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  • 78.5 Engakuji 円覚寺 is the main temple of the Engakuji sect of the Rinzai Buddhist sect. Engakuji is one of the leading Zen temples in eastern Japan and ranks second among Kamakura's five great Zen temples. Its unique garden was restored in 1969 according to an old drawing. Zen Buddhism regarded gardens as microcosms of the natural landscape and this is a fine example.
    78.5.TENTATIVE-KAMAKURA-ENGAKUJI-02.jpg
  • 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
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyukodo-6.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyukodo-7.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyukodo-4.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyukodo-2.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-6.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyukodo-3-amber.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyukodo-3.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was considered  a great master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake so as a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima - the landscape architect. The garden has no specific observation point, thought it can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A central design concept that has been used to describe this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones as well as a part of natural woods at the background crossed over the wall turned to be garden trees that have set the border between artificial and natural. This can be considered in contrast to borrowed scenery often employed in Japanese gardens. In other words, instead of designating as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyukodo-1.jpg
  • Gyokudo Kawai was a master of Japanese painting who lived in Mitake. As a memorial to his accomplishments Gyokudo Museum was created by Ken Nakajima, the landscape architect. The garden can be viewed from many angles without changing its general look.  A design concept used to create this garden is nesting technique, which has long been utilized in Japanese art.  Natural stones found in the adjacent Tama River were used for the garden's stones. Instead of incorporating the forest woods as background, it directly employs the natural elements in the garden itself.
    gyukodo-5.jpg
  • Hokokuji Garden Stone Lantern - 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.
    hokokuji-12.jpg
  • Kannon-in Garden was built in the mid 17th century and artfully incorporates the forest behind the pond as its natural background.  This style is called Shakkei "borrowed scenery”.  Kannon-in Garden was designated as a national scenic spot by the Japanese government.
    kannon-in-4.jpg
  • Kannon-in Garden was built in the mid 17th century and artfully incorporates the forest behind the pond as its natural background.  This style is called Shakkei "borrowed scenery”.  Kannon-in Garden was designated as a national scenic spot by the Japanese government.
    kannon-in-2.jpg
  • Kannon-in Garden was built in the mid 17th century and artfully incorporates the forest behind the pond as its natural background.  This style is called Shakkei "borrowed scenery”.  Kannon-in Garden was designated as a national scenic spot by the Japanese government.
    kannon-in-5.jpg
  • Kannon-in Garden was built in the mid 17th century and artfully incorporates the forest behind the pond as its natural background.  This style is called Shakkei "borrowed scenery”.  Kannon-in Garden was designated as a national scenic spot by the Japanese government.
    kannon-in-1.jpg
  • The Singapore Japanese Garden is based on Japanese gardens from the Muromachi period (1392 – 1568) to the Momoyama period (1568 – 1615).  The garden  includes  a karesansui dry garden which exudes a sense of peace and tranquility with its minimalist and abstract design.  The garden is made up of arched bridges, stone lantern and ponds faithfully recreating traditional Japanese gardening style. The Singapore Japanese Garden is within the Chinese Garden complex, also known as Jurong Gardens, was made  in 1975 and designed by Prof. Yuen-chen Yu, an architect from Taiwan,. The garden’s concept is based on the integration of architectural features within the natural environment. The garden is modeled along the northern Chinese imperial styles of landscaping.  In Chinese gardens, bridges play a critical role and the most important structures may denote a specific character.
    singapore-japanese-garden-4.jpg
  • 78.5 Engakuji 円覚寺 is the main temple of the Engakuji sect of the Rinzai Buddhist sect. Engakuji is one of the leading Zen temples in eastern Japan and ranks second among Kamakura's five great Zen temples. Its unique garden was restored in 1969 according to an old drawing. Zen Buddhism regarded gardens as microcosms of the natural landscape and this is a fine example.
