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  • 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
  • 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
  • Howa-en is also called Mito Mitsuke is relatively hidden and unsung garden in Mito, Ibaraki. It is most famous for its hydrangeas of which there are 10 <br />
different species, in bloom during July. In addition, there are wisteria near the pond growing in their trellises. The pond garden has a small pagoda on its own tiny island framed by Japanese pines which is lit up in the evenings. Amebas Pond is the centerpiece of the garden, with a strolling path around its cicircumference, which passes by a small waterfall, plum and sakura cherry trees. The grounds of Howaen or Howa-en are adjacent to Keiseiruji Temple (original name was Kokadoin or Kofuin) and was a favorite of Tokugawa Mitsukuni who named it Hodenkoen. Locally the temple and garden complex is called
    howa-en-10.jpg
  • Seizan-so is a modern garden with a traditional teahouse Anjo-an. Seizan-so was the hermitage of Tokugawa Mitsukuni, who spent a decade here writing an historical scholarly work on Japanese history, Dai Nippon. Seizan-so is run by the Suifu-Meitokukai Foundation who operate the Tokugawa Museum in Mito City.  Tokugawa’s hermitage is known as Nishiyama Goten which was designated as a historic site in Ibaraki prefecture in 1972.
    Seizan-so-4.jpg
  • The Issa Soju Memorial Hall in Nagareyama commemorates Issa Kobayashi, a renowned Japanese haiku poet in the 18th and 19th centuries and Soju Akimoto, a brewer of mirin. Issa Kobayashi visited Nagareyama often to see Sanzaemon Akimoto whose pen name was Soju. The home of Akimoto family showcases the Sojutei outer garden, Issa-an dry garden. Sojutei was originally built as the library and study of the Akimotos in the style of a tea-ceremony house. It has been restored, and consists of Okunoma, Nakanoma and Ochanoma with verandas  facing east, west and south overlooking the dry garden.  Issa-an consists of an eight tatami-mat room and is used for tea ceremonies and gathering of haiku poets.  The Issa-Soju Memorial Hall opened in 1995 to commemorate <br />
the friendship and correspondence between Soju Akimoto and Issa Kobayashi.
    issa-sojo-10.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
  • The Issa Soju Memorial Hall in Nagareyama commemorates Issa Kobayashi, a renowned Japanese haiku poet in the 18th and 19th centuries and Soju Akimoto, a brewer of mirin. Issa Kobayashi visited Nagareyama often to see Sanzaemon Akimoto whose pen name was Soju. The home of Akimoto family showcases the Sojutei outer garden, Issa-an dry garden. Sojutei was originally built as the library and study of the Akimotos in the style of a tea-ceremony house. It has been restored, and consists of Okunoma, Nakanoma and Ochanoma with verandas  facing east, west and south overlooking the dry garden.  Issa-an consists of an eight tatami-mat room and is used for tea ceremonies and gathering of haiku poets.  The Issa-Soju Memorial Hall opened in 1995 to commemorate <br />
the friendship and correspondence between Soju Akimoto and Issa Kobayashi.
    issa-sojo-12.jpg
  • Seizan-so is a modern garden with a traditional teahouse Anjo-an. Seizan-so was the hermitage of Tokugawa Mitsukuni, who spent a decade here writing an historical scholarly work on Japanese history, Dai Nippon. Seizan-so is run by the Suifu-Meitokukai Foundation who operate the Tokugawa Museum in Mito City.  Tokugawa’s hermitage is known as Nishiyama Goten which was designated as a historic site in Ibaraki prefecture in 1972.
    Seizan-so-5.jpg
  • Keiseiruji Temple (original name was Kokadoin or Kofuin) and was a favorite of Tokugawa Mitsukuni who named it Hodenkoen. Adjacent to the temple is a Japanese pond garden called Howa-en or Mito Mitsuke - a relatively hidden and unsung garden in Mito, Ibaraki. It is most famous for its hydrangeas of which there are 10 <br />
different species in bloom during July.  The pond garden has a small pagoda on its own tiny island framed by Japanese pines which is lit up in the evenings. Amebas Pond is the centerpiece of the garden, with a strolling path around its cicircumference, which passes by a small waterfall, plum and sakura cherry trees.
