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  • Jiunji Temple Pond Garden - Jiunji Temple is blessed with a variety of growth: pine, cherry blossoms as well as a dry rock garden and moss which highlights each season. Gardeners are brought in from Kyoto to maintain the trees and the garden.  But besides all that, adjacent to the temple and garden is a huge pine tree that was planted in the 16th century by the zen monk Tenkei.  Jiunji is surrounded by gardens - not only one garden, but  an array of gardens, zen, moss and a pond garden behind the main hall.
    jiunji-pond-garden-01.jpg
  • Koi Pond at Taizoin - Koi ponds are used as part of a landscape garden with Nishikigoi   ornamental carps. It is said that the design of the koi pond has an effect on the well-being of the carp. Various sophisticated methods are used to protect the carp from predators.
    koi-pond-2.jpg
  • Carp are seen in Japan (as well as in the rest of Asia) as a symbol of fortune.  These ponds used as an element of a landscape pond garden. Classic koi ponds have nishikigoi Japanese ornamental carps.  It is said that the design of a koi pond has a great effect on the well-being of the carp.
    carp-pond-11.jpg
  • Bentendo Hall at Daigoji Temple Pond - Daigoji Temple Garden within Daigoji temple complex, a UNESCO world heritage site that includes many temple halls, structures and pagodas including Kyoto's oldest building.
    daigoji-pond-garden-1.jpg
  • Iris Pond at Hasedera - Hase-dera officially named Kaiko-zan Jisho-in Hase-dera but commonly called Hase Kannon.  Hase-Dera has landscaped Japanese gardens, a giant prayer wheel, jizo caves, a bamboo grove, and a vegetarian restaurant up the hill with a bird-eye view of Kamakura and the Shonan Coast. Hase-dera is famous for its massive wooden statue of Kannon - a treasure of Japan.  Originally belonging to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Hase-dera became an independent temple of the Jodo sect of Zen Buddhism.
    hasedera-pond-2.jpg
  • Jizo-ji Temple Pond Garden - Jizo-ji Temple belongs to the Soto Zen sect of Buddhism. There is garden of kaiyu shiki teien style of the early Edo period.  Here, the backdrop and borrowed scenery have been used skillfully. Its unique Y shaped waterfall, is an unusual addition.  There is an stone bridge the crosses over the pond, festooned with iris in season while tiny islands appear to be afloat within the pond.  The garden at Jizo-ji Temple is almost hidden and takes some effort to find it behind the main hall.  Seeking it out is well worth the effort.
    jizo-ji-pond-garden-01.jpg
  • Hokkeji Temple Garden is next door to Kaminomiya at Suwa Taisha Shrine with an impressive pond garden. There are satsuki azaleas planted on the slope that accentuates the small pond garden.  Although the founding of the temple is unknown, it opened as a Tendai sect temple during the Kamakura Period, then later became a Rinzai sect temple.  After that, Suwa Taisha was burned by the Oda clan during the Warring States period when Nobunaga made Hokke-ji his temple.  At the time there were many other temples in the area but only Hokkeji remains. 
    hokkeiji-pond-garden-02.jpg
  • Hokkeji Temple Garden is next door to Kaminomiya at Suwa Taisha Shrine with an impressive pond garden. There are satsuki azaleas planted on the slope that accentuates the small pond garden.  Although the founding of the temple is unknown, it opened as a Tendai sect temple during the Kamakura Period, then later became a Rinzai sect temple.  After that, Suwa Taisha was burned by the Oda clan during the Warring States period when Nobunaga made Hokke-ji his temple.  At the time there were many other temples in the area but only Hokkeji remains. 
    hokkeiji-pond-garden-01.jpg
  • Chogakuji Temple Pure Land ond Garden - Chogakuji Temple is said to have been founded around 824 by Kobo Daishi,.  In a rural area of Nara, the temple has two different Japanese gardens.  One is a small pond garden, surrounded by pine trees in a tsubo niwa or pocket garden style.  The Pure Land garden is rather austere, overlooking the temple itself.
    chogakuji-pond.garden-1.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Pond Garden - Meigetsuin, also known as Ajisaidera or Hydrangea Temple since many Hime Ajisai Princess Hydrangea are planted on the grounds coming into season in June - the rainy season in Japan. Meigetsuin's main hall features a circular moon viewing window, which frames the scenery of the inner garden behind it. The inner garden is famous for its iris garden. Meigetsu means bright moon or harvest moon.  In Japan rabbits are associated with the moon, and so rabbit motifs are found on some decorations in and around the temple and gardens.  Live rabbits are also kept on the temple grounds.  Meigetsuin Temple is of the Rinzai Zen Buddhism sect, and was established as a sub-temple of Zuisenji.
    meigetsuin-pond-garden-2.jpg
  • Sanshiro Pond was once known as Ikutokuen Shinji-ike, and forms a part of Tokyo University’s on campus Japanese garden.  The pond and garden were constructed in 1638 along with the surrounding Ikutokuen Garden by Toshitsune Maeda, Lord of the Kaga Domain. It was ranked as the best garden created by feudal lords in Tokyo during Edo Period but the pond element is all that is left of Ikutokuen Garden.  The pond has come to be known as Sanshiro Pond from the novel Sanshiro by Soseki Natsume. In the story, the pond is described as the place where the protagonist meets the woman he admires.
    sanshiro-pond-04.jpg
  • Sanshiro Pond was once known as Ikutokuen Shinji-ike, and forms a part of Tokyo University’s on campus Japanese garden.  The pond and garden were constructed in 1638 along with the surrounding Ikutokuen Garden by Toshitsune Maeda, Lord of the Kaga Domain. It was ranked as the best garden created by feudal lords in Tokyo during Edo Period but the pond element is all that is left of Ikutokuen Garden.  The pond has come to be known as Sanshiro Pond from the novel Sanshiro by Soseki Natsume. In the story, the pond is described as the place where the protagonist meets the woman he admires.
