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  • Kozanji Mirei Garden - Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozenji-mirei-01.jpg
  • Kozanji Mirei Garden - Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozenji-mirei-02.jpg
  • Mirei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-mirei-garden-5.jpg
  • Mirei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-mirei-garden-2.jpg
  • Mirei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-mirei-garden-3.jpg
  • Mirei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-mirei-garden-4.jpg
  • Mirei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-mirei-garden-1.jpg
  • Tenrai-an Garden - Mirei Shigemori Memorial Hall Garden was built when Shigemori was only 18, it exhibits his desire to make the most of the tea ceremony. The teahouse structure was moved here from his birthplace. The pathway outside the ceremonial tearoom was constructed at the time of relocation and there is an added dynamic due to the adjacent Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine which is dedicated to the gods of the sea. The adjacent dry karesansui garden was designed by the grandson of Mirei, Chisao Shigemori as a kind of homage to his grandfather and to enhance Tenrai-an.
    tenrai-an.jpg
  • Tenrai-an Garden - Mirei Shigemori Memorial Hall Garden was built when Shigemori was only 18, it exhibits his desire to make the most of the tea ceremony. The teahouse structure was moved here from his birthplace. The pathway outside the ceremonial tearoom was constructed at the time of relocation and there is an added dynamic due to the adjacent Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine which is dedicated to the gods of the sea. The adjacent dry karesansui garden was designed by the grandson of Mirei, Chisao Shigemori as a kind of homage to his grandfather and to enhance Tenrai-an.
    tenrai-an-2.jpg
  • Tenrai-an Garden - Mirei Shigemori Memorial Hall Garden was built when Shigemori was only 18, it exhibits his desire to make the most of the tea ceremony. The teahouse structure was moved here from his birthplace. The pathway outside the ceremonial tearoom was constructed at the time of relocation and there is an added dynamic due to the adjacent Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine which is dedicated to the gods of the sea. The adjacent dry karesansui garden was designed by the grandson of Mirei, Chisao Shigemori as a kind of homage to his grandfather and to enhance Tenrai-an.
    tenrai-an-8.jpg
  • Tenrai-an Garden - Mirei Shigemori Memorial Hall Garden was built when Shigemori was only 18, it exhibits his desire to make the most of the tea ceremony. The teahouse structure was moved here from his birthplace. The pathway outside the ceremonial tearoom was constructed at the time of relocation and there is an added dynamic due to the adjacent Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine which is dedicated to the gods of the sea. The adjacent dry karesansui garden was designed by the grandson of Mirei, Chisao Shigemori as a kind of homage to his grandfather and to enhance Tenrai-an.
    tenrai-an-3.jpg
  • Tenrai-an Garden - Mirei Shigemori Memorial Hall Garden was built when Shigemori was only 18, it exhibits his desire to make the most of the tea ceremony. The teahouse structure was moved here from his birthplace. The pathway outside the ceremonial tearoom was constructed at the time of relocation and there is an added dynamic due to the adjacent Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine which is dedicated to the gods of the sea. The adjacent dry karesansui garden was designed by the grandson of Mirei, Chisao Shigemori as a kind of homage to his grandfather and to enhance Tenrai-an.
    tenrai-an-12.jpg
  • Tenrai-an Garden - Mirei Shigemori Memorial Hall Garden was built when Shigemori was only 18, it exhibits his desire to make the most of the tea ceremony. The teahouse structure was moved here from his birthplace. The pathway outside the ceremonial tearoom was constructed at the time of relocation and there is an added dynamic due to the adjacent Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine which is dedicated to the gods of the sea. The adjacent dry karesansui garden was designed by the grandson of Mirei, Chisao Shigemori as a kind of homage to his grandfather and to enhance Tenrai-an.
    tenrai-an-5.jpg
  • Tenrai-an Garden - Mirei Shigemori Memorial Hall Garden was built when Shigemori was only 18, it exhibits his desire to make the most of the tea ceremony. The teahouse structure was moved here from his birthplace. The pathway outside the ceremonial tearoom was constructed at the time of relocation and there is an added dynamic due to the adjacent Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine which is dedicated to the gods of the sea. The adjacent dry karesansui garden was designed by the grandson of Mirei, Chisao Shigemori as a kind of homage to his grandfather and to enhance Tenrai-an.
    tenrai-an-7.jpg
  • Tenrai-an Garden - Mirei Shigemori Memorial Hall Garden was built when Shigemori was only 18, it exhibits his desire to make the most of the tea ceremony. The teahouse structure was moved here from his birthplace. The pathway outside the ceremonial tearoom was constructed at the time of relocation and there is an added dynamic due to the adjacent Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine which is dedicated to the gods of the sea. The adjacent dry karesansui garden was designed by the grandson of Mirei, Chisao Shigemori as a kind of homage to his grandfather and to enhance Tenrai-an.
    tenrai-an-4.jpg
  • Tenrai-an Garden - Mirei Shigemori Memorial Hall Garden was built when Shigemori was only 18, it exhibits his desire to make the most of the tea ceremony. The teahouse structure was moved here from his birthplace. The pathway outside the ceremonial tearoom was constructed at the time of relocation and there is an added dynamic due to the adjacent Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine which is dedicated to the gods of the sea. The adjacent dry karesansui garden was designed by the grandson of Mirei, Chisao Shigemori as a kind of homage to his grandfather and to enhance Tenrai-an.
