which it is known.  Zuishinin temple belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism
    zuishin-in-12.jpg
  • Zuishin-in Moss Garden - Zuishin-in is a quiet temple removed from the Kyoto city center in Yamashina.  The temple is also called the Mandala Temple after a legend in which the founding priest’s mother had been reincarnated and had a priest make a mandala.  The famous poet Ono no Komachi is also strongly  connected to this temple, and items related to her are scattered around the temple halls and the gardens.  The garden is known for its small pond and abundant use of moss.  Zuishin-in’s appeal is in its seclusion, with the exception of the famous flowering plum season for which it is known.  Zuishinin temple belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism
    zuishin-in-04.jpg
  • Moss and Stoneso at 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 large stones which were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-peony-10.jpg
  • Hakone Museum of Art is not just about paintings and ancient ceramics.  The museum is famous for its moss garden with stone paths meandering through the shade of maple trees. The garden reflects seasons with vivid autumn colors during October and November with  vibrant greens in April and May. Sangetsu-an Teahouse serves traditional Japanese tea for an addtional charge, overlooking the moss garden.
    sangetsu-an-01.jpg
  • Jotenji Moss Garden - Joten-ji is a Rinzai temple in Hakata, Fukuoka, its construction was completed in 1242.  The grounds of Jotenji feature a Zen garden. The founding priest of the temple, Enni Benen went to China where he studied Zen Buddhism and came back to Japan in 1241.  Besides the teachings of Buddhism, he brought back to Japan a variety of cultural features from China including production methods of noodles.  Jotenji Temple is special because of its striking temple gate and and stone garden.   The gate has become the new symbol of Hakata.  The cry Zen karesansui garden was modeled from Kenninji Kyoto.
    Joten-ji-garden-5.jpg
  • Stone Lantern With Moss at Shoyo-en - Ishidoro lanterns are usually used to decorate Japanese gardens, shrines and temples rather than for providing light, although occasionally they are lit up with candles inside during festivals.   Ishidoro Lanterns were introduced to Japan via China in the 6th century.  The earliest lanterns, found only in temple grounds, were designed to hold the flame representing Buddha.  Light  helps us overcome the darkness of ignorance. Ishidoro were originally used at temples, gardens and shrines.  Around the 16th century stone lanterns were adopted  and placed in the gardens of teahouses.
    stone-lantern-2.jpg
  • Negoroji Temple Moss Garden - Negoroj-ji - It’s from this temple that the name of the prefecture, Kagawa is derived. Kagawa means ‘incense river’ and it’s named after a river thought to flow from the roots of a tree in the courtyard of the temple. It’s located on the same plateau as temple 81. Interesting features of the temple include a shrine with 10,000 images of Kannon, a thousand-year-old Zelkova tree and a statue in front of the main gate of an ox devil.  The temple is located up midway up Mt. Aomine. Its name means Root Scent Temple. The legend has it that there was a horrible ox demon living on Mt. Aomine who ate people. This demon was slain by a master archer who then dedicated its horns to this temple. In front of the gate is a bronze statue of this ox demon.
    Negoroji-15.jpg
  • Negoroji Temple Moss Garden - Negoroj-ji - It’s from this temple that the name of the prefecture, Kagawa is derived. Kagawa means ‘incense river’ and it’s named after a river thought to flow from the roots of a tree in the courtyard of the temple. It’s located on the same plateau as temple 81. Interesting features of the temple include a shrine with 10,000 images of Kannon, a thousand-year-old Zelkova tree and a statue in front of the main gate of an ox devil.  The temple is located up midway up Mt. Aomine. Its name means Root Scent Temple. The legend has it that there was a horrible ox demon living on Mt. Aomine who ate people. This demon was slain by a master archer who then dedicated its horns to this temple. In front of the gate is a bronze statue of this ox demon.