    78.5.TENTATIVE-KAMAKURA-ENGAKUJI-01.jpg
  • Kannon-in Garden was built in the mid 17th century and artfully incorporates the forest behind the pond as its natural background.  This style is called Shakkei "borrowed scenery”.  Kannon-in Garden was designated as a national scenic spot by the Japanese government.
    kannon-in-3.jpg
  • Nara Park or Nara Koen is a large park and the location of numerous Nara attractions, including Todaiji, Nara National Museum, Kofukuji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is home to hundreds of wild deer.  Nara's deer have become a kind of symbol of the city and have even been designated a natural treasure. Traditionally, deer have always been considered messengers of the gods in the in Shinto religion.  Nara's deer are fairly tame, though they can be aggressive when hungry. Deer crackers or shika sembei are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors.
    nara-park-3.jpg
  • The Singapore Japanese Garden is based on Japanese gardens from the Muromachi period (1392 – 1568) to the Momoyama period (1568 – 1615).  The garden  includes  a karesansui dry garden which exudes a sense of peace and tranquility with its minimalist and abstract design.  The garden is made up of arched bridges, stone lantern and ponds faithfully recreating traditional Japanese gardening style. The Singapore Japanese Garden is within the Chinese Garden complex, also known as Jurong Gardens, was made  in 1975 and designed by Prof. Yuen-chen Yu, an architect from Taiwan,. The garden’s concept is based on the integration of architectural features within the natural environment. The garden is modeled along the northern Chinese imperial styles of landscaping.  In Chinese gardens, bridges play a critical role and the most important structures may denote a specific character.
    singapore-japanese-garden-2.jpg
  • The Singapore Japanese Garden is based on Japanese gardens from the Muromachi period (1392 – 1568) to the Momoyama period (1568 – 1615).  The garden  includes  a karesansui dry garden which exudes a sense of peace and tranquility with its minimalist and abstract design.  The garden is made up of arched bridges, stone lantern and ponds faithfully recreating traditional Japanese gardening style. The Singapore Japanese Garden is within the Chinese Garden complex, also known as Jurong Gardens, was made  in 1975 and designed by Prof. Yuen-chen Yu, an architect from Taiwan,. The garden’s concept is based on the integration of architectural features within the natural environment. The garden is modeled along the northern Chinese imperial styles of landscaping.  In Chinese gardens, bridges play a critical role and the most important structures may denote a specific character.
    singapore-japanese-garden-3.jpg
  • Chiran Bukeyashiki Samurai Residence and Gardens - visitors can step into each of the seven gardens of which six are "Karesansui" rock garden, and one a "Chisen Kaiyu Shiki" strolling pond garden. Each garden features a miniaturized version of natural landscape, by wisely incorporating actual hillsides in the backdrop as part of the garden elements.  There are also landscaped alleys connecting the samurai residences and gardens called the  "Honbaba promenade"
    chiran-bukeyashiki-gardens09.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori.  The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty.  To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond.  Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-3.jpg
  • Engakuji is the main temple of the Engakuji section of the Rinzai Buddhist sect. The garden was restored in 1969 according to an old drawing. Zen Buddhism regarded gardens as microcosms of the natural landscape and this is a fine example.
    engakuji-garden-3.jpg
  • Hokokuji Bamboo Garden; sometimes called "The Bamboo Temple" because of this grove; elsewhere at Hokokuji the zen garden, trees and plants are blended with the hills and natural background of the landscape.
    hokokuji-2.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori.  The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty.  To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond.  Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-5.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori.  The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty.  To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond.  Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-4.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori.  The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty.  To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond.  Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-2.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori.  The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty.  To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond.  Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-1.jpg
  • Hokokuji Temple in Kamakaura is one of the few zen temples with a traditional garden in Kamakura, where the rocks, bamboo groves, zen garden, trees and plants are blended with the hills and natural background of the landscape.