    tenrai-an-1.jpg
  • Shofu-en has three famous gardens: Iwakura, Horai and Kyokusui. These modern Japanese gardens were designed by Mirei Shigemori during the Showa era. They are among the greatest of Japanese gardens designed after the Meiji era. Mirei designed them with a combination of rocks, and the opposite concepts of "stillness" and "movement" in harmony.
    matsuo-shrine-garden-10.jpg
  • Shofu-en has three famous gardens: Iwakura, Horai and Kyokusui. These modern Japanese gardens were designed by Mirei Shigemori during the Showa era. They are among the greatest of Japanese gardens designed after the Meiji era. Mirei designed them with a combination of rocks, and the opposite concepts of "stillness" and "movement" in harmony.
    matsuo-shrine-garden-2.jpg
  • Shofu-en has three famous gardens: Iwakura, Horai and Kyokusui. These modern Japanese gardens were designed by Mirei Shigemori during the Showa era. They are among the greatest of Japanese gardens designed after the Meiji era. Mirei designed them with a combination of rocks, and the opposite concepts of "stillness" and "movement" in harmony.
    matsuo-shrine-garden-7.jpg
  • Tenrai-an Garden - Mirei Shigemori Memorial Hall Garden was built when Shigemori was only 18, it exhibits his desire to make the most of the tea ceremony. The teahouse structure was moved here from his birthplace. The pathway outside the ceremonial tearoom was constructed at the time of relocation and there is an added dynamic due to the adjacent Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine which is dedicated to the gods of the sea. The adjacent dry karesansui garden was designed by the grandson of Mirei, Chisao Shigemori as a kind of homage to his grandfather and to enhance Tenrai-an.
    tenrai-an-10.jpg
  • Shofu-en has three famous gardens: Iwakura, Horai and Kyokusui. These modern Japanese gardens were designed by Mirei Shigemori during the Showa era. They are among the greatest of Japanese gardens designed after the Meiji era. Mirei designed them with a combination of rocks, and the opposite concepts of "stillness" and "movement" in harmony.
    matsuo-shrine-garden-6.jpg
  • Tenrai-an Garden - Mirei Shigemori Memorial Hall Garden was built when Shigemori was only 18, it exhibits his desire to make the most of the tea ceremony. The teahouse structure was moved here from his birthplace. The pathway outside the ceremonial tearoom was constructed at the time of relocation and there is an added dynamic due to the adjacent Yoshikawa Hachimangu Shrine which is dedicated to the gods of the sea. The adjacent dry karesansui garden was designed by the grandson of Mirei, Chisao Shigemori as a kind of homage to his grandfather and to enhance Tenrai-an.
    tenrai-an-11.jpg
  • Shofu-en has three famous gardens: Iwakura, Horai and Kyokusui. These modern Japanese gardens were designed by Mirei Shigemori during the Showa era. They are among the greatest of Japanese gardens designed after the Meiji era. Mirei designed them with a combination of rocks, and the opposite concepts of "stillness" and "movement" in harmony.
    matsuo-shrine-garden-12.jpg
  • Shofu-en has three famous gardens: Iwakura, Horai and Kyokusui. These modern Japanese gardens were designed by Mirei Shigemori during the Showa era. They are among the greatest of Japanese gardens designed after the Meiji era. Mirei designed them with a combination of rocks, and the opposite concepts of "stillness" and "movement" in harmony.
    matsuo-shrine-garden-9.jpg
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji, The most prominent features of this temple are its three zen gardens designed in karesansui style.  The Garden of the Dragon one of the finest modern karesansui gardens designed by Shigemori Mirei, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel.  The dark areas represent dragons or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, a clue as to the modernity of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and Japan
    ryugin-an-7.jpg
  • Shofu-en has three famous gardens: Iwakura, Horai and Kyokusui. These modern Japanese gardens were designed by Mirei Shigemori during the Showa era. They are among the greatest of Japanese gardens designed after the Meiji era. Mirei designed them with a combination of rocks, and the opposite concepts of "stillness" and "movement" in harmony.
    matsuo-shrine-garden-4.jpg
  • Shofu-en has three famous gardens: Iwakura, Horai and Kyokusui. These modern Japanese gardens were designed by Mirei Shigemori during the Showa era. They are among the greatest of Japanese gardens designed after the Meiji era. Mirei designed them with a combination of rocks, and the opposite concepts of "stillness" and "movement" in harmony.
    matsuo-shrine-garden-5.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-14.jpg
  • Shofu-en has three famous gardens: Iwakura, Horai and Kyokusui. These modern Japanese gardens were designed by Mirei Shigemori during the Showa era. They are among the greatest of Japanese gardens designed after the Meiji era. Mirei designed them with a combination of rocks, and the opposite concepts of "stillness" and "movement" in harmony.
    matsuo-shrine-garden-11.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-03.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-196.jpg
  • Shofu-en has three famous gardens: Iwakura, Horai and Kyokusui. These modern Japanese gardens were designed by Mirei Shigemori during the Showa era. They are among the greatest of Japanese gardens designed after the Meiji era. Mirei designed them with a combination of rocks, and the opposite concepts of "stillness" and "movement" in harmony.
    matsuo-shrine-garden-13.jpg
  • Shofu-en has three famous gardens: Iwakura, Horai and Kyokusui. These modern Japanese gardens were designed by Mirei Shigemori during the Showa era. They are among the greatest of Japanese gardens designed after the Meiji era. Mirei designed them with a combination of rocks, and the opposite concepts of "stillness" and "movement" in harmony.