    sanshiro-pond-03.jpg
  • Sanshiro Pond was once known as Ikutokuen Shinji-ike, and forms a part of Tokyo University’s on campus Japanese garden.  The pond and garden were constructed in 1638 along with the surrounding Ikutokuen Garden by Toshitsune Maeda, Lord of the Kaga Domain. It was ranked as the best garden created by feudal lords in Tokyo during Edo Period but the pond element is all that is left of Ikutokuen Garden.  The pond has come to be known as Sanshiro Pond from the novel Sanshiro by Soseki Natsume. In the story, the pond is described as the place where the protagonist meets the woman he admires.
    sanshiro-pond-5.jpg
  • Sanshiro Pond was once known as Ikutokuen Shinji-ike, and forms a part of Tokyo University’s on campus Japanese garden.  The pond and garden were constructed in 1638 along with the surrounding Ikutokuen Garden by Toshitsune Maeda, Lord of the Kaga Domain. It was ranked as the best garden created by feudal lords in Tokyo during Edo Period but the pond element is all that is left of Ikutokuen Garden.  The pond has come to be known as Sanshiro Pond from the novel Sanshiro by Soseki Natsume. In the story, the pond is described as the place where the protagonist meets the woman he admires.
    sanshiro-pond-02.jpg
  • Sanshiro Pond lies in the heart of Tokyo University campus, dating back to 1615. After the fall of the Osaka Castle, the shogun gave this pond and its surrounding garden to Maeda Toshitsune. It became known as one of the most beautiful gardens in  Tokyo, with the traditional eight landscapes and eight borders, and known for originality in artificial pond, hills, and pavilions. It was at that time known as Ikutoku-en or Garden of Teaching Virtue. The pond's contours are in the shape of the character for 'heart' and thus its official name is Ikutoku-en Shinjiike. It has been commonly called Sanshiro Pond after the title of Natsume S?seki's novel Sanshiro.
    sanshiro-pond-02.jpg
  • Koi ponds are ponds used as part of a landscape pond garden.  Classic koi ponds have Nishikigoi  Japanese ornamental carps. The design of the koi pond has a great effect on the well-being of the carp.
    koi-pond-1.jpg
  • Carp are seen in Japan (as well as in the rest of Asia) as a symbol of fortune.  These ponds used as an element of a landscape pond garden. Classic koi ponds have nishikigoi Japanese ornamental carps.  It is said that the design of a koi pond has a great effect on the well-being of the carp.
    carp-pond-09.jpg
  • Carp are seen in Japan (as well as in the rest of Asia) as a symbol of fortune.  These ponds used as an element of a landscape pond garden. Classic koi ponds have nishikigoi Japanese ornamental carps.  It is said that the design of a koi pond has a great effect on the well-being of the carp.
    carp-pond-10.jpg
  • Jizo-ji Temple Pond Garden - Jizo-ji Temple belongs to the Soto Zen sect of Buddhism. There is garden of kaiyu shiki teien style of the early Edo period.  Here, the backdrop and borrowed scenery have been used skillfully. Its unique Y shaped waterfall, is an unusual addition.  There is an stone bridge the crosses over the pond, festooned with iris in season while tiny islands appear to be afloat within the pond.  The garden at Jizo-ji Temple is almost hidden and takes some effort to find it behind the main hall.  Seeking it out is well worth the effort.
    jizo-ji-pond-garden-02.jpg
  • Shinobazu Pond Sakura, Ueno - A cherry blossom is the flower of any of several trees of genus Prunus, particularly the Japanese Cherry, Prunus serrulata, which is called sakura in Japanese.  Japan has a wide variety of cherry blossoms with well over 200 types can be found there.[ The most popular variety of cherry blossom in Japan is the Somei Yoshino. Its flowers are nearly white, tinged with the palest pink, and bloom and fall within a week, before the leaves come out.
    shinobazu-pond.jpg
  • Sarusawa-no-Ike or Sarusawa Pond <br />
is surrounded by willow trees and the five storey pagoda of Kofukuji Temple reflected in its waters. This scene is often used  to represent Nara.<br />
The pond was originally a part of Kofukuji Temple
    kofukuji-sarusawa-pond-1.jpg
  • Wakutama Pond at Sengen Taisha Shrine, Formed by the melted snow of Mount Fuji, this pond has been designated a special natural treasure. The elegant, vermillion arched bridge hovers over the spring that flows from the foot of Kantate Knoll. In former times, those climbing Mount Fuji purified themselves in this sacred spring.
    wakutame-pond-3.jpg
  • Ryoanji Pond Garden is a treat, although Ryoanji's famous zen garden is one of the world's best known gardens after Versailles. The temple's main attraction is its rock garden, the most famous of its kind in Japan. The simple Zen garden consist of nothing but rocks, moss and neatly raked gravel. Though the meaning of the garden's arrangement is unknown and up to each visitor's interpretation, it is said that if you can see all of the 15 stones at one time, you will have reached enlightenment.
    ryoanji-pond-garden.jpg
  • Kofukuji Temple's pagoda, seen from Sarusawa Pond, Kofukuji is one of the great temples of the Nara period and features a tall five storey pagoda. Today only a handful of the temple's 175 buildings remain standing, most of which date from the 15th century.  Kofukuji was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
    sarusawa-pond.jpg
  • Saga-Ike Pond, Nara
    saga-ike-pond.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Pond Garden - Meigetsuin, also known as Ajisaidera or Hydrangea Temple since many Hime Ajisai Princess Hydrangea are planted on the grounds coming into season in June - the rainy season in Japan. Meigetsuin's main hall features a circular moon viewing window, which frames the scenery of the inner garden behind it. The inner garden is famous for its iris garden. Meigetsu means bright moon or harvest moon.  In Japan rabbits are associated with the moon, and so rabbit motifs are found on some decorations in and around the temple and gardens.  Live rabbits are also kept on the temple grounds.  Meigetsuin Temple is of the Rinzai Zen Buddhism sect, and was established as a sub-temple of Zuisenji.