    hokokuji-7.jpg
  • Hokokuji Temple in Kamakaura is one of the few zen temples with a traditional garden in Kamakura, where the rocks, bamboo groves, zen garden, trees and plants are blended with the hills and natural background of the landscape. Water is considered purifying in Japan, hence the emphasis on cleanliness in everyday life.  Water fountains such as these, known as tsukubai, are also beneficial to hear the trickling of falling water to soothe the nerves as well.  A tsukubai is a small basin provided at Japanese Buddhist temples for visitors to purify themselves by the ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. Tsukubai are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small scoop, laid across the top, ready for use.
    tsukubai-30.jpg
  • Ginkakuji garden is famous for its cone shaped structure called the Kogetsudai or Moon Viewing Platform.  Many people assume it is meant to resemble Mount Fuji, while others believe it is meant to reflect divine light into hearts of viewers.  Soami, the famous landscape gardener designed the garden and buildings of Ginkaku-ji.  He is thought to have been the greatest garden designer in medieval Japan - having his name attached to a temple grants immediate distinction although there is no mention of the sand structure before renovations of the Edo period (almost 100 years after Soami's death).
    ginkakuji-6.jpg
  • Ginkakuji garden is famous for its cone shaped structure called the Kogetsudai or Moon Viewing Platform.  Many people assume it is meant to resemble Mount Fuji, while others believe it is meant to reflect divine light into hearts of viewers.  Soami, the famous landscape gardener designed the garden and buildings of Ginkaku-ji.  He is thought to have been the greatest garden designer in medieval Japan - having his name attached to a temple grants immediate distinction although there is no mention of the sand structure before renovations of the Edo period (almost 100 years after Soami's death).
    ginkakuji-5.jpg
  • The Mirei Shigemori Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the middle Edo period with an adjoining garden and tea ceremony pavilions. Both garden and pavilions were designed by Mirei Shigemori, seminal 20th century designer of Japanese gardens. The main garden consists of four rock configurations symbolizing the Elysian islands - Hojo, Eiju, Horai and Koryo placed on the sand garden. Horai island consists of a crane style rock and Hojo, a tortoise style rock composite. The stones known as blue rock are from Shikoku island. The garden is overlooked by a veranda with shoji screens, tatami mats and a hanging paper light made specially by Isamu Noguchi for this venue.
    mirei-garden-museum-1.jpg
  • The Mirei Shigemori Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the middle Edo period with an adjoining garden and tea ceremony pavilions. Both garden and pavilions were designed by Mirei Shigemori, seminal 20th century designer of Japanese gardens. The main garden consists of four rock configurations symbolizing the Elysian islands - Hojo, Eiju, Horai and Koryo placed on the sand garden. Horai island consists of a crane style rock and Hojo, a tortoise style rock composite. The stones known as blue rock are from Shikoku island. The garden is overlooked by a veranda with shoji screens, tatami mats and a hanging paper light made specially by Isamu Noguchi for this venue.
    mirei-garden-museum-3.jpg
  • The Mirei Shigemori Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the middle Edo period with an adjoining garden and tea ceremony pavilions. Both garden and pavilions were designed by Mirei Shigemori, seminal 20th century designer of Japanese gardens. The main garden consists of four rock configurations symbolizing the Elysian islands - Hojo, Eiju, Horai and Koryo placed on the sand garden. Horai island consists of a crane style rock and Hojo, a tortoise style rock composite. The stones known as blue rock are from Shikoku island. The garden is overlooked by a veranda with shoji screens, tatami mats and a hanging paper light made specially by Isamu Noguchi for this venue.
    mirei-garden-museum-4.jpg
  • The Mirei Shigemori Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the middle Edo period with an adjoining garden and tea ceremony pavilions. Both garden and pavilions were designed by Mirei Shigemori, seminal 20th century designer of Japanese gardens. The main garden consists of four rock configurations symbolizing the Elysian islands - Hojo, Eiju, Horai and Koryo placed on the sand garden. Horai island consists of a crane style rock and Hojo, a tortoise style rock composite. The stones known as blue rock are from Shikoku island. The garden is overlooked by a veranda with shoji screens, tatami mats and a hanging paper light made specially by Isamu Noguchi for this venue.