    matsuo-shrine-garden-1.jpg
  • Omura-ji Temple Garden had been originally built in the Nara era. The temple and garden has a small tea room called Goryoku-an created by Mitsuru Shigemori here. It was built in Okayama in the Showa period, then moved to Omuraji in 1999. The small garden was recreated by Mirei Shigemori.
    omura-ji-1.jpg
  • Kudoku-an was designed by Mirei Shigemori when he was 64 years old. It was first built as a private teahouse in Okayama in 1963 then moved to Omura-ji Temple in June 2004. The tea house is constructed of Japanese cedar which Mirei chose, and its beauty is appreciated as his best work. If you stroll around inside Omura-ji Temple, you will see the garden he designed and a black pine tree that is more than 350 years old.
    kudoku-an-1.jpg
  • Shido-ji Temple Garden - Shidoji is the 86th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage Buddhist trail.  Its garden was originally created during the Muromachi period, the 15th century,  but was heavily damaged by an earthquake and left in ruins for many years.  The garden was commissioned by a local ruler of that time, and was designed to evoke ink wash paintings of Chinese landscapes depicting a river flowing through mountains. After being damaged it fell into disrepair and was neglected for many years. Mirei Shigemori resurrected it to its present state with a few modern twists.  Shigemori collaborated with Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese-American sculptor who had a studio on the east side of Takamatsu. In addition to resurrecting the ancient garden, Shigemori added one of his own in the karesansui or dry landscape style.
    shidoji-14.jpg
  • Hachijin-no-Niwa Garden at Kishiwada Castle - this very unique karesansui garden is set in the courtyard of Kishiwada-jo and designed to be viewed from the windows of the castle. It is a very modern design of geometric, linear stones punctuated by groups of rocks in a field of pebbles. The garden was designed by Mirei Shigemori, a leading figure in the development of the modern Japanese garden. The garden was completed in 1953. Eight groups of rocks represent the "Battle Formation of the Eight Positions". Each of these eight groupings has a name: heaven, earth, bird/phoenix, dragon, cloud, serpent, tiger or wind.  The garden challenges our thinking about the usually calm effects of stone gardens. Based on the layout of a mythological battle conducted by Chinese General Zhuge Liang, the stone setting at the center of the design, named Central Camp, is the garden’s focal point.  Eight stone sub-camps:  Heaven, Earth, Wind, Cloud, Dragon, Tiger, Phoenix and Snake surround the main encampment.
    kishiwada-garden-2.jpg
  • Shido-ji Temple Garden - Shidoji is the 86th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage Buddhist trail.  Its garden was originally created during the Muromachi period, the 15th century,  but was heavily damaged by an earthquake and left in ruins for many years.  The garden was commissioned by a local ruler of that time, and was designed to evoke ink wash paintings of Chinese landscapes depicting a river flowing through mountains. After being damaged it fell into disrepair and was neglected for many years. Mirei Shigemori resurrected it to its present state with a few modern twists.  Shigemori collaborated with Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese-American sculptor who had a studio on the east side of Takamatsu. In addition to resurrecting the ancient garden, Shigemori added one of his own in the karesansui or dry landscape style.
    shidoji-18.jpg
  • Kudoku-an was designed by Mirei Shigemori when he was 64 years old. It was first built as a private teahouse in Okayama in 1963 then moved to Omura-ji Temple in June 2004. The tea house is constructed of Japanese cedar which Mirei chose, and its beauty is appreciated as his best work. If you stroll around inside Omura-ji Temple, you will see the garden he designed and a black pine tree that is more than 350 years old.
    kudoku-an-2.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-11.jpg
  • Hachijin-no-Niwa Garden at Kishiwada Castle - a very unique karesansui garden  set in the courtyard of Kishiwada-jo and designed to be viewed from the windows of the castle. It is a very modern design of geometric, linear stones punctuated by rocks in a field of pebbles. The garden was designed by Mirei Shigemori, a leading figure in the development of the modern Japanese garden. Eight groups of rocks represent the "Battle Formation of the Eight Positions". Each of these eight groupings has a name: heaven, earth, phoenix, dragon, cloud, serpent, tiger and wind.  The garden challenges our thinking about the usually calm effect of stone gardens. Based on the layout of a mythological battle conducted by Chinese General Zhuge Liang, the stone setting at the center of the design, named Central Camp, is the garden’s focal point.
    kishiwada-garden-4.jpg
  • Shido-ji Temple Garden - Shidoji is the 86th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage Buddhist trail.  Its garden was originally created during the Muromachi period, the 15th century,  but was heavily damaged by an earthquake and left in ruins for many years.  The garden was commissioned by a local ruler of that time, and was designed to evoke ink wash paintings of Chinese landscapes depicting a river flowing through mountains. After being damaged it fell into disrepair and was neglected for many years. Mirei Shigemori resurrected it to its present state with a few modern twists.  Shigemori collaborated with Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese-American sculptor who had a studio on the east side of Takamatsu. In addition to resurrecting the ancient garden, Shigemori added one of his own in the karesansui or dry landscape style.
