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  • Japanese Tea Garden at Kokoen - Kokoen Garden; Kokoen; koko-en; himeji castle garden; himeji garden; japanese stepping stones; tobi-ishi; tobi ishi; skipping stones; flying stones; exterior space; landscape; landscape architecture; idyllic; Tranquility; Simplicity; japanese landscape architecture; exterior space; no people; scenery; tranquil; tranquility; calm; natural light; calming; calmness; peacefulness; serenity; serene; nobody; Soujuan Tea House; Soujuan Teahouse
    koko-en-53.jpg
  • Buddha Dhyana Mudra - Dhyana, or Samadhi mudra, is the hand gesture that promotes energy in meditation and contemplation.  The energy created by the triangle is formed when the thumbs of the two hands touch.  By practicing this gesture one connects to the energy of peace and serenity.
    dhyana-mudra-3.jpg
  • Jisso-in Tsukabaim kakei, water basin, tsukubai, japanese basin, chozubachi, chozuya, temizuya, tsukubai, Japanese Water Basin, Tranquility;  Simplicity; serene, serenity, exterior space, nature, pattern, scenic, visual effect, no people, scenery, tranquil, tranquility, calm, historic sites, natural light, natural beauty, spirituality, simplicity, natural, landscapes, inspiration, inspiring, calming, calms, contemplative, meditative, mellow, peaceful, pleasant, beautiful, calmness,  idyllic, ideal, peacefulness, serenity, serene, nobody,
    tsukabai-60.jpg
  • Buddha Dhyana Mudra - Dhyana, or Samadhi mudra, is the hand gesture that promotes energy in meditation and contemplation.  The energy created by the triangle is formed when the thumbs of the two hands touch.  By practicing this gesture one connects to the energy of peace and serenity.
    dhyana-mudra-2.jpg
  • Buddha Dhyana Mudra - Dhyana, or Samadhi mudra, is the hand gesture that promotes energy in meditation and contemplation.  The energy created by the triangle is formed when the thumbs of the two hands touch.  By practicing this gesture one connects to the energy of peace and serenity.
    dhyana-mudra-1.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-27.jpg
  • Originally created as a "Japanese Village" exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park originally spanned about one acre. When the fair closed, Japanese landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara created a permanent Japanese garden as a gift for posterity.  Hagiwara became caretaker of the property, pouring all of his personal wealth and creative talents into creating a garden of perfection.  Hagiwara expanded the garden to its current size of approximately 5 acres. He and his family lived on the grounds for many years until 1942 when they were forced to evacuate their homes and put into internment camps. Today, the Japanese Tea Garden endures as one of the most popular attractions at Golden Gate Park, featuring an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds and a zen garden.
    golden-gate-tea-7.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
  • Japanese Tea Garden Bridge - Originally created as a "Japanese Village" exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park originally spanned about one acre. When the fair closed, Japanese landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara created a permanent Japanese garden as a gift for posterity.  Hagiwara became caretaker of the property, pouring all of his personal wealth and creative talents into creating a garden of perfection.  Hagiwara expanded the garden to its current size of approximately 5 acres. He and his family lived on the grounds for many years until 1942 when they were forced to evacuate their homes and put into internment camps. Today, the Japanese Tea Garden endures as one of the most popular attractions at Golden Gate Park, featuring an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds and a zen garden.
    golden-gate-japanese-garden-7.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
  • 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-25.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-07.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-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-26.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-24.jpg
  • Originally created as a "Japanese Village" exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park originally spanned about one acre. When the fair closed, Japanese landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara created a permanent Japanese garden as a gift for posterity.  Hagiwara became caretaker of the property, pouring all of his personal wealth and creative talents into creating a garden of perfection.  Hagiwara expanded the garden to its current size of approximately 5 acres. He and his family lived on the grounds for many years until 1942 when they were forced to evacuate their homes and put into internment camps. Today, the Japanese Tea Garden endures as one of the most popular attractions at Golden Gate Park, featuring an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds and a zen garden.
    golden-gate-japanese-garden-5.jpg
  • Originally created as a "Japanese Village" exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park originally spanned about one acre. When the fair closed, Japanese landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara created a permanent Japanese garden as a gift for posterity.  Hagiwara became caretaker of the property, pouring all of his personal wealth and creative talents into creating a garden of perfection.  Hagiwara expanded the garden to its current size of approximately 5 acres. He and his family lived on the grounds for many years until 1942 when they were forced to evacuate their homes and put into internment camps. Today, the Japanese Tea Garden endures as one of the most popular attractions at Golden Gate Park, featuring an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds and a zen garden.