    mirei-garden-museum-5.jpg
  • Engakuji garden was restored in 1969 according to an old drawing. Originally, Zen Buddhism regarded gardens as microcosms of the natural landscape and gardening to be a form of meditation.  Engakuji this is a fine example of borrowed scenery style of Japanese gardens.
    engakuji-garden-2.jpg
  • Ginkakuji garden is famous for its cone shaped structure called the Kogetsudai or Moon Viewing Platform.  Many people assume it is meant to resemble Mount Fuji, while others believe it is meant to reflect divine light into hearts of viewers.  Soami, the famous landscape gardener designed the garden and buildings of Ginkaku-ji.  He is thought to have been the greatest garden designer in medieval Japan - having his name attached to a temple grants immediate distinction although there is no mention of the sand structure before renovations of the Edo period (almost 100 years after Soami's death).
    ginkakuji-7.jpg
  • Ginkakuji garden is famous for its cone shaped structure called the Kogetsudai or Moon Viewing Platform.  Many people assume it is meant to resemble Mount Fuji, while others believe it is meant to reflect divine light into hearts of viewers.  Soami, the famous landscape gardener designed the garden and buildings of Ginkaku-ji.  He is thought to have been the greatest garden designer in medieval Japan - having his name attached to a temple grants immediate distinction although there is no mention of the sand structure before renovations of the Edo period (almost 100 years after Soami's death).
    ginkakuji-4.jpg
  • Ginkakuji garden is famous for its cone shaped structure called the Kogetsudai or Moon Viewing Platform.  Many people assume it is meant to resemble Mount Fuji, while others believe it is meant to reflect divine light into hearts of viewers.  Soami, the famous landscape gardener designed the garden and buildings of Ginkaku-ji.  He is thought to have been the greatest garden designer in medieval Japan - having his name attached to a temple grants immediate distinction although there is no mention of the sand structure before renovations of the Edo period (almost 100 years after Soami's death).
    ginkakuji-2.jpg
  • Ginkakuji garden is famous for its cone shaped structure called the Kogetsudai or Moon Viewing Platform.  Many people assume it is meant to resemble Mount Fuji, while others believe it is meant to reflect divine light into hearts of viewers.  Soami, the famous landscape gardener designed the garden and buildings of Ginkaku-ji.  He is thought to have been the greatest garden designer in medieval Japan - having his name attached to a temple grants immediate distinction although there is no mention of the sand structure before renovations of the Edo period (almost 100 years after Soami's death).
    ginkakuji-3.jpg
  • Stepping Stones across a Rock Pond Garden in Hakone - A water source in a Japanese garden should appear to be part of the natural surroundings; this is why one will not find fountains in traditional gardens. Man-made streams are built with curves and irregularities to create a serene and natural appearance
    stepping-stones.jpg
  • Jodoji Temple Garden is a tsukiyama garden that uses the natural hillside and its waterfall as background scenery with the focal point a small pond at its foot. <br />
There is a tea room called Ruizudari which is mostly original though it was renovated and revived in 1999.
    jodoji-garden-onomichi-9.jpg
  • Hokukuji Temple Tea House - Traditional Japanese architecture is designed around specific purposes. The chashitsu literally tea room is one special type of architecture, usually very small and made of natural materials: wood, plaster, reed tatami floords, and shoji paper windows. The special architectural style that developed for chashitsu is called sukiya style or specifically sukiya zukuri. It has come to indicate a style of designing public facilities and private homes based on tea house aesthetics. Features of chashitsu typically include a tokonoma alcove; subdued colors, and the size is ideally 4.5 tatami mats.
    hokokuji-8.jpg
  • Jizo-in, also known as the Bamboo Temple, thanks to its bamboo forest, was built in 1367 by the Hosakawa family. The temple flourished for five generations before the Onin war destroyed most of the buildings like so many others in Kyoto.  Its simple and quiet garden, not to mention the bamboo forest can be beautiful if the light is right. The temple’s name with the word Jizo in it refers to the small stone statues known to be guardians of women, children and travelers which, can often be found along roads as well as in many temples in Japan.  