    shidoji-17.jpg
  • Hachijin-no-Niwa Garden at Kishiwada Castle - this very unique karesansui garden is set in the courtyard of Kishiwada-jo and designed to be viewed from the windows of the castle. It is a very modern design of geometric, linear stones punctuated by groups of rocks in a field of pebbles. The garden was designed by Mirei Shigemori, a leading figure in the development of the modern Japanese garden. The garden was completed in 1953. Eight groups of rocks represent the "Battle Formation of the Eight Positions". Each of these eight groupings has a name: heaven, earth, bird/phoenix, dragon, cloud, serpent, tiger or wind.  The garden challenges our thinking about the usually calm effects of stone gardens. Based on the layout of a mythological battle conducted by Chinese General Zhuge Liang, the stone setting at the center of the design, named Central Camp, is the garden’s focal point.  Eight stone sub-camps:  Heaven, Earth, Wind, Cloud, Dragon, Tiger, Phoenix and Snake surround the main encampment.
    kishiwada-garden-1.jpg
  • Kudoku-an was designed by Mirei Shigemori when he was 64 years old. It was first built as a private teahouse in Okayama in 1963 then moved to Omura-ji Temple in June 2004. The tea house is constructed of Japanese cedar which Mirei chose, and its beauty is appreciated as his best work. If you stroll around inside Omura-ji Temple, you will see the garden he designed and a black pine tree that is more than 350 years old.
    kudoku-an-3.jpg
  • Shido-ji Temple Garden - Shidoji is the 86th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage Buddhist trail.  Its garden was originally created during the Muromachi period, the 15th century,  but was heavily damaged by an earthquake and left in ruins for many years.  The garden was commissioned by a local ruler of that time, and was designed to evoke ink wash paintings of Chinese landscapes depicting a river flowing through mountains. After being damaged it fell into disrepair and was neglected for many years. Mirei Shigemori resurrected it to its present state with a few modern twists.  Shigemori collaborated with Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese-American sculptor who had a studio on the east side of Takamatsu. In addition to resurrecting the ancient garden, Shigemori added one of his own in the karesansui or dry landscape style.
    shidoji-16.jpg
  • Shido-ji Temple Garden - Shidoji is the 86th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage Buddhist trail.  Its garden was originally created during the Muromachi period, the 15th century,  but was heavily damaged by an earthquake and left in ruins for many years.  The garden was commissioned by a local ruler of that time, and was designed to evoke ink wash paintings of Chinese landscapes depicting a river flowing through mountains. After being damaged it fell into disrepair and was neglected for many years. Mirei Shigemori resurrected it to its present state with a few modern twists.  Shigemori collaborated with Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese-American sculptor who had a studio on the east side of Takamatsu. In addition to resurrecting the ancient garden, Shigemori added one of his own in the karesansui or dry landscape style.
    shidoji-15.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-04.jpg
  • Kyokutou-tei Garden at Ogura-tei Residence was created in 1951 by Shigemori Mirei and with his craftspeople they created it in just a few days. Three stone work arrangements enclosed in hair moss in a beautifully organized garden best viewed from the shoin. The three stone work groupings are the hourai - a formal grouping visible from the shoin. On the left is there is a semiformal grouping, and on the right side is the an informal grouping. The borrowed landscape from the nearby mountains are incorporated naturally. Horai Shinsen’s view of the world applies an unusual treatment of traditional tea ceremony garden.
    omura-tei-1.jpg
  • Omura-ji Temple Garden had been originally built in the Nara era. The temple and garden has a small tea room called Goryoku-an created by Mitsuru Shigemori here. It was built in Okayama in the Showa period, then moved to Omuraji in 1999. The small garden was recreated by Mirei Shigemori.
    omura-ji-2.jpg
  • Hachijin-no-Niwa Garden at Kishiwada Castle - this very unique karesansui garden is set in the courtyard of Kishiwada-jo and designed to be viewed from the windows of the castle. It is a very modern design of geometric, linear stones punctuated by groups of rocks in a field of pebbles. The garden was designed by Mirei Shigemori, a leading figure in the development of the modern Japanese garden. The garden was completed in 1953. Eight groups of rocks represent the "Battle Formation of the Eight Positions". Each of these eight groupings has a name: heaven, earth, bird/phoenix, dragon, cloud, serpent, tiger or wind.  The garden challenges our thinking about the usually calm effects of stone gardens. Based on the layout of a mythological battle conducted by Chinese General Zhuge Liang, the stone setting at the center of the design, named Central Camp, is the garden’s focal point.  Eight stone sub-camps:  Heaven, Earth, Wind, Cloud, Dragon, Tiger, Phoenix and Snake surround the main encampment.
    kishiwada-garden-3.jpg
  • Hachijin-no-Niwa Garden at Kishiwada Castle - this very unique karesansui garden is set in the courtyard of Kishiwada-jo and designed to be viewed from the windows of the castle. It is a very modern design of geometric, linear stones punctuated by groups of rocks in a field of pebbles. The garden was designed by Mirei Shigemori, a leading figure in the development of the modern Japanese garden. The garden was completed in 1953. Eight groups of rocks represent the "Battle Formation of the Eight Positions". Each of these eight groupings has a name: heaven, earth, bird/phoenix, dragon, cloud, serpent, tiger or wind.  The garden challenges our thinking about the usually calm effects of stone gardens. Based on the layout of a mythological battle conducted by Chinese General Zhuge Liang, the stone setting at the center of the design, named Central Camp, is the garden’s focal point.  Eight stone sub-camps:  Heaven, Earth, Wind, Cloud, Dragon, Tiger, Phoenix and Snake surround the main encampment.