    meigetsuin-pond-garden-3.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Pond Garden - Meigetsuin, also known as Ajisaidera or Hydrangea Temple since many Hime Ajisai Princess Hydrangea are planted on the grounds coming into season in June - the rainy season in Japan. Meigetsuin's main hall features a circular moon viewing window, which frames the scenery of the inner garden behind it. The inner garden is famous for its iris garden. Meigetsu means bright moon or harvest moon.  In Japan rabbits are associated with the moon, and so rabbit motifs are found on some decorations in and around the temple and gardens.  Live rabbits are also kept on the temple grounds.  Meigetsuin Temple is of the Rinzai Zen Buddhism sect, and was established as a sub-temple of Zuisenji.
    meigetsuin-pond-garden-1.jpg
  • Ryoanji Temple Pond - Ryoanji Temple garden is one of the world's best known gardens. The main attraction is its rock garden, the most renowned of its kind in Japan. The simple Zen garden consist of nothing but rocks and neatly raked gravel. Though the meaning of the garden's arrangement is unknown and up to each visitor's interpretation it is said that if you can see all of the 15 stones at one time you have reached enlightenment.
    ryoanji-temple-pond-1.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura views after Wakamiyaoji Path, which leads to the shrine itself.  A cherry blossom is the flower of any of several trees of genus Prunus, particularly the Japanese Cherry, Prunus serrulata, which is called sakura in Japanese.  Japan has a wide variety of cherry blossoms with well over 200 types can be found there.[ The most popular variety of cherry blossom in Japan is the Somei Yoshino. Its flowers are nearly white, tinged with the palest pink, and bloom and fall within a week, before the leaves come out.
    tsurugaoka-pond-4.jpg
  • Lotus Pond Garden at  Chi Lin Nunnery -  Nan Lian Garden is situation just below the Lotus Pond Garden of Chi Lin Nunnery to which it is connected. The focal point of the Lotus Pond Garden is of course its pond and the lotuses blooming within, as well as reflections of the temple and nunnery in the background.  Nan Lian Garden is connected to Chi Lin Nunnery.  Although this Chinese garden is fairly new, it exudes a timeless ambiance, despite the fact that it was designed in 2003 and completed in 2006. Both the garden and the nunnery are build in the Tang Dynasty style.  The style of this special garden, was modeled after Jiangshouju Garden in Shanxi, China.  It is made up of springs, rockeries, waterfalls, ponds, pavilions bridges and winding paths.  The garden and nunnery are considered a public park of Hong Kong and are consequently free to enter, with the exception of the fancy teahouse on the pond that.
    chi-lin-nunnery-1.jpg
  • Tenjuen Japanese Pond Garden, adjacent to the Chinese garden, is composed of an artificial hill plus a pond strolling garden. Traditional Japanese garden elements include a powerful three-tiered waterfall in the southeastern part of the garden, a tortoise island floating in a pond, and numerous pine trees.  Tenjuen Garden is the result of a collaboration between Kinsaku Nakane and Togo Murano a representative architect of Showa Japan. It is a garden where both masters collaborated.  The garden was created to show gratitude to the Chinese over the grace of Japanese orphans left behind on the continent after World War II.  designed and constructed by the Beijing Municipal Forestry Bureau, where garden stones and building materials are also brought from China composed of eight scenic areas reminiscent of the gate of a mansion, following the former court gardens of China  After the Japanese garden Suiishien was created in Beijing in 1984, this garden was completed as a sister Chinese garden on the Japanese side. Therefore, about half of the entire garden follows a Chinese style.
    tenjuan-14.jpg
  • Shobo-ji Pond Garden - Shobo-ji was established in 754 by a monk called Chii - a disciple of Ganjin, who built Toshidai-ji in Nara.  Like many temples in Kyoto, Shobo-ji was burned during the wars, then reconstructed in 1615. The temple has two interesting zen gardens, particularly the "Beasts and Birds Garden” named after the shape of some of its rocks. The temple grounds are elevated compared to the rest of the valley, which gives a view of the surrounding area wthat incorporates borrowed scenery such as the distant mountains into the overall garden design.  Shobo-ji pays particular attention to flowers; ikebana can be seen on the temple grounds and in the buildings. In addition, the tsukubai water basin is usually decorated with flowers as well.
    shobo-ji-16.jpg
  • Issuien Garden rear garden was designed by Horitoku, with a pavilion on the west side of the pond.  The pond in the eastern garden inscribes the Chinese character for water and contains a small island, reached by stepping stones. Its layout is that of a strolling garden with hills and a waterfall.  This is a strolling garden, with paths encircling the garden rolling past a teahouse, rest areas, moving over stepping stones.
    isui-en-4.jpg
  • Kyu Yasuda Pond Garden - Kyu Yasuda Teien was once the grounds of a samurai and designed in 1688 by Honjo Inabanokami Munesuke.   The strolling garden was taken over and remodeled in 1894 by Zenjiro Yasuda. The Great Kanto Earthquake and also WWII seriously damaged the garden. It was renovated in 1927 after the earthquake and again in 1971.  It was given to the city of Tokyo according to Yasuda’s dying wishes. Kyu Yasuda Teien has been open to the public ever since as a public park. The pond garden retains the appearance described in literature of the Meiji period and is one of the typical gardens of this period.
    kyu-yasuda-garden-14.jpg
  • Hondo-ji Temple Garden Lotus Pond -Hondoji is a temple built in the Kamakura period, and the name of the temple is said to have been given by Nichiren Shonin. Today, 50,000 hydrangeas are planted in the precincts, and it is famous as the Chiba Hydrangea Temple.  It is also famous as  for other types of flowers - not only hydrangeas but also 5,000 irises, about 100 cherry blossoms in spring, and maple autumn leaves.