    jizo-in-kyoto-5.jpg
  • Jizo-in, also known as the Bamboo Temple, thanks to its bamboo forest, was built in 1367 by the Hosakawa family. The temple flourished for five generations before the Onin war destroyed most of the buildings like so many others in Kyoto.  Its simple and quiet garden, not to mention the bamboo forest can be beautiful if the light is right. The temple’s name with the word Jizo in it refers to the small stone statues known to be guardians of women, children and travelers which, can often be found along roads as well as in many temples in Japan.  
    jizo-in-kyoto-1.jpg
  • Jizo-in, also known as the Bamboo Temple, thanks to its bamboo forest, was built in 1367 by the Hosakawa family. The temple flourished for five generations before the Onin war destroyed most of the buildings like so many others in Kyoto.  Its simple and quiet garden, not to mention the bamboo forest can be beautiful if the light is right. The temple’s name with the word Jizo in it refers to the small stone statues known to be guardians of women, children and travelers which, can often be found along roads as well as in many temples in Japan.  
    jizo-in-kyoto-2.jpg
  • Jizo-in, also known as the Bamboo Temple, thanks to its bamboo forest, was built in 1367 by the Hosakawa family. The temple flourished for five generations before the Onin war destroyed most of the buildings like so many others in Kyoto.  Its simple and quiet garden, not to mention the bamboo forest can be beautiful if the light is right. The temple’s name with the word Jizo in it refers to the small stone statues known to be guardians of women, children and travelers which, can often be found along roads as well as in many temples in Japan.  
    jizo-in-kyoto-9.jpg
  • Jizo-in, also known as the Bamboo Temple, thanks to its bamboo forest, was built in 1367 by the Hosakawa family. The temple flourished for five generations before the Onin war destroyed most of the buildings like so many others in Kyoto.  Its simple and quiet garden, not to mention the bamboo forest can be beautiful if the light is right. The temple’s name with the word Jizo in it refers to the small stone statues known to be guardians of women, children and travelers which, can often be found along roads as well as in many temples in Japan.  
    jizo-in-kyoto-6.jpg
  • Jizo-in, also known as the Bamboo Temple, thanks to its bamboo forest, was built in 1367 by the Hosakawa family. The temple flourished for five generations before the Onin war destroyed most of the buildings like so many others in Kyoto.  Its simple and quiet garden, not to mention the bamboo forest can be beautiful if the light is right. The temple’s name with the word Jizo in it refers to the small stone statues known to be guardians of women, children and travelers which, can often be found along roads as well as in many temples in Japan.  
    jizo-in-kyoto-3.jpg
  • Jizo-in, also known as the Bamboo Temple, thanks to its bamboo forest, was built in 1367 by the Hosakawa family. The temple flourished for five generations before the Onin war destroyed most of the buildings like so many others in Kyoto.  Its simple and quiet garden, not to mention the bamboo forest can be beautiful if the light is right. The temple’s name with the word Jizo in it refers to the small stone statues known to be guardians of women, children and travelers which, can often be found along roads as well as in many temples in Japan.  
    jizo-in-kyoto-8.jpg
  • Jizo-in, also known as the Bamboo Temple, thanks to its bamboo forest, was built in 1367 by the Hosakawa family. The temple flourished for five generations before the Onin war destroyed most of the buildings like so many others in Kyoto.  Its simple and quiet garden, not to mention the bamboo forest can be beautiful if the light is right. The temple’s name with the word Jizo in it refers to the small stone statues known to be guardians of women, children and travelers which, can often be found along roads as well as in many temples in Japan.  
    jizo-in-kyoto-7.jpg
  • Jizo-in, also known as the Bamboo Temple, thanks to its bamboo forest, was built in 1367 by the Hosakawa family. The temple flourished for five generations before the Onin war destroyed most of the buildings like so many others in Kyoto.  Its simple and quiet garden, not to mention the bamboo forest can be beautiful if the light is right. The temple’s name with the word Jizo in it refers to the small stone statues known to be guardians of women, children and travelers which, can often be found along roads as well as in many temples in Japan.  