    kishiwada-garden-5.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-195.jpg
  • Shido-ji Temple Garden - Shidoji is the 86th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage Buddhist trail.  Its garden was originally created during the Muromachi period, the 15th century,  but was heavily damaged by an earthquake and left in ruins for many years.  The garden was commissioned by a local ruler of that time, and was designed to evoke ink wash paintings of Chinese landscapes depicting a river flowing through mountains. After being damaged it fell into disrepair and was neglected for many years. Mirei Shigemori resurrected it to its present state with a few modern twists.  Shigemori collaborated with Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese-American sculptor who had a studio on the east side of Takamatsu. In addition to resurrecting the ancient garden, Shigemori added one of his own in the karesansui or dry landscape style.
    shidoji-18.jpg
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji. The Garden of the Dragon is one of the finest modern karesansui gardens designed by Shigemori Mirei, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel - each dark area represents a dragon or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, and hints at the recency of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and around Japan
    ryugin-an-1.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-17.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-09.jpg
  • Shido-ji Temple Garden - Shidoji is the 86th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage Buddhist trail.  Its garden was originally created during the Muromachi period, the 15th century,  but was heavily damaged by an earthquake and left in ruins for many years.  The garden was commissioned by a local ruler of that time, and was designed to evoke ink wash paintings of Chinese landscapes depicting a river flowing through mountains. After being damaged it fell into disrepair and was neglected for many years. Mirei Shigemori resurrected it to its present state with a few modern twists.  Shigemori collaborated with Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese-American sculptor who had a studio on the east side of Takamatsu. In addition to resurrecting the ancient garden, Shigemori added one of his own in the karesansui or dry landscape style.
    shidoji-16.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-06.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-15.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-10.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-02.jpg
  • Kyokutou-tei Garden at Ogura-tei Residence was created in 1951 by Shigemori Mirei and with his craftspeople they created it in just a few days. Three stone work arrangements enclosed in hair moss in a beautifully organized garden best viewed from the shoin. The three stone work groupings are the hourai - a formal grouping visible from the shoin. On the left is there is a semiformal grouping, and on the right side is the an informal grouping. The borrowed landscape from the nearby mountains are incorporated naturally. Horai Shinsen’s view of the world applies an unusual treatment of traditional tea ceremony garden.
    omura-tei-2.jpg
  • Shido-ji Temple Garden - Shidoji is the 86th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage Buddhist trail.  Its garden was originally created during the Muromachi period, the 15th century,  but was heavily damaged by an earthquake and left in ruins for many years.  The garden was commissioned by a local ruler of that time, and was designed to evoke ink wash paintings of Chinese landscapes depicting a river flowing through mountains. After being damaged it fell into disrepair and was neglected for many years. Mirei Shigemori resurrected it to its present state with a few modern twists.  Shigemori collaborated with Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese-American sculptor who had a studio on the east side of Takamatsu. In addition to resurrecting the ancient garden, Shigemori added one of his own in the karesansui or dry landscape style.
    shidoji-14.jpg
  • Shido-ji Temple Garden - Shidoji is the 86th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage Buddhist trail.  Its garden was originally created during the Muromachi period, the 15th century,  but was heavily damaged by an earthquake and left in ruins for many years.  The garden was commissioned by a local ruler of that time, and was designed to evoke ink wash paintings of Chinese landscapes depicting a river flowing through mountains. After being damaged it fell into disrepair and was neglected for many years. Mirei Shigemori resurrected it to its present state with a few modern twists.  Shigemori collaborated with Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese-American sculptor who had a studio on the east side of Takamatsu. In addition to resurrecting the ancient garden, Shigemori added one of his own in the karesansui or dry landscape style.
    shidoji-17.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-01.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-19.jpg
  • Shido-ji Temple Garden - Shidoji is the 86th temple in the Shikoku Pilgrimage Buddhist trail.  Its garden was originally created during the Muromachi period, the 15th century,  but was heavily damaged by an earthquake and left in ruins for many years.  The garden was commissioned by a local ruler of that time, and was designed to evoke ink wash paintings of Chinese landscapes depicting a river flowing through mountains. After being damaged it fell into disrepair and was neglected for many years. Mirei Shigemori resurrected it to its present state with a few modern twists.  Shigemori collaborated with Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese-American sculptor who had a studio on the east side of Takamatsu. In addition to resurrecting the ancient garden, Shigemori added one of his own in the karesansui or dry landscape style.
    shidoji-15.jpg
  • Kozanji Temple lies along the Nakasendo Road in Kiso.  It was originally founded during the Kamakura Period. The temple and its garden have been reconstructed from the devastated temple that was once here known as Kiso Sandai-ji Temple. Behind the main hall the modern Japanese garden, named Nunniwa, was created by Shigemori Mirei. This large dry garden in is said to be the largest karesansui garden in Japan - without a single tree or blade of grass. The stones were brought in from the Seto Inland Sea.
    kozanji-16.jpg
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji. The Garden of the Dragon is one of the finest modern karesansui gardens designed by Shigemori Mirei, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel - each dark area represents a dragon or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, and hints at the recency of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and indeed Japan.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-83.jpg
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji. The Garden of the Dragon is one of the finest modern karesansui gardens designed by Shigemori Mirei, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel - each dark area represents a dragon or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, and hints at the recency of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and indeed Japan.