    hondoji-01.jpg
  • Ritsurin Pond Garden - Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-22.jpg
  • Tenryuji Garden has been ranked first among Kyoto's "Five Great Zen Temples". Tenryuji was established in 1339, and like many other temples burnt down several times over its history. Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden which, unlike the temple buildings, survived the many fires and is considered one of the oldest of its kind, that is "borrowed landscape" garden, taking in the background scenery of the hills of  Arashiyama as part of the garden's composition. Sogenchi pond and Ishigumi rock clusters in the garden are this pond garden's essential ingredients.
    tenryuji-6.jpg
  • Shinsenen is the oldest existing garden in Kyoto and dates back to the Heian period 794-1185.  This pond garden was made in an area that was marshy. Shinsenen’s site was originally six times larger than its present state.  In Chinese characters the pond was called “God’s Fountain,” because very fresh and pure water always welled up from the pond. Also it is said that noblemen enjoyed rowing in the pond or hunting on the garden’s grounds during the Heian era.  Adjacent to the pond garden Heihachi Restaurant is famous for serving the thickest noodles in Japan - it has a dragon headed stationary boat on the pond that is mostly disused and merely a decoration in the pond.  There is a red bridge called Hojyo Bridge where wishes came true as you cross the bridge thinking about it and pray at Zennyo Ryuou Shrine on the opposite shore.
    shinsen-en-5.jpg
  • Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period.  Left dormant for many years, it was restored in 1999.  The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  This secret garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    shinchi-teien-6.jpg
  • Tenryuji Sogenchi Pond Garden - Tenryuji Garden has been ranked first among Kyoto's "Five Great Zen Temples". Tenryuji was established in 1339, and like many other temples burnt down several times over its history. Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden which, unlike the temple buildings, survived the many fires and is considered one of the oldest of its kind, that is "borrowed landscape" garden, taking in the background scenery of the hills of  Arashiyama as part of the garden's composition. Sogenchi pond and Ishigumi rock clusters in the garden are this pond garden's essential ingredients.
    tenryuji-9.jpg
  • Joruri-ji Temple is ideally set in the hills above Nara and the only existing Heian Period Amida Hall with nine images of Amida and the nine levels of enlightenment. Amida halls were built by Heian aristocrats in anticipation of the Latter Day of the Law which started in 1052. In that degenerate age it was thought that the saving grace of Amida was the only way to achieve a better rebirth. Other existing Amida Halls are Byodo-in in Uji.  There is a small pagoda representing Yakushi Eastern Paradise facing a pure land pond garden with an island representing the human realm.
    joruri-ji-6.jpg
  • Denpo-in was once called "Kannon-in" or "Chiraku-in" when it was built, the name was changed to Denpo-in during the Genroku Period.  The strolling pond garden or Chisen Kaiyu Shiki is laid out in a circular style.  The garden has long been for imperial prince abbots and was never ever open to the public until recent years and even now it is only open a few weeks per year in springtime.  The garden was designed by Enshu Kobori a master of tea ceremony, an architect and renowned Japanese garden landscape gardener.  Denpo-in is the private garden of Sensoji Temple’s abbot.
    denpo-in-17.jpg
  • Myoho-ji Carp Pond Yokohama -  Myoho-ji is an ancient temple in the Yokohama area, dating back to the 14th century.  Its simple pond koi garden is one of the nicest in the Kanto area.
    myohoji-yokohama-2.jpg
  • Takao Komagino Pond Garden is a public garden supported by the city of Hachioji Tokyo.  Takao Komagino  has a total of three small gardens within its compound.   Its pond garden or chisen kaiyu style garden is modeled after those in Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Rokuon-ji and Nijo-jo Ninomaru Garden that are famous for this garden style inspired the design of this pond garden.  Visitors can appreciate views of a crane-shaped island, a tortoise shaped island, a waterfall composed of stones, wisteria trellis, and the showpiece: the lotus pond shaped like the Chinese character for “heart”. The pond is filled with Nishikigoi koi carp.  Attached to the teahouse building is a japanese dry landscape karesanui garden called Shozansui. By combining large and smaller stones planted on white sand it expresses an ideal world.  This type of garden uses gravel used to express the flow of water.  Normally these gardens are only found within Zen Buhddhist temples, and it is very rare to find one in a private garden such as this.  Besides all this, there is one additional small tea garden.  Takao Komagino  Garden is free to enter and even has a special suikinkutsu hand basin or chozubachi, which accentuates the sound of water.
    takao-komagino-05.jpg
  • Takao Komagino Pond Garden is a public garden supported by the city of Hachioji Tokyo.  Takao Komagino  has a total of three small gardens within its compound.   Its pond garden or chisen kaiyu style garden is modeled after those in Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Rokuon-ji and Nijo-jo Ninomaru Garden that are famous for this garden style inspired the design of this pond garden.  Visitors can appreciate views of a crane-shaped island, a tortoise shaped island, a waterfall composed of stones, wisteria trellis, and the showpiece: the lotus pond shaped like the Chinese character for “heart”. The pond is filled with Nishikigoi koi carp.  Attached to the teahouse building is a japanese dry landscape karesanui garden called Shozansui. By combining large and smaller stones planted on white sand it expresses an ideal world.  This type of garden uses gravel used to express the flow of water.  Normally these gardens are only found within Zen Buhddhist temples, and it is very rare to find one in a private garden such as this.  Besides all this, there is one additional small tea garden.  Takao Komagino  Garden is free to enter and even has a special suikinkutsu hand basin or chozubachi, which accentuates the sound of water.