    jizo-in-kyoto-4.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori. The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty. To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond. Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-12.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori. The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty. To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond. Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-7.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori. The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty. To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond. Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-6.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-18.jpg
  • Rakujuen Garden Wisteria - 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-13.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-11.jpg
  • Rakujuen Garden Wisteria - 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-8.jpg
  • Rakujuen Garden Wisteria - 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-4.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori. The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty. To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond. Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-13.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori. The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty. To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond. Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-14.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori. The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty. To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond. Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-9.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori. The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty. To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond. Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-10.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori. The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty. To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond. Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-11.jpg
  • The garden of Shoren-in temple is believed to have been designed by Soami during the Muromachi era. The garden on the east side of Sokaden, known as the Garden of Kirishima, was designed by Enshu Kobori. The garden effectively utilises its surrounding natural beauty. To the south of the pond there is a waterfall, Sensin-no-taki, which flows from Mt. Awata. Located at the centre of the pond is a big stone; its shape gives the appearance of the back of a dragon bathing in the pond. Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family.
    shoren-in-8.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-17.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-16.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-14.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-15.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-6.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
  • Rakujuen Garden Wisteria - 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-1.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-2.jpg
  • Rakujuen Garden Wisteria - 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-3.jpg
  • Ichijo Ekan was a noble during the Edo Period, the son of Enperoro Goyozei but was adopted by the Ichijo clan.  He served as Advisor and Regent to the Emperor, brother Enperor Gomizuno.  In later years he became a Buddhist monk and took the name Chitoku Ekan.  He was an affcionado of the arts, especially tea ceremony, flower arrangement, architecture and calligraphy.  Naturally, these interests led him to construct a retreat which was originally built in Kyoto and later brought to Kamakura.. Ichijo Ekan Sanso is an exquisite example of Japanese court architecture often compared to Katsura Rikyu.  The use of natural materials in the villa and garden highlights the nature loving tastes of the time.
    kamakura-7.jpg
  • Ichijo Ekan was a noble during the Edo Period, the son of Enperoro Goyozei but was adopted by the Ichijo clan.  He served as Advisor and Regent to the Emperor, brother Enperor Gomizuno.  In later years he became a Buddhist monk and took the name Chitoku Ekan.  He was an affcionado of the arts, especially tea ceremony, flower arrangement, architecture and calligraphy.  Naturally, these interests led him to construct a retreat which was originally built in Kyoto and later brought to Kamakura.. Ichijo Ekan Sanso is an exquisite example of Japanese court architecture often compared to Katsura Rikyu.  The use of natural materials in the villa and garden highlights the nature loving tastes of the time.
    kamakura-3.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-10.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-9.jpg
  • Ichijo Ekan was a noble during the Edo Period, the son of Enperoro Goyozei but was adopted by the Ichijo clan.  He served as Advisor and Regent to the Emperor, brother Enperor Gomizuno.  In later years he became a Buddhist monk and took the name Chitoku Ekan.  He was an affcionado of the arts, especially tea ceremony, flower arrangement, architecture and calligraphy.  Naturally, these interests led him to construct a retreat which was originally built in Kyoto and later brought to Kamakura.. Ichijo Ekan Sanso is an exquisite example of Japanese court architecture often compared to Katsura Rikyu.  The use of natural materials in the villa and garden highlights the nature loving tastes of the time.
    kamakura-4.jpg
  • Rakujuen Garden Wisteria - 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-12.jpg
  • Ichijo Ekan was a noble during the Edo Period, the son of Enperoro Goyozei but was adopted by the Ichijo clan.  He served as Advisor and Regent to the Emperor, brother Enperor Gomizuno.  In later years he became a Buddhist monk and took the name Chitoku Ekan.  He was an affcionado of the arts, especially tea ceremony, flower arrangement, architecture and calligraphy.  Naturally, these interests led him to construct a retreat which was originally built in Kyoto and later brought to Kamakura.. Ichijo Ekan Sanso is an exquisite example of Japanese court architecture often compared to Katsura Rikyu.  The use of natural materials in the villa and garden highlights the nature loving tastes of the time.