    ryugin-an-6.jpg
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji. The Garden of the Dragon is one of the finest modern karesansui gardens designed by Shigemori Mirei, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel - each dark area represents a dragon or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, and hints at the recency of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and indeed Japan.
    ryugin-an-2.jpg
  • Funda-in was founded in 1321 as a family temple for the Ichijo clan, but always had strong ties with neighboring Tofuku-ji. Funda-in has many interesting details in its interior: dried leaves embedded in the paper shoji screens from different plant leaves. Funda-in also has a very elaborate bamboo tsukubai water basin adorned with ikebana flower arrangements. The temple has three gardens: the South Garden is in front of the main hall and consists of raked gravel with a moss garden at the far end. On the moss lie two groups of stones: the one on the left represents a tortoise, the one on the right a crane. The East Garden is made up of lots of moss, stones and rhododendrons. In its far end is a small pavilion with a round window. The painter and Zen monk Sesshu is said to have designed the southern garden so the temple is also commonly called Sesshu-ji. The modern garden master Shigemori Mirei restored the garden and added the eastern garden.
    AMBER-2022-130.jpg
  • Ryugin-an Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable".  This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, an indicator of the modernity of its design.  Ryugin-an gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei the renowned landscape architect and garden designer who designed other gardens at Tofukuji, as well as other venues in Kyoto and elsewhere in Japan.
    ryugin-an-4.jpg
  • Ryogin-an was originally the residence of the third abott of Tofuku-ji, The most prominent features of this temple are its three day zen gardens karesansui style. Thesouth garden, called the "garden of vanity" lies in front of the hojo. It consists in an austere rectangle of raked gravel, nicely echoing the emptiness of vanity.  At the western end of the garden a bamboo fence with a unique design closes the perspective together with the maples that loom over it. The design of the fence has no particular meaning according to the monk I asked to, but the pamphlet says they're lighting bolts.  The Garden of the Dragon one of the finest modern karesansui gardens, with stones dramatically placed amidst black and white gravel - each dark area represents something a dragon or clouds.  The Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable", with a simple ginkgo tree standing in the background. This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, and hints at the recency of its design. All three gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei a modern master landscape gardener who designed other gardens in Tofukuji as well as others in Kyoto and indeed Japan.
    ryugin-an-3.jpg
  • Funda-in was founded in 1321 as a family temple for the Ichijo clan, but always had strong ties with neighboring Tofuku-ji. Funda-in has many interesting details in its interior: dried leaves embedded in the paper shoji screens from different plant leaves. Funda-in also has a very elaborate bamboo tsukubai water basin adorned with ikebana flower arrangements. The temple has three gardens: the South Garden is in front of the main hall and consists of raked gravel with a moss garden at the far end. On the moss lie two groups of stones: the one on the left represents a tortoise, the one on the right a crane. The East Garden is made up of lots of moss, stones and rhododendrons. In its far end is a small pavilion with a round window. The painter and Zen monk Sesshu is said to have designed the southern garden so the temple is also commonly called Sesshu-ji. The modern garden master Shigemori Mirei restored the garden and added the eastern garden.
    funda-in-02.jpg
  • Funda-in was founded in 1321 as a family temple for the Ichijo clan, but always had strong ties with neighboring Tofuku-ji. Funda-in has many interesting details in its interior: dried leaves embedded in the paper shoji screens from different plant leaves. Funda-in also has a very elaborate bamboo tsukubai water basin adorned with ikebana flower arrangements. The temple has three gardens: the South Garden is in front of the main hall and consists of raked gravel with a moss garden at the far end. On the moss lie two groups of stones: the one on the left represents a tortoise, the one on the right a crane. The East Garden is made up of lots of moss, stones and rhododendrons. In its far end is a small pavilion with a round window. The painter and Zen monk Sesshu is said to have designed the southern garden so the temple is also commonly called Sesshu-ji. The modern garden master Shigemori Mirei restored the garden and added the eastern garden.
    funda-in-11.jpg
  • Ryogin-an Eastern garden is the "Garden of the Inseparable". This garden uses purple gravel that is not common for zen gardens, an indicator of the modernity of its of its design. Ryogin-an gardens were designed by Shigemori Mirei the renowned landscape architect and garden designer who designed other gardens at Tofukuji, as well as other venues in Kyoto and Japan.
    ryugin-an-5.jpg
  • Funda-in Moon Window at Sesshu-ji - Funda-in was founded in 1321 as a family temple for the Ichijo clan, but always had strong ties with neighboring Tofuku-ji. Funda-in has many interesting details in its interior: dried leaves embedded in the paper shoji screens from different plant leaves. Funda-in also has a very elaborate bamboo tsukubai water basin adorned with ikebana flower arrangements. The temple has three gardens: the South Garden is in front of the main hall and consists of raked gravel with a moss garden at the far end. On the moss lie two groups of stones: the one on the left represents a tortoise, the one on the right a crane. The East Garden is made up of lots of moss, stones and rhododendrons. In its far end is a small pavilion with a round window. The painter and Zen monk Sesshu is said to have designed the southern garden so the temple is also commonly called Sesshu-ji. The modern garden master Shigemori Mirei restored the garden and added the eastern garden.