    golden-gate-tea-1.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-22.jpg
  • Originally created as a "Japanese Village" exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park originally spanned about one acre. When the fair closed, Japanese landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara created a permanent Japanese garden as a gift for posterity.  Hagiwara became caretaker of the property, pouring all of his personal wealth and creative talents into creating a garden of perfection.  Hagiwara expanded the garden to its current size of approximately 5 acres. He and his family lived on the grounds for many years until 1942 when they were forced to evacuate their homes and put into internment camps. Today, the Japanese Tea Garden endures as one of the most popular attractions at Golden Gate Park, featuring an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds and a zen garden.
    golden-gate-tea-3.jpg
  • Japanese Tea Garden Bridge - Originally created as a "Japanese Village" exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park originally spanned about one acre. When the fair closed, Japanese landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara created a permanent Japanese garden as a gift for posterity.  Hagiwara became caretaker of the property, pouring all of his personal wealth and creative talents into creating a garden of perfection.  Hagiwara expanded the garden to its current size of approximately 5 acres. He and his family lived on the grounds for many years until 1942 when they were forced to evacuate their homes and put into internment camps. Today, the Japanese Tea Garden endures as one of the most popular attractions at Golden Gate Park, featuring an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds and a zen garden.
    golden-gate-japanese-garden-2.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.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-170.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
  • 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
  • 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-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-02.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
  • 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.
    September-10.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-8.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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-2.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.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-169.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-03.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
  • Bamboo Garden at Tenshaen - Tenshaen Garden was built for the retirement of Munetada Date, the seventh feudal lord of Uwajma. It was named after a poem by Masamune Date that described the ideal way to live a life of retirement. The garden delights visitors with seasonal flowers in particular its famous arched bridge lined with wisteria trellises known as the “ascending wisterias”.  Another feature of the garden is the many varieties of bamboo surrounding a pond, associated with the sparrow and bamboo crest of the Date family.  Tensho-en Garden is a Daimyo Garden which was designed as a retirement villa for Masamune and is completed in the late Edo period.
    tenshaen-14.jpg
  • Nobori Huji Wisteria Bridge at Tenshaen Garden - Tenshaen Garden was built for the retirement of Munetada Date, the seventh feudal lord of Uwajma. It was named after a poem by Masamune Date that described the ideal way to live a life of retirement. The garden delights visitors with seasonal flowers in particular its famous arched bridge lined with wisteria trellises known as the “ascending wisterias”.  Another feature of the garden is the many varieties of bamboo surrounding a pond, associated with the sparrow and bamboo crest of the Date family.  Tensho-en Garden is a Daimyo Garden which was designed as a retirement villa for Masamune and is completed in the late Edo period.
    tenshaen-4.jpg
  • Chikurinji Temple Garden, Temple Number 31 - Chikurinji Temple is an important stop on the Shikikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage - it is marked as Temple 31 on the trail and one of Kochi’s most popular attractions.  Chikurin-ji sits on top of Mt Godai or Godaisan and was established during the 8th century and is most famous for its five storied pagoda; it is also known as a scholarly institution of Buddhism with its vast holding of important scrolls and Buddhist statues in its treasure hall.  There's a small pond garden - when looked at from the proper angle - gives the illusion that the temple is floating.
    chikurinji-9.jpg
  • Seigenji Garden is a pond garden created in the early Edo period, and designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in Kochi Prefecture together with nearby Jodaiji. It is said that one of the Tosa Sanen garden.  Dr. Tomitaro Makino, who was from Sagawa-cho and a world renowned botanist often went to this temple and grew up appreciating this garden which influenced him into studying plants and botany.
    seigenji-garden-4.jpg
  • Enkoji is a Shingon Buddhist temple, number 39 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.  It is famous for its pond garden and stone garden, as well as its eye cleaning water well.  There are many other Enkoji Temples around Japan, though this one is found in Kochi Prefecture, at temple number 39.  Enkoji Temple was built in 724 under the emperor's orders. Within the temple grounds a statue of a turtle with a copper bell on it is  legendary - the story is it that a red turtle brought a bell to this temple in 911.   There is also a small pond garden with a massive moss-covered tortoise in the pond, surrounded by koi carp.