    takao-komagino-04.jpg
  • Yasukuni Shinchi Teien Sacred Pond Garden  -  this strolling garden was created in the early Meiji Era. Its centerpiece is a small waterfall located in a serene pond.  The garden was neglected for many years and left in ruins but was refurbished in 1999.  Its main features are a waterfall and koi pond and pond garden. The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period. This hidden garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    shinchi-teien-23.jpg
  • Toshodaiji Pond 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-8.jpg
  • Denpo-in was once called "Kannon-in" or "Chiraku-in" when it was built, the name was changed to Denpo-in during the Genroku Period.  The strolling pond garden or Chisen Kaiyu Shiki is laid out in a circular style.  The garden has long been for imperial prince abbots and was never ever open to the public until recent years and even now it is only open a few weeks per year in springtime.  The garden was designed by Enshu Kobori a master of tea ceremony, an architect and renowned Japanese garden landscape gardener.  Denpo-in is the private garden of Sensoji Temple’s abbot.
    denpo-in-3.jpg
  • Shinsenen is the oldest existing garden in Kyoto and dates back to the Heian period 794-1185.  This pond garden was made in an area that was marshy. Shinsenen’s site was originally six times larger than its present state.  In Chinese characters the pond was called “God’s Fountain,” because very fresh and pure water always welled up from the pond. Also it is said that noblemen enjoyed rowing in the pond or hunting on the garden’s grounds during the Heian era.  Adjacent to the pond garden Heihachi Restaurant is famous for serving the thickest noodles in Japan - it has a dragon headed stationary boat on the pond that is mostly disused and merely a decoration in the pond.  There is a red bridge called Hojyo Bridge where wishes came true as you cross the bridge thinking about it and pray at Zennyo Ryuou Shrine on the opposite shore.
    shinsen-en-6.jpg
  • Togoshi Park Garden has historical traces from the Hosokawa family of Kumamoto - a lord during the Edo period. The garden curves around an arrangement of valleys, waterfalls and a pond in a tsukiyama style.  The garden retains the elements of a Daimyo garden with trees and seasonal flowers such as plum, cherry and Ginkgo trees as well as Rhododendrons. Togoshi is a beautiful and peaceful spot but is not well known nor visited by anyone but the locals.  The large pond, waterfall, bridges, an artificial mountain and its magnificent entrance gate make it a masterpiece of landscape design particularly since it is now a mere Tokyo borough city park
    togoshi-park-garden-05.jpg
  • Shobo-ji Pond Garden - Shobo-ji was established in 754 by a monk called Chii - a disciple of Ganjin, who built Toshidai-ji in Nara.  Like many temples in Kyoto, Shobo-ji was burned during the wars, then reconstructed in 1615. The temple has two interesting zen gardens, particularly the "Beasts and Birds Garden” named after the shape of some of its rocks. The temple grounds are elevated compared to the rest of the valley, which gives a view of the surrounding area wthat incorporates borrowed scenery such as the distant mountains into the overall garden design.  Shobo-ji pays particular attention to flowers; ikebana can be seen on the temple grounds and in the buildings. In addition, the tsukubai water basin is usually decorated with flowers as well.
    shobo-ji-07.jpg
  • Koi ponds are ponds used as part of a landscape pond garden. Classic koi ponds have Nishikigoi Japanese ornamental carps. The design of the koi pond has a great effect on the well-being of the carp.
    hasedera-garden-13.jpg
  • Yasukuni Shinchi Teien Sacred Pond Garden  -  this strolling garden was created in the early Meiji Era. Its centerpiece is a small waterfall located in a serene pond.  The garden was neglected for many years and left in ruins but was refurbished in 1999.  Its main features are a waterfall and koi pond and pond garden. The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period. This hidden garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    shinchi-teien-20.jpg
  • Ohori Pond Garden - Fukuoka’s Ohori Japanese strolling garden was built in 1979 to mark the park’s 50th anniversary. The garden is made up of hills, trees groves and ponds. It was constructed with traditional gardening techniques although it is relatively new. A winding stream, a dry Zen garden, and a teahouse along with its adjacent garden are laid out around the highlights of the venue.  Ohori Garden is one of the finest examples of modern Japanese gardening to date.
    ohori-garden-21.jpg
  • Turtle Island at Ohori Pond Garden - Fukuoka’s Ohori Japanese strolling garden was built in 1979 to mark the park’s 50th anniversary. The garden is made up of hills, trees groves and ponds. It was constructed with traditional gardening techniques although it is relatively new. A winding stream, a dry Zen garden, and a teahouse along with its adjacent garden are laid out around the highlights of the venue.  Ohori Garden is one of the finest examples of modern Japanese gardening to date.
    ohori-garden-23.jpg
  • Turtle Island at Ohori Pond Garden - Fukuoka’s Ohori Japanese strolling garden was built in 1979 to mark the park’s 50th anniversary. The garden is made up of hills, trees groves and ponds. It was constructed with traditional gardening techniques although it is relatively new. A winding stream, a dry Zen garden, and a teahouse along with its adjacent garden are laid out around the highlights of the venue.  Ohori Garden is one of the finest examples of modern Japanese gardening to date.
    ohori-garden-11.jpg
  • Ritsurin Pond Garden - Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-1.jpg
  • Samukawa Shrine Pond Garden - Kantakeyama is the formal offical name of the Japanese garden at Samukawa Shrine near Chigasaki, Kanagawa-ken.  The pond garden's centerpiece is a multi tiered waterfall cascade.  The shrine itself is ancient and has the interesting characteristic of saying prayers to protect one from evil, one of the few Shinto shrines in Japan to actually have rituals to perform this, the unique ceremony is called Happoyoke.