    funda-in-05.jpg
  • Maple Leaf Shoji at Funda-in - founded in 1321 as a family temple for the Ichijo clan, but always had strong ties with neighboring Tofuku-ji. Funda-in has many interesting details in its interior: dried leaves embedded in the paper shoji screens from different plant leaves. Funda-in also has a very elaborate bamboo tsukubai water basin adorned with ikebana flower arrangements. The temple has three gardens: the South Garden is in front of the main hall and consists of raked gravel with a moss garden at the far end. On the moss lie two groups of stones: the one on the left represents a tortoise, the one on the right a crane. The East Garden is made up of lots of moss, stones and rhododendrons. In its far end is a small pavilion with a round window. The painter and Zen monk Sesshu is said to have designed the southern garden so the temple is also commonly called Sesshu-ji. The modern garden master Shigemori Mirei restored the garden and added the eastern garden.
    funda-in-10.jpg
  • Funda-in was founded in 1321 as a family temple for the Ichijo clan, but always had strong ties with neighboring Tofuku-ji. Funda-in has many interesting details in its interior: dried leaves embedded in the paper shoji screens from different plant leaves. Funda-in also has a very elaborate bamboo tsukubai water basin adorned with ikebana flower arrangements. The temple has three gardens: the South Garden is in front of the main hall and consists of raked gravel with a moss garden at the far end. On the moss lie two groups of stones: the one on the left represents a tortoise, the one on the right a crane. The East Garden is made up of lots of moss, stones and rhododendrons. In its far end is a small pavilion with a round window. The painter and Zen monk Sesshu is said to have designed the southern garden so the temple is also commonly called Sesshu-ji. The modern garden master Shigemori Mirei restored the garden and added the eastern garden.
    funda-in-01.jpg
  • Funda-in was founded in 1321 as a family temple for the Ichijo clan, but always had strong ties with neighboring Tofuku-ji. Funda-in has many interesting details in its interior: dried leaves embedded in the paper shoji screens from different plant leaves. Funda-in also has a very elaborate bamboo tsukubai water basin adorned with ikebana flower arrangements. The temple has three gardens: the South Garden is in front of the main hall and consists of raked gravel with a moss garden at the far end. On the moss lie two groups of stones: the one on the left represents a tortoise, the one on the right a crane. The East Garden is made up of lots of moss, stones and rhododendrons. In its far end is a small pavilion with a round window. The painter and Zen monk Sesshu is said to have designed the southern garden so the temple is also commonly called Sesshu-ji. The modern garden master Shigemori Mirei restored the garden and added the eastern garden.
    funda-in-06.jpg
  • Funda-in was founded in 1321 as a family temple for the Ichijo clan, but always had strong ties with neighboring Tofuku-ji. Funda-in has many interesting details in its interior: dried leaves embedded in the paper shoji screens from different plant leaves. Funda-in also has a very elaborate bamboo tsukubai water basin adorned with ikebana flower arrangements. The temple has three gardens: the South Garden is in front of the main hall and consists of raked gravel with a moss garden at the far end. On the moss lie two groups of stones: the one on the left represents a tortoise, the one on the right a crane. The East Garden is made up of lots of moss, stones and rhododendrons. In its far end is a small pavilion with a round window. The painter and Zen monk Sesshu is said to have designed the southern garden so the temple is also commonly called Sesshu-ji. The modern garden master Shigemori Mirei restored the garden and added the eastern garden.
    AMBER-2022-C-50.jpg
  • The Mirei Shigemori Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the middle Edo period with an adjoining garden and tea ceremony pavilions. Both garden and pavilions were designed by Mirei Shigemori, seminal 20th century designer of Japanese gardens. The main garden consists of four rock configurations symbolizing the Elysian islands - Hojo, Eiju, Horai and Koryo placed on the sand garden. Horai island consists of a crane style rock and Hojo, a tortoise style rock composite. The stones known as blue rock are from Shikoku island. The garden is overlooked by a veranda with shoji screens, tatami mats and a hanging paper light made specially by Isamu Noguchi for this venue.
    mirei-garden-museum-5.jpg
  • The Mirei Shigemori Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the middle Edo period with an adjoining garden and tea ceremony pavilions. Both garden and pavilions were designed by Mirei Shigemori, seminal 20th century designer of Japanese gardens. The main garden consists of four rock configurations symbolizing the Elysian islands - Hojo, Eiju, Horai and Koryo placed on the sand garden. Horai island consists of a crane style rock and Hojo, a tortoise style rock composite. The stones known as blue rock are from Shikoku island. The garden is overlooked by a veranda with shoji screens, tatami mats and a hanging paper light made specially by Isamu Noguchi for this venue.
    mirei-garden-museum-3.jpg
  • The Mirei Shigemori Residence is a traditional townhouse dating from the middle Edo period with an adjoining garden and tea ceremony pavilions. Both garden and pavilions were designed by Mirei Shigemori, seminal 20th century designer of Japanese gardens. The main garden consists of four rock configurations symbolizing the Elysian islands - Hojo, Eiju, Horai and Koryo placed on the sand garden. Horai island consists of a crane style rock and Hojo, a tortoise style rock composite. The stones known as blue rock are from Shikoku island. The garden is overlooked by a veranda with shoji screens, tatami mats and a hanging paper light made specially by Isamu Noguchi for this venue.