    enkoji-kochi-05.jpg
  • Karegawa at Hiunkaku Garden -  Hiunkaku garden was created during the Taiso Period.  The garden is composed of two tsukiyama or miniature artificial mountains, punctuated by very large granite landscaping stones - most of which are placed in a way to be used as stepping stones which can be found throughout the garden.  Although the giant stones are very evident in the design, the gardens most outstanding feature is often overlooked, that of a dry riverbed known as a kare-gawa.  Few of the Takamatsu castle's original buildings remain only the Asahimon Gate and two turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura, still stand. Inside the castle walls, however, visitors can enjoy a well kept garden.  At the center of the castle park stands the Hiunkaku with large tatami rooms overlooking the garden. Constructed in 1917 as a residence and governmental office, it is used today as an exhibition space and a community hall where tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes are held.
    hiunkaku-07.jpg
  • Nobori Huji Wisteria Bridge at Tenshaen Garden - Tenshaen Garden was built for the retirement of Munetada Date, the seventh feudal lord of Uwajma. It was named after a poem by Masamune Date that described the ideal way to live a life of retirement. The garden delights visitors with seasonal flowers in particular its famous arched bridge lined with wisteria trellises known as the “ascending wisterias”.  Another feature of the garden is the many varieties of bamboo surrounding a pond, associated with the sparrow and bamboo crest of the Date family.  Tensho-en Garden is a Daimyo Garden which was designed as a retirement villa for Masamune and is completed in the late Edo period.
    tenshaen-11.jpg
  • Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is one of Tokyo's oldest and most beautiful Japanese landscape gardens. It was built by close relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun in the early Edo Period..Like most traditional Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen attempts to reproduce famous landscapes from China and Japan in miniature, using a pond, stones, plants and a man made hill.
    koishikawa-korakuen-23.jpg
  • Ninomaru garden was designed by the famous landscape architect and tea master, Kobori Enshu. It is located between the two main rings of fortifications, next to the palace of the same name. The garden has a large pond with three islands and features numerous carefully placed stones and topiary pine trees.  Nijo Castle and its garden are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    ninomaru-7.jpg
  • Chikurinji Temple Garden, Temple Number 31 - Chikurinji Temple is an important stop on the Shikikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage - it is marked as Temple 31 on the trail and one of Kochi’s most popular attractions.  Chikurin-ji sits on top of Mt Godai or Godaisan and was established during the 8th century and is most famous for its five storied pagoda; it is also known as a scholarly institution of Buddhism with its vast holding of important scrolls and Buddhist statues in its treasure hall.  There's a small pond garden - when looked at from the proper angle - gives the illusion that the temple is floating.
    chikurinji-2.jpg
  • Seigenji Garden is a pond garden created in the early Edo period, and designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in Kochi Prefecture together with nearby Jodaiji. It is said that one of the Tosa Sanen garden.  Dr. Tomitaro Makino, who was from Sagawa-cho and a world renowned botanist often went to this temple and grew up appreciating this garden which influenced him into studying plants and botany.
    seigenji-21.jpg
  • Chikurinji Temple Garden, Temple Number 31 - Chikurinji Temple is an important stop on the Shikikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage - it is marked as Temple 31 on the trail and one of Kochi’s most popular attractions.  Chikurin-ji sits on top of Mt Godai or Godaisan and was established during the 8th century and is most famous for its five storied pagoda; it is also known as a scholarly institution of Buddhism with its vast holding of important scrolls and Buddhist statues in its treasure hall.  There's a small pond garden - when looked at from the proper angle - gives the illusion that the temple is floating.
    chikurinji-21.jpg
  • Karegawa at Hiunkaku Garden - Hiunkaku garden was created during the Taiso Period.  The garden is composed of two tsukiyama or miniature artificial mountains, punctuated by very large granite landscaping stones - most of which are placed in a way to be used as stepping stones which can be found throughout the garden.  Although the giant stones are very evident in the design, the gardens most outstanding feature is often overlooked, that of a dry riverbed known as a kare-gawa.  Few of the Takamatsu castle's original buildings remain only the Asahimon Gate and two turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura, still stand. Inside the castle walls, however, visitors can enjoy a well kept garden.  At the center of the castle park stands the Hiunkaku with large tatami rooms overlooking the garden. Constructed in 1917 as a residence and governmental office, it is used today as an exhibition space and a community hall where tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes are held.