    howa-en-12.jpg
  • Howa-en is also called Mito Mitsuke is relatively hidden and unsung garden in Mito, Ibaraki. It is most famous for its hydrangeas of which there are 10 <br />
different species, in bloom during July. In addition, there are wisteria near the pond growing in their trellises. The pond garden has a small pagoda on its own tiny island framed by Japanese pines which is lit up in the evenings. Amebas Pond is the centerpiece of the garden, with a strolling path around its cicircumference, which passes by a small waterfall, plum and sakura cherry trees. The grounds of Howaen or Howa-en are adjacent to Keiseiruji Temple (original name was Kokadoin or Kofuin) and was a favorite of Tokugawa Mitsukuni who named it Hodenkoen. Locally the temple and garden complex is called
    howa-en-03.jpg
  • Ritsurin 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-garden-06.jpg
  • Ritsurin 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-garden-07.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-garden-15.jpg
  • Yakushiike Garden is named after its central pond, Yakushi-ike.  The Pond garden is surrounded by plum and cherry trees, so it is a famous spot in Tokyo for hanami or cherry blossom viewing.  Its unique two tried arched bridge is the centerpiece of the garden. Within the park grounds, there are thatched roof rural houses, former residences of the Nagai and Hagino families that have been preserved.  The park has been designated as a National Designated Cultural Property and a National Place of Scenic Beauty. And one of Japan’s top 100 Historical Parks.
    yakushiike-11.jpg
  • Yakushiike Garden is named after its central pond, Yakushi-ike.  The Pond garden is surrounded by plum and cherry trees, so it is a famous spot in Tokyo for hanami or cherry blossom viewing.  Its unique two tried arched bridge is the centerpiece of the garden. Within the park grounds, there are thatched roof rural houses, former residences of the Nagai and Hagino families that have been preserved.  The park has been designated as a National Designated Cultural Property and a National Place of Scenic Beauty. And one of Japan’s top 100 Historical Parks.
    yakushiike-08.jpg
  • Seizan-so is a modern garden with a traditional teahouse Anjo-an. Seizan-so was the hermitage of Tokugawa Mitsukuni, who spent a decade here writing an historical scholarly work on Japanese history, Dai Nippon. Seizan-so is run by the Suifu-Meitokukai Foundation who operate the Tokugawa Museum in Mito City.  Tokugawa’s hermitage is known as Nishiyama Goten which was designated as a historic site in Ibaraki prefecture in 1972.
    seizan-so-2.jpg
  • Howa-en is also called Mito Mitsuke is relatively hidden and unsung garden in Mito, Ibaraki. It is most famous for its hydrangeas of which there are 10 <br />
different species, in bloom during July. In addition, there are wisteria near the pond growing in their trellises. The pond garden has a small pagoda on its own tiny island framed by Japanese pines which is lit up in the evenings. Amebas Pond is the centerpiece of the garden, with a strolling path around its cicircumference, which passes by a small waterfall, plum and sakura cherry trees. The grounds of Howaen or Howa-en are adjacent to Keiseiruji Temple (original name was Kokadoin or Kofuin) and was a favorite of Tokugawa Mitsukuni who named it Hodenkoen. Locally the temple and garden complex is called
    howa-en-08.jpg
  • The Issa Soju Memorial Hall in Nagareyama commemorates Issa Kobayashi, a renowned Japanese haiku poet in the 18th and 19th centuries and Soju Akimoto, a brewer of mirin. Issa Kobayashi visited Nagareyama often to see Sanzaemon Akimoto whose pen name was Soju. The home of Akimoto family showcases the Sojutei outer garden, Issa-an dry garden. Sojutei was originally built as the library and study of the Akimotos in the style of a tea-ceremony house. It has been restored, and consists of Okunoma, Nakanoma and Ochanoma with verandas  facing east, west and south overlooking the dry garden.  Issa-an consists of an eight tatami-mat room and is used for tea ceremonies and gathering of haiku poets.  The Issa-Soju Memorial Hall opened in 1995 to commemorate <br />
the friendship and correspondence between Soju Akimoto and Issa Kobayashi.
    issa-sojo-13.jpg
  • Howa-en is also called Mito Mitsuke is relatively hidden and unsung garden in Mito, Ibaraki. It is most famous for its hydrangeas of which there are 10 <br />
different species, in bloom during July. In addition, there are wisteria near the pond growing in their trellises. The pond garden has a small pagoda on its own tiny island framed by Japanese pines which is lit up in the evenings. Amebas Pond is the centerpiece of the garden, with a strolling path around its cicircumference, which passes by a small waterfall, plum and sakura cherry trees. The grounds of Howaen or Howa-en are adjacent to Keiseiruji Temple (original name was Kokadoin or Kofuin) and was a favorite of Tokugawa Mitsukuni who named it Hodenkoen. Locally the temple and garden complex is called
    howa-en-11.jpg
  • Ichijo Ekan was a noble during the Edo Period, the son of Enperoro Goyozei but was adopted by the Ichijo clan.  He served as Advisor and Regent to the Emperor, brother Enperor Gomizuno.  In later years he became a Buddhist monk and took the name Chitoku Ekan.  He was an affcionado of the arts, especially tea ceremony, flower arrangement, architecture and calligraphy.  Naturally, these interests led him to construct a retreat which was originally built in Kyoto and later brought to Kamakura.. Ichijo Ekan Sanso is an exquisite example of Japanese court architecture often compared to Katsura Rikyu.  The use of natural materials in the villa and garden highlights the nature loving tastes of the time.