    samukawa-shrine-garden-4.jpg
  • Takao Komagino Pond Garden is a public garden supported by the city of Hachioji Tokyo.  Takao Komagino  has a total of three small gardens within its compound.   Its pond garden or chisen kaiyu style garden is modeled after those in Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji, Rokuon-ji and Nijo-jo Ninomaru Garden that are famous for this garden style inspired the design of this pond garden.  Visitors can appreciate views of a crane-shaped island, a tortoise shaped island, a waterfall composed of stones, wisteria trellis, and the showpiece: the lotus pond shaped like the Chinese character for “heart”. The pond is filled with Nishikigoi koi carp.  Attached to the teahouse building is a japanese dry landscape karesanui garden called Shozansui. By combining large and smaller stones planted on white sand it expresses an ideal world.  This type of garden uses gravel used to express the flow of water.  Normally these gardens are only found within Zen Buhddhist temples, and it is very rare to find one in a private garden such as this.  Besides all this, there is one additional small tea garden.  Takao Komagino  Garden is free to enter and even has a special suikinkutsu hand basin or chozubachi, which accentuates the sound of water.
    takao-komagino-07.jpg
  • Banna-ji Temple Pond Garden - Banna-ji in Ashikaga is one of Japan’s designated National Treasures, the main temple building of Banna-ji Temple was originally built from the ruins of the Ashikaga Clan residence. It was later rebuilt in 1299. Constructed in the traditional Zen architectural style of the Kamakura Period. The temple grounds are enclosed within a moat and earthen walls, retaining the 40,000 square metres of its original samurai domain.  The precincts are open as a public park, with cherry trees and even a large 600 years old gingko tree. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1922 and the Main Hall was made the National Treasure in 2013. Apart from temple buildings, there are gardens and objects of art.
    bannaji-11.jpg
  • Sumida Park Japanese Pond Garden - Sumida Park is one of the best 100 Sakura Spots in Japan with more than a thousand 1000 cherry trees planted on both sides of the park, which straddles the Sumida River. Formerly the garden was the private domain of the 8th Shogun of Tokugawa, Later it was opened to the public and is now maintained by Tokyo city government.
    sumida-park-japanese-garden-1.jpg
  • Myoho-ji Carp Pond Yokohama -  Myoho-ji is an ancient temple in the Yokohama area, dating back to the 14th century.  Its simple pond koi garden is one of the nicest in the Kanto area.
    myohoji-yokohama-5.jpg
  • Banna-ji Temple Pond Garden - Banna-ji in Ashikaga is one of Japan’s designated National Treasures, the main temple building of Banna-ji Temple was originally built from the ruins of the Ashikaga Clan residence. It was later rebuilt in 1299. Constructed in the traditional Zen architectural style of the Kamakura Period. The temple grounds are enclosed within a moat and earthen walls, retaining the 40,000 square metres of its original samurai domain.  The precincts are open as a public park, with cherry trees and even a large 600 years old gingko tree. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1922 and the Main Hall was made the National Treasure in 2013. Apart from temple buildings, there are gardens and objects of art.
    banna-ji-6.jpg
  • Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period.  Left dormant for many years, it was restored in 1999.  The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  This secret garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    shinchi-01.jpg
  • Rakusan-en Pond Garden - Rakuzan-en is a Hantei garden built by the Oda clan in the early Edo period. Its borrowed landscape is positioned as a transition period by “migrating" from the "Samurai garden" to “Daimyo garden” portions of the venue.  The garden incorporates features from Kyoto Katsura Imperial Villa. uses mountains of Rensekizan as Kumakurasan or Kumakurayama as a scenic backdrop.  The name of Rakuzan-en comes from the story of the Analects of "Chishahasuioraku Jinshahayamaoraku” which means “the beginning of peace”.   This daimyo feudal lord garden was made by Oda Nobukatsu  Rakusan-en opened in 2012 after a restoration project that took 10 years to complete.
    rakusan-en-5.jpg
  • Samukawa Shrine Pond Garden - Kantakeyama is the formal offical name of the Japanese garden at Samukawa Shrine near Chigasaki, Kanagawa-ken.  The pond garden's centerpiece is a multi tiered waterfall cascade.  The shrine itself is ancient and has the interesting characteristic of saying prayers to protect one from evil, one of the few Shinto shrines in Japan to actually have rituals to perform this, the unique ceremony is called Happoyoke.
    samukawa-shrine-garden-6.jpg
  • Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period.  Left dormant for many years, it was restored in 1999.  The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  This secret garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    shinchi-teien-7.jpg
  • Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period.  Left dormant for many years, it was restored in 1999.  The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  This secret garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    shinchi-teien-4.jpg
  • Issuien Garden in Nara was designed by Horitoku, with a pavilion on the west side of the pond.  The pond in the eastern garden inscribes the Chinese character for water and contains a small island, reached by stepping stones. Its layout is that of a strolling garden with hills and a waterfall.  This is a strolling garden, with paths encircling the garden rolling past a teahouse, rest areas, moving over stepping stones.
    isui-en-2.jpg
  • Tenjuen Japanese Pond Garden, adjacent to the Chinese garden, is composed of an artificial hill plus a pond strolling garden. Traditional Japanese garden elements include a powerful three-tiered waterfall in the southeastern part of the garden, a tortoise island floating in a pond, and numerous pine trees.  Tenjuen Garden is the result of a collaboration between Kinsaku Nakane and Togo Murano a representative architect of Showa Japan. It is a garden where both masters collaborated.  The garden was created to show gratitude to the Chinese over the grace of Japanese orphans left behind on the continent after World War II.  designed and constructed by the Beijing Municipal Forestry Bureau, where garden stones and building materials are also brought from China composed of eight scenic areas reminiscent of the gate of a mansion, following the former court gardens of China  After the Japanese garden Suiishien was created in Beijing in 1984, this garden was completed as a sister Chinese garden on the Japanese side. Therefore, about half of the entire garden follows a Chinese style.