    kamakura-5.jpg
  • Ichijo Ekan was a noble during the Edo Period, the son of Enperoro Goyozei but was adopted by the Ichijo clan.  He served as Advisor and Regent to the Emperor, brother Enperor Gomizuno.  In later years he became a Buddhist monk and took the name Chitoku Ekan.  He was an affcionado of the arts, especially tea ceremony, flower arrangement, architecture and calligraphy.  Naturally, these interests led him to construct a retreat which was originally built in Kyoto and later brought to Kamakura.. Ichijo Ekan Sanso is an exquisite example of Japanese court architecture often compared to Katsura Rikyu.  The use of natural materials in the villa and garden highlights the nature loving tastes of the time.
    kamakura-6.jpg
  • Ichijo Ekan was a noble during the Edo Period, the son of Enperoro Goyozei but was adopted by the Ichijo clan.  He served as Advisor and Regent to the Emperor, brother Enperor Gomizuno.  In later years he became a Buddhist monk and took the name Chitoku Ekan.  He was an affcionado of the arts, especially tea ceremony, flower arrangement, architecture and calligraphy.  Naturally, these interests led him to construct a retreat which was originally built in Kyoto and later brought to Kamakura.. Ichijo Ekan Sanso is an exquisite example of Japanese court architecture often compared to Katsura Rikyu.  The use of natural materials in the villa and garden highlights the nature loving tastes of the time.
    kamakura-1.jpg
  • Ichijo Ekan was a noble during the Edo Period, the son of Enperoro Goyozei but was adopted by the Ichijo clan.  He served as Advisor and Regent to the Emperor, brother Enperor Gomizuno.  In later years he became a Buddhist monk and took the name Chitoku Ekan.  He was an affcionado of the arts, especially tea ceremony, flower arrangement, architecture and calligraphy.  Naturally, these interests led him to construct a retreat which was originally built in Kyoto and later brought to Kamakura.. Ichijo Ekan Sanso is an exquisite example of Japanese court architecture often compared to Katsura Rikyu.  The use of natural materials in the villa and garden highlights the nature loving tastes of the time.
    kamakura-2.jpg
  • Ichijo Ekan was a noble during the Edo Period, the son of Enperoro Goyozei but was adopted by the Ichijo clan.  He served as Advisor and Regent to the Emperor, brother Enperor Gomizuno.  In later years he became a Buddhist monk and took the name Chitoku Ekan.  He was an affcionado of the arts, especially tea ceremony, flower arrangement, architecture and calligraphy.  Naturally, these interests led him to construct a retreat which was originally built in Kyoto and later brought to Kamakura.. Ichijo Ekan Sanso is an exquisite example of Japanese court architecture often compared to Katsura Rikyu.  The use of natural materials in the villa and garden highlights the nature loving tastes of the time.
    ichijo-ekan-sanso-13.jpg
  • 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
  • On the western shore of Kujo Pond stands the Shusuitei tea house built by the Kujo family.  Traditional Japanese architecture is designed around specific purposes. The chashitsu literally tea room is one special type of architecture, usually very small and made of natural materials:  wood, plaster, reed tatami floors, and shoji paper windows.  The special architectural style that developed for chashitsu is called sukiya style or specifically sukiya zukuri.  It has come to indicate a style of designing public facilities and private homes based on tea house aesthetics.  Features of chashitsu typically include a tokonoma alcove; subdued colors, and the size is ideally 4.5 tatami mats.
    shusuitei-teahouse-3.jpg
  • Hokokuji Temple in Kamakaura is one of the few zen temples with a traditional garden in Kamakura, where the rocks, bamboo groves, zen garden, trees and plants are blended with the hills and natural background of the landscape.