    hiunkaku-06.jpg
  • Seigenji Garden is a pond garden created in the early Edo period, and designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in Kochi Prefecture together with nearby Jodaiji. It is said that one of the Tosa Sanen garden.  Dr. Tomitaro Makino, who was from Sagawa-cho and a world renowned botanist often went to this temple and grew up appreciating this garden which influenced him into studying plants and botany.
    seigenji-garden-6.jpg
  • Enkoji is a Shingon Buddhist temple, number 39 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.  It is famous for its pond garden and stone garden, as well as its eye cleaning water well.  There are many other Enkoji Temples around Japan, though this one is found in Kochi Prefecture, at temple number 39.  Enkoji Temple was built in 724 under the emperor's orders. Within the temple grounds a statue of a turtle with a copper bell on it is  legendary - the story is it that a red turtle brought a bell to this temple in 911.   There is also a small pond garden with a massive moss-covered tortoise in the pond, surrounded by koi carp.
    enkoji-kochi-09.jpg
  • Nobori Huji Wisteria Bridge at Tenshaen Garden - Tenshaen Garden was built for the retirement of Munetada Date, the seventh feudal lord of Uwajma. It was named after a poem by Masamune Date that described the ideal way to live a life of retirement. The garden delights visitors with seasonal flowers in particular its famous arched bridge lined with wisteria trellises known as the “ascending wisterias”.  Another feature of the garden is the many varieties of bamboo surrounding a pond, associated with the sparrow and bamboo crest of the Date family.  Tensho-en Garden is a Daimyo Garden which was designed as a retirement villa for Masamune and is completed in the late Edo period.
    tenshaen-23.jpg
  • Chikurinji Temple Garden, Temple Number 31 - Chikurinji Temple is an important stop on the Shikikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage - it is marked as Temple 31 on the trail and one of Kochi’s most popular attractions.  Chikurin-ji sits on top of Mt Godai or Godaisan and was established during the 8th century and is most famous for its five storied pagoda; it is also known as a scholarly institution of Buddhism with its vast holding of important scrolls and Buddhist statues in its treasure hall.  There's a small pond garden - when looked at from the proper angle - gives the illusion that the temple is floating.
    chikurinji-22.jpg
  • Karegawa at Hiunkaku Garden, Karegawa, Kare-gawa,  - Hiunkaku garden was created during the Taiso Period.  The garden is composed of two tsukiyama or miniature artificial mountains, punctuated by very large granite landscaping stones - most of which are placed in a way to be used as stepping stones which can be found throughout the garden.  Although the giant stones are very evident in the design, the gardens most outstanding feature is often overlooked, that of a dry riverbed known as a kare-gawa.  Few of the Takamatsu castle's original buildings remain only the Asahimon Gate and two turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura, still stand. Inside the castle walls, however, visitors can enjoy a well kept garden.  At the center of the castle park stands the Hiunkaku with large tatami rooms overlooking the garden. Constructed in 1917 as a residence and governmental office, it is used today as an exhibition space and a community hall where tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes are held.
    hiunkaku-09.jpg
  • Harusame-tei Calligraphy Hut at Tenshaen Garden -  built for the retirement of Munetada Date, the seventh feudal lord of Uwajma. It was named after a poem by Masamune Date that described the ideal way to live a life of retirement. The garden delights visitors with seasonal flowers in particular its famous arched bridge lined with wisteria trellises known as the “ascending wisterias”.  Another feature of the garden is the many varieties of bamboo surrounding a pond, associated with the sparrow and bamboo crest of the Date family.  Tensho-en Garden is a Daimyo Garden which was designed as a retirement villa for Masamune and is completed in the late Edo period.
    tenshaen-3.jpg
  • Enkoji is a Shingon Buddhist temple, number 39 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.  It is famous for its pond garden and stone garden, as well as its eye cleaning water well.  There are many other Enkoji Temples around Japan, though this one is found in Kochi Prefecture, at temple number 39.  Enkoji Temple was built in 724 under the emperor's orders. Within the temple grounds a statue of a turtle with a copper bell on it is  legendary - the story is it that a red turtle brought a bell to this temple in 911.   There is also a small pond garden with a massive moss-covered tortoise in the pond, surrounded by koi carp.