    Negoroji-14.jpg
  • Negoroji Temple Moss Garden - Negoroj-ji - It’s from this temple that the name of the prefecture, Kagawa is derived. Kagawa means ‘incense river’ and it’s named after a river thought to flow from the roots of a tree in the courtyard of the temple. It’s located on the same plateau as temple 81. Interesting features of the temple include a shrine with 10,000 images of Kannon, a thousand-year-old Zelkova tree and a statue in front of the main gate of an ox devil.  The temple is located up midway up Mt. Aomine. Its name means Root Scent Temple. The legend has it that there was a horrible ox demon living on Mt. Aomine who ate people. This demon was slain by a master archer who then dedicated its horns to this temple. In front of the gate is a bronze statue of this ox demon.
    Negoroji-10.jpg
  • Japanese stone lantern, covered with moss and snow.  Ishidoro lanterns are usually used to decorate Japanese gardens, shrines and temples rather than for providing light, although occasionally they are lit up with candles inside during festivals.   Ishidoro Lanterns were introduced to Japan via China in the 6th century.  The earliest lanterns, found only in temple grounds, were designed to hold the flame representing Buddha.  Light  helps us overcome the darkness of ignorance. Ishidoro were originally used at temples, gardens and shrines.  Around the 16th century stone lanterns were adopted  and placed in the gardens of teahouses.
    stone-lantern-snow-01.jpg
  • Moss and Stoneso at 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 large stones which were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-peony-3.jpg
  • Hitsujiyama Moss Phlox Shibazakura is a hit in Japan during springtime, and one of the best places to view moss phlox in the Tokyo area this is at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu.  Pink, white and purple flowers carpet the undulating hills in Chichibu anually from mid April through early May.  Shibazakura moss phlox, flowers carpets the ground making a huge floral carpet.  Hitsujiyama incorporates the  landscape of Chichibu as a backdrop.
    hitsujiyama-park-06.jpg
  • Entsuin Moss Garden - Entsuin Temple has two noteworthy gardens.  There is a Japanese-style moss garden with a heart shaped pond, as well as a stone and moss garden nearer the entrance to Entsuin.  Entsuin was built in 1646 near Zuiganji Temple to house the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, the son of the ruling local feudal lord Date Terumune. The temple is devoted to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Mitsumune died an untimely death at the age of 19.  Entsuin's main hall was originally Mitsumune's summer residence in Tokyo before his death, and was relocated to Matsushima by his father, who surrounded the structure with gardens and renamed it Daihitei or mercy in Japanese.
    entsuin-10.jpg
  • Entsuin Moss Garden - Entsuin Temple has two noteworthy gardens.  There is a Japanese-style moss garden with a heart shaped pond, as well as a stone and moss garden nearer the entrance to Entsuin.  Entsuin was built in 1646 near Zuiganji Temple to house the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, the son of the ruling local feudal lord Date Terumune. The temple is devoted to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Mitsumune died an untimely death at the age of 19.  Entsuin's main hall was originally Mitsumune's summer residence in Tokyo before his death, and was relocated to Matsushima by his father, who surrounded the structure with gardens and renamed it Daihitei or mercy in Japanese.
    entsuin-13.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    saihoji-02.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-155.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    koke-dera-2.jpg
  • Zuishin-in Moss Garden - Zuishin-in is a quiet temple removed from the Kyoto city center in Yamashina.  The temple is also called the Mandala Temple after a legend in which the founding priest’s mother had been reincarnated and had a priest make a mandala.  The famous poet Ono no Komachi is also strongly  connected to this temple, and items related to her are scattered around the temple halls and the gardens.  The garden is known for its small pond and abundant use of moss.  Zuishin-in’s appeal is in its seclusion, with the exception of the famous flowering plum season for which it is known.  Zuishinin temple belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism
    zuishin-in-13.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    koke-dera-4.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing sutras before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of this UNESCO World Heritage Japanese garden.