    mossy-stairway.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
  • Ishitani Residence Garden - During the Edo period Chizu flourished as a post station. Among the quaint buildings in Chizu Town the residence of the Ishitani family, an upper class family.  Japanese, gardens are often designed to be viewed from a sitting position. The most celebrated garden at Ishitani Residence is the Chisen Garden, with plants artfully arranged around a pond, the Karesansui Garden, a dry landscape garden that uses no water to represent mountains and streams, and the Shibafu Garden showing the charm of green lawns. The space from indoors to the veranda and the gardens are connected in a gentle way.  In this way Japanese can appreciate living alongside nature by viewing from within the home.
    ishitani-garden-6.jpg
  • Ishitani Residence Garden - During the Edo period Chizu flourished as a post station. Among the quaint buildings in Chizu Town the residence of the Ishitani family, an upper class family.  Japanese, gardens are often designed to be viewed from a sitting position. The most celebrated garden at Ishitani Residence is the Chisen Garden, with plants artfully arranged around a pond, the Karesansui Garden, a dry landscape garden that uses no water to represent mountains and streams, and the Shibafu Garden showing the charm of green lawns. The space from indoors to the veranda and the gardens are connected in a gentle way.  In this way Japanese can appreciate living alongside nature by viewing from within the home.
    ishitani-garden-3.jpg
  • Ishitani Residence Garden - Japanese, gardens are often designed to be viewed from a sitting position. The most celebrated garden at Ishitani Residence is the Chisen Garden, with plants artfully arranged around a pond, the Karesansui Garden, a dry landscape garden that uses no water to represent mountains and streams, and the Shibafu Garden showing the charm of green lawns. The veranda and the gardens are connected and in this way viewers can appreciate living alongside nature by viewing from within the home.
    ishitani-garden-2.jpg
  • Lafcadio Hearn lived in Matsue for about one year during his long life in Japan.  His former residence is open to the public and is dedicated to his work.  Hearn was born in Greece in 1850 to an Irish father and a Greek mother and lived in Greece, Ireland, Britain, France and the USA before ending up in  Japan in 1890 where he married a Japanese and was naturalized as Japanese as Koizumi Yakumo, his name in Japan.  He is best know for books that introduced Japan to the western world.   His most famous work was "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan”.  In his home at Matsue, Hearn described the Japanese garden of the residence: “There are large rocks in it, heavily mossed and fantastic basins of stone for holding water; and stone lamps green with years... and there are green knolls like islets.”  In his well known essay “In A Japanese Garden” he writes: “These are the gardens of the past. The future will know them only as dreams, creations of a forgotten art.”
    lafcadio-hearn-garden-3.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
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji, The most prominent features of this temple are its three day zen gardens karesansui style. Thesouth garden, called the "garden of vanity" lies in front of the hojo. It consists in an austere rectangle of raked gravel, nicely echoing the emptiness of vanity.  At the western end of the garden a bamboo fence with a unique design closes the perspective together with the maples that loom over it. The design of the fence has no particular meaning according to the monk I asked to, but the pamphlet says they're lighting bolts.  The Garden of the Dragon one of the finest modern karesansui gardens, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel - each dark area represents something a dragon or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, and hints at the recency of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and indeed Japan.
    ryugin-an-3.jpg
  • Ishitani Residence Garden - During the Edo period Chizu flourished as a post station. Among the quaint buildings in Chizu Town the residence of the Ishitani family, an upper class family.  Japanese, gardens are often designed to be viewed from a sitting position. The most celebrated garden at Ishitani Residence is the Chisen Garden, with plants artfully arranged around a pond, the Karesansui Garden, a dry landscape garden that uses no water to represent mountains and streams, and the Shibafu Garden showing the charm of green lawns. The space from indoors to the veranda and the gardens are connected in a gentle way.  In this way Japanese can appreciate living alongside nature by viewing from within the home.
    ishitani-garden-8.jpg
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