    enkoji-kochi-03.jpg
  • Ninomaru Garden at Nijojo - Ninomaru garden was designed by the landscape architect and garden designer Kobori Ensh and is located adjacent to Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle or Nijo-jo. The garden has a large pond with three islands and features carefully placed stones and pine trees.
    ninomaru-kyoto-5.jpg
  • Shomyoji Pond Garden - Shomyoji was built by Sanetoki Hojo during the Kamakura period, and was made the Hojo family temple of the Kanazawa area. The Jodo style garden with Ajiike Pond in front of the main temple is its most unique feature when considering the arched bridge. The temple's bell was portrayed in the woodblock print "Shomyo-no-Bansho," one of eight prints depicting views of Kanazawa by Hiroshige Utagawa.
    shomyoji-pond-garden-1.jpg
  • Jizo images and statues are popular in Japan as Bodhisattva who console beings awaiting rebirth as well as comfort for travelers. As such they are often found along roadsides, paths or even street corners. This jizo is found at Enkoji a Shingon Buddhist temple, number 39 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage famous for its pond garden. It is allso famous for its spring that is said to be beneficial to those with eye afflictions.
    shinsen-en-9.jpg
  • Moon Window at Jodaiji Garden - Jodaiji is one of the Tosa Sanae garden in Kochi designated designated victory. Sagawa-cho is a castle town that once reigned by Ikuto Yamauchi and Mr. Fukao, and this garden "Hisagoen" is an Ikesen appreciation garden, which was also built in that period early Edo period. The temple garden is a designated place of beauty in Kochi Prefecture together with nearby Seigenji Temple garden.
    jodoji-garden-3.jpg
  • Jodaiji is one of the Tosa Sanae garden in Kochi designated designated victory. Sagawa-cho is a castle town that once reigned by Ikuto Yamauchi and Mr. Fukao, and this garden "Hisagoen" is an Ikesen appreciation garden, which was also built in that period early Edo period. The temple garden is a designated place of beauty in Kochi Prefecture together with nearby Seigenji Temple garden.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2024-144.jpg
  • Enkoji is a Shingon Buddhist temple, number 39 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.  It is famous for its pond garden and stone garden, as well as its eye cleaning water well.  There are many other Enkoji Temples around Japan, though this one is found in Kochi Prefecture, at temple number 39.  Enkoji Temple was built in 724 under the emperor's orders. Within the temple grounds a statue of a turtle with a copper bell on it is  legendary - the story is it that a red turtle brought a bell to this temple in 911.   There is also a small pond garden with a massive moss-covered tortoise in the pond, surrounded by koi carp.
    enkoji-kochi-23.jpg
  • Harusame-tei Calligraphy Hut at Tenshaen Garden -  built for the retirement of Munetada Date, the seventh feudal lord of Uwajma. It was named after a poem by Masamune Date that described the ideal way to live a life of retirement. The garden delights visitors with seasonal flowers in particular its famous arched bridge lined with wisteria trellises known as the “ascending wisterias”.  Another feature of the garden is the many varieties of bamboo surrounding a pond, associated with the sparrow and bamboo crest of the Date family.  Tensho-en Garden is a Daimyo Garden which was designed as a retirement villa for Masamune and is completed in the late Edo period.
    tenshaen-2.jpg
  • Soribashi Bridge at Shomyoji - Shomyoji was built by Sanetoki Hojo during the Kamakura period, and was made the Hojo family temple of the Kanazawa area. The Jodo style garden with Ajiike Pond in front of the main temple is its most unique feature when considering the arched bridge. The temple's bell was portrayed in the woodblock print "Shomyo-no-Bansho," one of eight prints depicting views of Kanazawa by Hiroshige Utagawa.
    shomyo-ji-07.jpg
  • Chikurinji Temple Garden, Temple Number 31 - Chikurinji Temple is an important stop on the Shikikoku 88 Temple pilgrimage - it is marked as Temple 31 on the trail and one of Kochi’s most popular attractions.  Chikurin-ji sits on top of Mt Godai or Godaisan and was established during the 8th century and is most famous for its five storied pagoda; it is also known as a scholarly institution of Buddhism with its vast holding of important scrolls and Buddhist statues in its treasure hall.  There's a small pond garden - when looked at from the proper angle - gives the illusion that the temple is floating.