    koke-dera-1.jpg
  • Zuishin-in Moss Garden - Zuishin-in is a quiet temple removed from the Kyoto city center in Yamashina.  The temple is also called the Mandala Temple after a legend in which the founding priest’s mother had been reincarnated and had a priest make a mandala.  The famous poet Ono no Komachi is also strongly  connected to this temple, and items related to her are scattered around the temple halls and the gardens.  The garden is known for its small pond and abundant use of moss.  Zuishin-in’s appeal is in its seclusion, with the exception of the famous flowering plum season for which it is known.  Zuishinin temple belongs to the Shingon sect of Buddhism
    zuishin-in-06.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-25.jpg
  • Stone Lantern With Moss at Shoyo-en - Ishidoro lanterns are usually used to decorate Japanese gardens, shrines and temples rather than for providing light, although occasionally they are lit up with candles inside during festivals.   Ishidoro Lanterns were introduced to Japan via China in the 6th century.  The earliest lanterns, found only in temple grounds, were designed to hold the flame representing Buddha.  Light  helps us overcome the darkness of ignorance. Ishidoro were originally used at temples, gardens and shrines.  Around the 16th century stone lanterns were adopted  and placed in the gardens of teahouses.
    stone-lantern-1.jpg
  • Negoroji Temple Moss Garden - Negoroj-ji - It’s from this temple that the name of the prefecture, Kagawa is derived. Kagawa means ‘incense river’ and it’s named after a river thought to flow from the roots of a tree in the courtyard of the temple. It’s located on the same plateau as temple 81. Interesting features of the temple include a shrine with 10,000 images of Kannon, a thousand-year-old Zelkova tree and a statue in front of the main gate of an ox devil.  The temple is located up midway up Mt. Aomine. Its name means Root Scent Temple. The legend has it that there was a horrible ox demon living on Mt. Aomine who ate people. This demon was slain by a master archer who then dedicated its horns to this temple. In front of the gate is a bronze statue of this ox demon.
    Negoroji-9.jpg
  • Japanese Stone Lanterns and Moss at Hokokuji Temple in Kamakaura - Ishidoro lanterns are usually used to decorate Japanese gardens, shrines and temples rather than for providing light, although occasionally they are lit up with candles inside during festivals.   Ishidoro Lanterns were introduced to Japan via China in the 6th century.  The earliest lanterns, found only in temple grounds, were designed to hold the flame representing Buddha.  Light  helps us overcome the darkness of ignorance. Ishidoro were originally used at temples, gardens and shrines.  Around the 16th century stone lanterns were adopted  and placed in the gardens of teahouses.
    japanese-stone-lantern.jpg
  • 26. Saihoji 西芳寺 The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is often called Koke-dera or Moss Temple.  More than 120 different types of moss now grow at Saihoji, some developed naturally or even accidentally thanks to its nearness to the pond. Saihoji is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in tracing sutras before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the integrity of the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of this unique retreat.
    26.KYOTO-SAIHOJI-02.jpg
  • 26. Saihoji 西芳寺 The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is often called Koke-dera or Moss Temple.  More than 120 different types of moss now grow at Saihoji, some developed naturally or even accidentally thanks to its nearness to the pond. Saihoji is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in tracing sutras before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the integrity of the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of this unique retreat.
    26.KYOTO-SAIHOJI-01.jpg
  • Myokaku-ji Hoshi-en Garden is a simple garden with a central stone path, moss and maple trees. This is a natural garden where only moss and maples have been planted, and its name is derived from the Lotus Sutra.  The expression of this garden emphasizes living in the here and now through the teaching that "all in the world is straight fact and is splendid".  The garden is compact, so the sense of wabi-sabi is part of the experience. The viewing period is limited to November each year.  The mountain name of Myukaku is Gosokuzan. It has three sub-temples: Zenmyo-in, Jissei-in and Gyokusen-in. Myokaku-ji is an Important Cultural Property designated by the Japanese government and a Tangible Cultural Properties designated by the city of Kyoto.
    myokaku-3.jpg
  • Myokaku-ji Hoshi-en Garden is a simple garden with a central stone path, moss and maple trees. This is a natural garden where only moss and maples have been planted, and its name is derived from the Lotus Sutra.  The expression of this garden emphasizes living in the here and now through the teaching that "all in the world is straight fact and is splendid".  The garden is compact, so the sense of wabi-sabi is part of the experience. The viewing period is limited to November each year.  The mountain name of Myukaku is Gosokuzan. It has three sub-temples: Zenmyo-in, Jissei-in and Gyokusen-in. Myokaku-ji is an Important Cultural Property designated by the Japanese government and a Tangible Cultural Properties designated by the city of Kyoto.