    mirei-garden-museum-4.jpg
  • Tofukuji Temple Eastern Garden - Hokutoshichisei - Seven cylindrical stones are arranged in a field to represent main stars of the Great Bear of the Heavens or the Big Dipper. These stones were originally foundation stones used in other places in the temple.  Renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei designed this garden to show the Great Bear of Heaven that is the Big Dipper.   The pillars were repurposed from other parts of the building.
    tofukuji-east-04.jpg
  • Tofukuji Western Garden - Compared with rigidity of the southern garden's Zen-style dry stone-garden, the western garden has a gentle style composed of moss and azalea shrubs trimmed in a chequered pattern like a "Seiden" or Chinese style of dividing plots of land.  Renowned landscape architect Shigemori Mirei designed this garden
    tofukuji-west-06.jpg
  • Tofukuji Temple Eastern Garden - Hokutoshichisei - Seven cylindrical stones are arranged in a field to represent main stars of the Great Bear of the Heavens or the Big Dipper. These stones were originally foundation stones used in other places in the temple.  Renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei designed this garden to show the Great Bear of Heaven that is the Big Dipper.   The pillars were repurposed from other parts of the building.
    tofukuji-east-06.jpg
  • Tofukuji Western Garden - Compared with rigidity of the southern garden's Zen-style dry stone-garden, the western garden has a gentle style composed of moss and azalea shrubs trimmed in a chequered pattern like a "Seiden" or Chinese style of dividing plots of land.  Renowned landscape architect Shigemori Mirei designed this garden
    tofukuji-west-04.jpg
  • Tofukuji Temple Eastern Garden - Hokutoshichisei - Seven cylindrical stones are arranged in a field to represent main stars of the Great Bear of the Heavens or the Big Dipper. These stones were originally foundation stones used in other places in the temple.  Renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei designed this garden to show the Great Bear of Heaven that is the Big Dipper.   The pillars were repurposed from other parts of the building.
    tofukuji-east-05.jpg
  • Tofukuji Western Garden - Compared with rigidity of the southern garden's Zen-style dry stone-garden, the western garden has a gentle style composed of moss and azalea shrubs trimmed in a chequered pattern like a "Seiden" or Chinese style of dividing plots of land.  Renowned landscape architect Shigemori Mirei designed this garden
    tofukuji-west-2.jpg
  • Tofukuji Western Garden - Compared with rigidity of the southern garden's Zen-style dry stone-garden, the western garden has a gentle style composed of moss and azalea shrubs trimmed in a chequered pattern like a "Seiden" or Chinese style of dividing plots of land.  Renowned landscape architect Shigemori Mirei designed this garden
    tofukuji-west-1.jpg
  • Shinnyo-do was founded in 984 by priest Kaisan to enshrine a statue of Buddha of Paradise. The temple became famous as a training centre where one can practice the "Fudan Nenbutsu", a prayer to Buddha that lasts all day without any pause, a tradition evolved into "O-juja" a 10 day chanting prayer that is still performed every year.  Many famous people and families are buried in the temple.  Leaving the main hall, a covered path leads to two gardens.   The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the borrowed andscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its geometrical pattern is similar in design to his father Shigemori Mirei works at Tofuku-ji and elsewhere.
    shinnyo-do-4.jpg
  • Tofukuji Temple Eastern Garden - Hokutoshichisei - Seven cylindrical stones are arranged in a field to represent main stars of the Great Bear of the Heavens or the Big Dipper. These stones were originally foundation stones used in other places in the temple.  Renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei designed this garden to show the Great Bear of Heaven that is the Big Dipper.   The pillars were repurposed from other parts of the building.
    tofukuji-east-1.jpg
  • Tofukuji Temple Eastern Garden - Hokutoshichisei - Seven cylindrical stones are arranged in a field to represent main stars of the Great Bear of the Heavens or the Big Dipper. These stones were originally foundation stones used in other places in the temple.  Renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei designed this garden to show the Great Bear of Heaven that is the Big Dipper.   The pillars were repurposed from other parts of the building.
    tofukuji-east-2.jpg
  • Nirvana Shakkei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-shakkei-garden-2.jpg
  • Rinshoji Garden, Rinshoji Temple is known for its unique modern Japanese garden, designed by renowned modern Japanese garden designer Mirei Shigemori.  Mirei fused modern art with Japanese garden design.  Here, he took advantage of the gentle hill and sculpted shrubs as part of the motif.  It follows a Japanese wave pattern, often used in kimono designs. The garden is especially alive during May when the azaleas are at their peak.
    rinshoji-08.jpg
  • Rinshoji Garden, Rinshoji Temple is known for its unique modern Japanese garden, designed by renowned modern Japanese garden designer Mirei Shigemori.  Mirei fused modern art with Japanese garden design.  Here, he took advantage of the gentle hill and sculpted shrubs as part of the motif.  It follows a Japanese wave pattern, often used in kimono designs. The garden is especially alive during May when the azaleas are at their peak.
    rinshoji-06.jpg
  • Nirvana Shakkei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-shakkei-garden-3.jpg
  • Rinshoji Garden, Rinshoji Temple is known for its unique modern Japanese garden, designed by renowned modern Japanese garden designer Mirei Shigemori.  Mirei fused modern art with Japanese garden design.  Here, he took advantage of the gentle hill and sculpted shrubs as part of the motif.  It follows a Japanese wave pattern, often used in kimono designs. The garden is especially alive during May when the azaleas are at their peak.
    rinshoji-04.jpg
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