    chikurinji-3.jpg
  • Shomyoji was built by Sanetoki Hojo during the Kamakura period, and was made the Hojo family temple of the Kanazawa area. The Jodo style garden with Ajiike Pond in front of the main temple is its most unique feature when considering the arched bridge. The temple's bell was portrayed in the woodblock print "Shomyo-no-Bansho," one of eight prints depicting views of Kanazawa by Hiroshige Utagawa.
    shomyo-ji-17.jpg
  • Shomyoji was built by Sanetoki Hojo during the Kamakura period, and was made the Hojo family temple of the Kanazawa area. The Jodo style garden with Ajiike Pond in front of the main temple is its most unique feature when considering the arched bridge. The temple's bell was portrayed in the woodblock print "Shomyo-no-Bansho," one of eight prints depicting views of Kanazawa by Hiroshige Utagawa.
    shomyo-ji-16.jpg
  • Soribashi Bridge at Shomyoji - Shomyoji was built by Sanetoki Hojo during the Kamakura period, and was made the Hojo family temple of the Kanazawa area. The Jodo style garden with Ajiike Pond in front of the main temple is its most unique feature when considering the arched bridge. The temple's bell was portrayed in the woodblock print "Shomyo-no-Bansho," one of eight prints depicting views of Kanazawa by Hiroshige Utagawa.
    shomyo-ji-10.jpg
  • Soribashi Bridge at Shomyoji - Shomyoji was built by Sanetoki Hojo during the Kamakura period, and was made the Hojo family temple of the Kanazawa area. The Jodo style garden with Ajiike Pond in front of the main temple is its most unique feature when considering the arched bridge. The temple's bell was portrayed in the woodblock print "Shomyo-no-Bansho," one of eight prints depicting views of Kanazawa by Hiroshige Utagawa.
    shomyo-ji-09.jpg
  • Ryotei Teahouse - This sukiya-style teahouse was built projecting out onto the pond, giving the gardens a true Japanese atmosphere. The open-walled teahouse was originally built by the Iwasakis to host British dignitary Marshall Kitchener who visited Japan in 1909. It survived earthquakes and war, and is still standing today. The garden was completed in the Meiji Period and developed into a famous strolling garden centered around a large pond.
    kiyosumi-1.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
  • Daijo-in garden was designed by Zenami in the mid Muromachi Period and fell into ruin with the demise of the temple of the same name. In 1958 the site was designated as a National Scenic Place then the Japan National Trust restored the garden to its original brilliance.  The former Daijo-in temple prospered as a temple whose chief priest was a member of the imperial family but now only the garden remains.
    daijo-in-10.jpg
  • Chishakuin Garden, the creation of tea master Sen-no-Rikyu is well known for its sense of optical expansion, here the illusion of space is created by the manipulation of scale and perspective providing an exercise in graduated topiary, with a broad expanse of shrubs.  Chishaku-in is an example of the synthesis of architecture and landscape, a feature of many Japanese gardens that is usually only noticed unconsciously.  The main garden of Chishakuin was inspired by the area around Mt. Rozan, China.  Chishakuin Temple is the headquarters of the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism. The temple itself is has several National Treasures of Japan, wall paintings and decorative screen paintings.
    chishakuin-tsukubai-2.jpg
  • Water is considered purifying in Japan, hence the emphasis on cleanliness in everyday life. Water fountains such as these, known as tsukubai, are also beneficial to hear the trickling of falling water to soothe the nerves as well. A tsukubai is a small basin provided at Japanese Buddhist temples for visitors to purify themselves by the ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. This type of ritual cleansing is also the custom for guests attending a tea ceremony. Tsukubai are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small scoop, laid across the top, ready for use.
    basin-1.jpg
  • Water is considered purifying in Japan, hence the emphasis on cleanliness in everyday life. Water fountains such as these, known as tsukubai, are also beneficial to hear the trickling of falling water to soothe the nerves as well. A tsukubai is a small basin provided at Japanese Buddhist temples for visitors to purify themselves by the ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. This type of ritual cleansing is also the custom for guests attending a tea ceremony.<br />
Tsukubai are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small scoop, laid across the top, ready for use.