    tenjuan-13.jpg
  • Togoshi Park Garden has historical traces from the Hosokawa family of Kumamoto - a lord during the Edo period. The garden curves around an arrangement of valleys, waterfalls and a pond in a tsukiyama style.  The garden retains the elements of a Daimyo garden with trees and seasonal flowers such as plum, cherry and Ginkgo trees as well as Rhododendrons. Togoshi is a beautiful and peaceful spot but is not well known nor visited by anyone but the locals.  The large pond, waterfall, bridges, an artificial mountain and its magnificent entrance gate make it a masterpiece of landscape design particularly since it is now a mere Tokyo borough city park
    togoshi-park-garden-06.jpg
  • Lotus Pond at Garan, the sacred complex of temple buildings with a red bridge and a small island is called Hasu-ike, the pond of lotus.  It is said that the a good-natured female dragon queen, Nagirajni, appeared in the Lotus Pond after a local priest, Monk Jiko of Zuisoin Monastery invited the dragon to the tiny island in the middle of the pond to help bring water during a time of severe drought.
    koya-san-bridge.jpg
  • Hakusa Sonso Pond Garden - Hakusasonso Garden was built over a period of 32 years on land that was formerly rice fields. The expansive garden includes many elements found in Japanese gardens: stone lanterns, water basins, and statues. Paths of stepping stones lead through mossy, thatched gates over small bridges and among the pieces of historic stonework. The 10,000-square meter site contains buildings such as a large studio he used for large works, a teahouse, and a personal Buddhist temple. There are also many works of stone art from the Heian to Kamakura periods. The garden was built by Hashimoto Kansetsu, an artist who was a member of the Kyoto art world from 1913 to 1945. The scenery in the garden changes throughout the four seasons, resembling the landscapes painted by Kansetsu. He possessed knowledge of ancient Japanese and Chinese classical history, as well as ancient and modern calligraphy art and poetry.  After deciding to become an artist he produced paintings incorporating the styles of various schools from inside and outside Japan. He is also known for creating many gardens throughtout his life though this garden is considered his best work. Hakusasonso garden was designated as a National Site of Scenic beauty by the Japanese government.
    hakusa-sonso-7.jpg
  • Johoku Park in Shizuoka has a large Japanese pond garden in one corner of its huge expanse.  Although as Japanese pond gardens go this specimen is rather simple, it serves its purpose as a municipal park garden with modest bridges, pavilion and stones.   In addition to the Japanese garden, there is a large floral clock, a water plaza, and flower and tree gardens. It is also where the municipal library is located.
    jonangu-park-garden-2.jpg
  • Ritsurin Pond Garden - Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-24.jpg
  • Pond Garden at Naritasan Shinshoji Garden - Naritasan Shinshoji is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the Tokyo area, and the Head of the Chisan Shingon Buddhism sect.  Its Japanese garden, usually called Naritasan Park,is composed of wooded and landscaped greenery. Stone monuments and memorials bearing haiku poetry punctuate the landscape, making it one of the most unusual Japanese gardens in the country. Its centerpiece is a pond with a pagoda in the middle.  In addition there is a waterfall composed with a surrounding rock garden.
    shinshoji-garden-13.jpg
  • Denpo-in was once called "Kannon-in" or "Chiraku-in" when it was built, the name was changed to Denpo-in during the Genroku Period.  The strolling pond garden or Chisen Kaiyu Shiki is laid out in a circular style.  The garden has long been for imperial prince abbots and was never ever open to the public until recent years and even now it is only open a few weeks per year in springtime.  The garden was designed by Enshu Kobori a master of tea ceremony, an architect and renowned Japanese garden landscape gardener.  Denpo-in is the private garden of Sensoji Temple’s abbot.
    denpo-in-14.jpg
  • Hondo-ji Temple Garden Lotus Pond -Hondoji is a temple built in the Kamakura period, and the name of the temple is said to have been given by Nichiren Shonin. Today, 50,000 hydrangeas are planted in the precincts, and it is famous as the Chiba Hydrangea Temple.  It is also famous as  for other types of flowers - not only hydrangeas but also 5,000 irises, about 100 cherry blossoms in spring, and maple autumn leaves.
    hondoji-03.jpg
  • Togoshi Park Duck Pond - Togoshi Park Japanese garden has historical traces from the Hosokawa family of Kumamoto - a lord during the Edo period. The garden curves around an arrangement of valleys, waterfalls and a pond in a tsukiyama style.  The garden retains the elements of a Daimyo garden with trees and seasonal flowers such as plum, cherry and Ginkgo trees as well as Rhododendrons. Togoshi is a beautiful and peaceful spot but is not well known nor visited by anyone but the locals.  The large pond, waterfall, bridges, an artificial mountain and its magnificent entrance gate make it a masterpiece of landscape design particularly since it is now a mere Tokyo borough city park
    togoshi-park-garden-15.jpg
  • Shiraike Jigoku - white pond hell shows a boiling pond of white milky water surrounded by garden. It’s extra attraction is a battered aquarium with piranhas.  The hells or jigoku of Beppu are made up of hot springs for viewing rather than bathing in.  Visitors may not touch the boiling water as it would be rather dangerous as temperatures can go up beyond 60C.  Most of the hells are presented to visitors in a touristy fashion, that is “extra” attractions such as piranhas and crocodiles.