    myokaku-4.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-8.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-2.jpg
  • Gyokurinji is a Rinzai Buddhist temple that was founded in the  Muromachi period 1339. The garden was created in the second half of the Heisei period. Its dry stone karesansui garden was created in recent years, and was designed in three straight lines:  an abstract representation of a treasure boat heading to the shore anchored in the pool of night. The highlights are Hiyama and a stone bridge made of natural stone. The stone bridge at the intersection of two other stones, when viewed from a different angle, the balance is maintained by slightly cutting the stone. This makes it look like a stone bridge with an exquisite balance when viewed from the front. There is a second dry mountain garden behind the zen garden, covered and surrounded with cedar moss on a gentle slope.
    gyokurinji-itsukaiichi-1.jpg
  • Seiganji Garden is characterized by the use of moss to represent water. It was built with the scenery of Mt. Tao as a borrowed landscape.  After heavy rain, the underground water seeps out and the dry landscape garden transforms into a pond garden. This Edo period garden is a two-sided garden that is extremely rare in Japan. The scenery where lush moss sinks on the bottom of the water and reflects off the surface of the water is truly exceptional beauty. When the Rakurakuen in Hikone Castle was built, stones were taken away from Seiganji though later a vassal of the Ii family who built Rakurakuen and Genkyuen Gardens, rebuilt it at the request of the priest at the time.  Seiganji is a Nationally Designated Scenic Spot.
    seiganji-5.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-9.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-5.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-3.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Garden is composed of two main gardens:  The Garden of Dry Mountains and Waters which has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple. Directly south of the main hall is the so-called Water Garden although there is no pond nor waterfall, it may be called that for the undulating shrubs give the impression of water.  Ioji Temple Gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. Old garden of dry landscape Japanese garden has another view that uses the garden designs of Enshu Kobori.  Although there is no specific record of Enshu actually taking part of the design of the garden, its style conforms to Enshu’s style and he did indeed visit here at one time. The three prominent stones at the top of the hillock are the showcase of the garden and its main focal point. The shrubs surrounding the stones are satsukiin bloom in May. On the south side of the main hall, the design of the “Water Garden" is more gentle with sculpted shrubs, adding stillness and contrast to the adjacent western garden.  There is also a small garden in front of the main hall, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-Garden-1.jpg
  • Ioji Temple Wooden Bas Relief - Ioji Temple has been attributed somewhat erroneously to Kobori Enshu, who once visited the temple.  Ioji Temple gardens use the style of landscape gardening of the early Ido period using a very large space - an area of 1,000 square meters from the north garden to the reception hall once used for state ceremonies. There is a small garden in front of the main hall, just after the intricately carved wooden bas releif entrance gates, covered with moss called “Moss Garden of Tokai".
    Iouji-Temple-bas-relief.jpg
  • Seiganji Garden is characterized by the use of moss to represent water. It was built with the scenery of Mt. Tao as a borrowed landscape.  After heavy rain, the underground water seeps out and the dry landscape garden transforms into a pond garden. This Edo period garden is a two-sided garden that is extremely rare in Japan. The scenery where lush moss sinks on the bottom of the water and reflects off the surface of the water is truly exceptional beauty. When the Rakurakuen in Hikone Castle was built, stones were taken away from Seiganji though later a vassal of the Ii family who built Rakurakuen and Genkyuen Gardens, rebuilt it at the request of the priest at the time.  Seiganji is a Nationally Designated Scenic Spot.
    seiganji-4.jpg
  • Namikiri Fudo-son Temple is located in the south of Tokushima Prefecture. Although it's a small temple,  the grounds are covered with moss,it feels like it is in another world.  It appears to be a scene from the mossy island of Yakushima. At the top of the mossy steps are two huge cedars trees, said to have been planted by Kobo Daishi to help support the giant stone at the top of the hill.
    Namakiri-Fudo-san-4.jpg
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