    hasedera-garden-08.jpg
  • Water is considered purifying in Japan, hence the emphasis on cleanliness in everyday life. Water fountains such as these, known as tsukubai, are also beneficial to hear the trickling of falling water to soothe the nerves as well. A tsukubai is a small basin provided at Japanese Buddhist temples for visitors to purify themselves by the ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. This type of ritual cleansing is also the custom for guests attending a tea ceremony.<br />
Tsukubai are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small scoop, laid across the top, ready for use.
    tsukubai-7.jpg
  • Issuien Garden is divided into two sections, originally two separate gardens: The small western garden is built around a pond with two islands representing the crane and turtle, classic symbols of longevity.  The rear garden was probably 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 some hills and a waterfall.
    isui-en-6.jpg
  • A tsukubai is a basin provided at Japanese  temples for visitors to purify themselves by  ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. Tsukubai are often made of stone, and  provide a scoop, laid across the basin.  The water supply is provided by a bamboo pipe called a kakei.
    tsukubai-21.jpg
  • Dragon Tsukubai at Enryakuji - Enryaku-ji is located on Mount Hiei, overlooking Kyoto, and is the headquarters of the Tendai sect.  Founded during the early Heian period, it is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history.  Enryaku-ji is imbued with a solemn atmosphere as a place of training and the home of the "marathon monks.”   Enryaku-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”
    dragon-tsukubai-1.jpg
  • Hogon-in was built as a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji.  Like many Kyoto temples, it was damaged by the fires of the Onin war. It was reconstructed in the 16th century and moved to its present location in Arashiyama.   The temple’s zen garden "The Garden of the Lion's Roar”.  The temple enshrines many statues of Kannon, as well as another set of statues Arashiyama Arhats - disciples of Buddha.  There are 500 Arhats if you have the time you to count.
    hogon-in-3.jpg
  • Shisendo is a so-called scholars garden in eastern Kyoto designed by Jozen Ishikawa as a personal retreat. Ishikawa was a scholar and landscape architect.  After he retired from samurai service he devoted the rest of his life to learning Chinese classics.  When he was 59 he built his masterpiece as a retirement villa which has come to be known as Shisendo.  The hermitage later became a Zen Buddhist templ of the Soto sect.
    shisendo-8.jpg
  • Tsukubai at Hosen-in - Water is considered purifying in Japan, hence the emphasis on cleanliness in everyday life. Water fountains such as these, known as tsukubai, are also beneficial to hear the trickling of falling water to soothe the nerves as well. A tsukubai is a small basin provided at Japanese Buddhist temples for visitors to purify themselves by the ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. This type of ritual cleansing is also the custom for guests attending a tea ceremony. Tsukubai are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small scoop, laid across the top, ready for use.
    hosen-in-8.jpg
  • The large rock garden at the main temple hall, the Hondo is of type meaning "dry mountains and water" style. Inside the hondo  itself are many painted sliding doors from renowned artist Hashimoto Kansetsu.
    kenninji-2.jpg
  • Sanbo-in is a Buddhist temple in southern Kyoto, famous for the quality of its Japanese garden.  The garden is designed as a strolling garden with a large pond and several paths and bridges and said to contain over 700 stones.  One of the stones, called the Fujito, is said to have cost over 5,000 bushels of rice to obtain. Sanb-in is also a noteworthy illustration of a landscape garden which is designed for viewing from a specific perspective within a building. Laid out in the Momoyama period, the garden depicts "fortuitous crane," the "tortoise" and the "isle of eternal youth" poetic terms that identify specific ways in which stones and ponds are poised in a prescribed, esoteric relationship. .Toyotomi Hideyoshi designed this garden as a venue for an extravagant cherry blossom viewing party.  Sanbo-in is subtemple of Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan. IMAGE UNAVAILABLE FOR SALE IN JAPAN
    sanbo-in-4.jpg
  • Kozenji Temple is one of the largest and most important temples in Nagano Prefecture. Its garden is famous as a weeping cherry blossom viewing spot, and it lights up from mid-April to early May during the flowering period.<br />
It is also a renowned spot for autumn leaves, with more than 60 maples in the precinct turn the place into a panoramo of red and yellow.  Kozenji Garden has been designated as a national scenic spot; its calm and quiet environment and scenic beauty the price of Nagano Prefecture thanks to its Tsukiyama garden.