    Shiraike-Jigoku-1.jpg
  • Ohori Pond Garden - Fukuoka’s Ohori Japanese strolling garden was built in 1979 to mark the park’s 50th anniversary. The garden is made up of hills, trees groves and ponds. It was constructed with traditional gardening techniques although it is relatively new. A winding stream, a dry Zen garden, and a teahouse along with its adjacent garden are laid out around the highlights of the venue.  Ohori Garden is one of the finest examples of modern Japanese gardening to date.
    ohori-garden-20.jpg
  • Samukawa Shrine Pond Garden - Kantakeyama is the formal offical name of the Japanese garden at Samukawa Shrine near Chigasaki, Kanagawa-ken.  The pond garden's centerpiece is a multi tiered waterfall cascade.  The shrine itself is ancient and has the interesting characteristic of saying prayers to protect one from evil, one of the few Shinto shrines in Japan to actually have rituals to perform this, the unique ceremony is called Happoyoke.
    samukawa-shrine-garden-7.jpg
  • Denpo-in was once called "Kannon-in" or "Chiraku-in" when it was built, the name was changed to Denpo-in during the Genroku Period.  The strolling pond garden or Chisen Kaiyu Shiki is laid out in a circular style.  The garden has long been for imperial prince abbots and was never ever open to the public until recent years and even now it is only open a few weeks per year in springtime.  The garden was designed by Enshu Kobori a master of tea ceremony, an architect and renowned Japanese garden landscape gardener.  Denpo-in is the private garden of Sensoji Temple’s abbot.
    denpo-in-17.jpg
  • Issuien Garden rear garden was designed by Horitoku, with a pavilion on the west side of the pond.  The pond in the eastern garden inscribes the Chinese character for water and contains a small island, reached by stepping stones. Its layout is that of a strolling garden with hills and a waterfall.  This is a strolling garden, with paths encircling the garden rolling past a teahouse, rest areas, moving over stepping stones.
    isui-en-3.jpg
  • Zuishin-in Pond 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-08.jpg
  • Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period.  Left dormant for many years, it was restored in 1999.  The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  This secret garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    shinchi-teien-3.jpg
  • Joruri-ji Temple is ideally set in the hills above Nara and the only existing Heian Period Amida Hall with nine images of Amida and the nine levels of enlightenment. Amida halls were built by Heian aristocrats in anticipation of the Latter Day of the Law which started in 1052. In that degenerate age it was thought that the saving grace of Amida was the only way to achieve a better rebirth. Other existing Amida Halls are Byodo-in in Uji.  There is a small pagoda representing Yakushi Eastern Paradise facing a pure land pond garden with an island representing the human realm.
    joruri-ji-12.jpg
  • Joruri-ji Temple is ideally set in the hills above Nara and the only existing Heian Period Amida Hall with nine images of Amida and the nine levels of enlightenment. Amida halls were built by Heian aristocrats in anticipation of the Latter Day of the Law which started in 1052. In that degenerate age it was thought that the saving grace of Amida was the only way to achieve a better rebirth. Other existing Amida Halls are Byodo-in in Uji.  There is a small pagoda representing Yakushi Eastern Paradise facing a pure land pond garden with an island representing the human realm.
    joruri-ji-4.jpg
  • Kenchoji garden is located in the back of the temple complex, behind the Hojo quarters of the head priest. Muso Soseki, a famous Zen priest and garden designer, is said to have designed and constructed the garden.  Sampeki Pond reminds of the shape of the character which stands for mind or heart and is an important element in Zen Buddhism.
    kenchoji-sampeki--10.jpg
  • Samukawa Shrine Pond Garden - Kantakeyama is the formal offical name of the Japanese garden at Samukawa Shrine near Chigasaki, Kanagawa-ken.  The pond garden's centerpiece is a multi tiered waterfall cascade.  The shrine itself is ancient and has the interesting characteristic of saying prayers to protect one from evil, one of the few Shinto shrines in Japan to actually have rituals to perform this, the unique ceremony is called Happoyoke.
    samukawa-shrine-20.jpg
  • Denpo-in was once called "Kannon-in" or "Chiraku-in" when it was built, the name was changed to Denpo-in during the Genroku Period.  The strolling pond garden or Chisen Kaiyu Shiki is laid out in a circular style.  The garden has long been for imperial prince abbots and was never ever open to the public until recent years and even now it is only open a few weeks per year in springtime.  The garden was designed by Enshu Kobori a master of tea ceremony, an architect and renowned Japanese garden landscape gardener.  Denpo-in is the private garden of Sensoji Temple’s abbot.
    denpo-in-23.jpg
  • Sogenchi Pond Garden - Tenryuji has been ranked first among Kyoto's "Five Great Zen Temples".  Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden which, unlike the temple buildings, survived the many fires and is considered one of the oldest of its kind.  This is a "borrowed landscape" garden, taking in the background scenery of the hills of  Arashiyama as part of the garden's composition. Sogenchi pond and Ishigumi rock clusters in the garden are this pond garden's main ingredients and what makes it so special.
    tenryuji-13.jpg
  • Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period.  Left dormant for many years, it was restored in 1999.  The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  This secret garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    shinchi-09.jpg
  • Pond Garden at Naritasan Shinshoji Garden - Naritasan Shinshoji is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the Tokyo area, and the Head of the Chisan Shingon Buddhism sect.  Its Japanese garden, usually called Naritasan Park,is composed of wooded and landscaped greenery. Stone monuments and memorials bearing haiku poetry punctuate the landscape, making it one of the most unusual Japanese gardens in the country. Its centerpiece is a pond with a pagoda in the middle.  In addition there is a waterfall composed with a surrounding rock garden.
    shinshoji-garden-11.jpg
  • Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period.  Left dormant for many years, it was restored in 1999.  The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  This secret garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    shinchi-teien-9.jpg
  • Shinchi Teien or Sacred Pond Garden was established during the early Meiji period.  Left dormant for many years, it was restored in 1999.  The centerpiece is a serene pond with strolling paths around it.  This secret garden is located adjacent to controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
    shinchi-teien-5.jpg
  • Tenryuji has been ranked first among Kyoto's "Five Great Zen Temples". Tenryuji was established in 1339, and like many other temples burnt down several times over its history. Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden which, unlike the temple buildings, survived the many fires and is considered one of the oldest of its kind, that is "borrowed landscape" garden, taking in the background scenery of the hills of  Arashiyama as part of the garden's composition. Sogenchi pond and Ishigumi rock clusters in the garden are this pond garden's essential ingredients.
    tenryuji-7.jpg
  • Zuishin-in Pond 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-09.jpg
  • Toshodaiji Pond 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-9.jpg
  • Ritsurin Pond Garden - Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-21.jpg
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