    kozenji-03.jpg
  • Daijo-in garden was designed by Zenami in the mid Muromachi Period and fell into ruin with the demise of the temple of the same name. In 1958 the site was designated as a National Scenic Place then the Japan National Trust restored the garden to its original brilliance.  The former Daijo-in temple prospered as a temple whose chief priest was a member of the imperial family but now only the garden remains.
    daijo-in-12.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-23.jpg
  • Engetsukyo Bridge at Ritsurin - a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan,  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-18.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-8.jpg
  • Kikugetsu-tei is a traditional Japanese sukiya teahouse, on the shores of Nanko South Pond, at Ritsurin, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. 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-6.jpg
  • The pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is the one of the most famous spots in Kamakura for sakura viewing. The Five Peony Garden at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - The garden was created in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.  The peony garden features, in addition to 5 species of peony, large stones amongst which peonies are planted. These stones were a gift to the shrine from the Chinese government. Traditionally, peonies were always planted in China with special stones that come from the Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, China.  This garden was laid out by Chinese workmen along traditional lines.
    tsurugaoka-garden-02.jpg
  • Water is considered purifying in Japan, hence the emphasis on cleanliness in everyday life. Water fountains such as these, known as tsukubai, are also beneficial to hear the trickling of falling water to soothe the nerves as well. A tsukubai is a small basin provided at Japanese Buddhist temples for visitors to purify themselves by the ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. This type of ritual cleansing is also the custom for guests attending a tea ceremony.<br />
Tsukubai are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small scoop, laid across the top, ready for use.
    tsukubai-37.jpg
  • Water is considered purifying in Japan, hence the emphasis on cleanliness in everyday life. Water fountains such as these, known as tsukubai, are also beneficial to hear the trickling of falling water to soothe the nerves as well. A tsukubai is a small basin provided at Japanese Buddhist temples for visitors to purify themselves by the ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. This type of ritual cleansing is also the custom for guests attending a tea ceremony.<br />
Tsukubai are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small scoop, laid across the top, ready for use.
    tsukubai-10.jpg
  • Yoshikien is named after the Yoshikigawa River that runs beside the garden.  The garden was built on the site of Kofukuji Temple's former monks’ residences. There are three different gardens within Yoshikien: a pond garden, a moss garden and a tea ceremony garden.
    yoshikien-2.jpg
  • Issuien Garden is divided into two sections, originally two separate gardens: The small western garden is built around a pond with two islands representing the crane and turtle, classic symbols of longevity.  The rear garden was probably 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 some hills and a waterfall.
    isui-en-5.jpg
  • Nanzen-ji is a the headquarters of the Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism.  The compounds of Nanzen-ji are nationally designated Historic Sites and the Hojo gardens a Place of Scenic Beauty and also a National Treasure of Japan.  Hojo-teien karesansui garden is said to have been laid out by Kobori Enshu.  The designer of Ko-Hojo garden also called Nyoshin-tei with sharp stones protruding from the sands is unknown, though also possibly Kobori Enshu as well.
    nanzenji-6.jpg
  • Tsukubai water basin at Renge-ji.  Renge-ji is made up of a pond garden with rocks, bridge, shrubs and moss.  This peaceful garden features a small but beautiful pond set against a hillside of cascading maple foliage.  The pond is located on the immediate north side of the sukiya style structure. While there is a path in the current garden, the site is primarily intended to be viewed from within the structure.
    tsukubai-14.jpg
  • Tsukubai at Unryu-in - Established in 1372, Unryu-in is a sub-temple of Senyuji.  Its location is hard to find which keeps it under the radar for mass tourism.The temple has two large halls, Ryugeden and Reimeiden, each one with its rather empty garden. The best, however, is the back garden and the three rooms that surround it. There is a tiny tsuboniwa zen garden between the halls, with a single stone poking out of it.  In addition to this and its main garden, there is also a rather unusual one with radiating from a stone lantern.
    Unryu-in-02.jpg
  • Daijo-in garden was designed by Zenami in the mid Muromachi Period and fell into ruin with the demise of the temple of the same name. In 1958 the site was designated as a National Scenic Place then the Japan National Trust restored the garden to its original brilliance.  The former Daijo-in temple prospered as a temple whose chief priest was a member of the imperial family but now only the garden remains.
    daijo-in-15.jpg
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