    ichijo-ekan-sanso-13.jpg
  • 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-11.jpg
  • Ritsurin Pond Garden - Ritsurin Garden is a landscape garden in Takamatsu  built by the local feudal lords during the Edo Period. Considered one of the finest gardens in Japan.  Ritsurin features many ponds, hills and pavilions set in front of wooded Mt. Shiun which serves as a background and example of borrowed scenery and Japanese gardening design.
    ritsurin-24.jpg
  • Rakujuen Garden was built around Kohama Pond where the natural spring brings in water from Mt. Fuji. Built by the Imperial Family Komatsu-no-miya in 1890 on the Mishima Lava that flowed from Mt. Fuji. Rakujuen has been designated as a place of scenic beauty and a national natural treasure by the Japanese government.  Its centerpiece is the Rakujukan teahouse built in the Takayukashiki Sukiyazukuri style.
    rakujuen-garden-5.jpg
  • Kokawa-dera Temple Garden was created by Ueda Soko, a Sengoku warrior and master of tea ceremony.  The garden at Kokawa-dera is designated as a national site of scenic beauty of Japan.  Its formation is unique, with stones and shrubs artfully vertially arranged on a slope. The stones are of chlorite, piedmontite and serpentine brought in from nearby mountains.  Kokawa-dera was founded by a hunter in the 8th century, Wakayama's Kokawa-dera Temple is still maintained by the hunter's descendants. The temple is known nationwide as an important place for the Buddhist belief in Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. It is the third temple in the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage.
    kokawa-dera-8.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.
    tsukabai-51.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
  • 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
  • The large rock garden at Kenninji Hondo is of type meaning "dry mountains and water" style. Inside the hondo itself are many painted sliding fusuma doors from renowned artist Hashimoto Kansetsu.
    kenninji-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-3.jpg
  • The Katsura Imperial Villa or Katsura Rikyu as it is known in Japanese is a villa in the western suburbs of Kyoto. It is one of Japan's most important large-scale cultural treasures. Its gardens are a masterpiece of Japanese gardening, and the buildings perfect examples of Japanese architecture at its best. The Katsura Imperial Villa is a good example of the essence of Japanese traditional design. The Villa combines principles usually used in early Shinto shrines and merges it with the esthetics and philosophy of Zen Buddhism. It provides an invaluable window into the villas of princes of the Edo period. The palace formerly belonged to the prince of the Hachij-no-miya family. The Imperial Household Agency now maintains and administers.
    katsura-3.jpg
  • Tenryu-ji more formally known as Tenryu Shiseizen-ji is the head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Arashiyama, Kyoto.  The temple was founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, primarily to venerate Gautama Buddha, and its first chief priest was Muso Soseki the famous Zen garden designer.  As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Go-Daigo, the temple is held in high esteem, and is ranked number one among Kyoto's so-called "Five Mountains." In 1994, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    tenryuji-3.jpg
  • Honbu Garden Myoshinji - Although it is a main temple of the Myoshin-ji group of the Rinzai sect, which contains 47 sub-temples in a vast area, its Honbo garden is rather simple with impressive paired sand cones used for public events and ceremonies.  The garden is said to have been deisgned by Muso Soseki.
    Honbo-Garden-2.jpg
  • Shuheki-en Garden at Sanzen-in.  Sanzen-in is a Tendai Buddhism monzeki; temple. Its gardens and a small hall called Ojogokuraku-in as well as the three Buddhist images in the hall are the main attractions. Monzeki is a temple of which the head priests has always been a member of the imperial family or of the nobility.
    sanzen-in-1.jpg
  • Kiyosumi Teien Garden was the site of the residence of the Edo Period business magnate, Kinokuniya Bunzaemon. Later it became the residence of the Edo of the Lord of Sekiyado castle, Shimofusa-no-kuni the period when the basic form of the garden came into existence.  In 1878,  Iwasaki Yataro, chose this property to use a garden for the entertainment of important guests. After the design and construction phases ended, the garden opened in 1880 under the name of "Fukagawa Shimbokuen." In later years, the waters of the Sumida River were brought into the grounds to make the pond. Hills and waterless waterfalls were constructed and famous rocks from all over Japan were brought in to embellish the garden. The garden was completed in the Meiji Period and developed into a famous strolling garden centered around a large pond.
    kiyosumi-4.jpg
  • Hokokuji Temple in Kamakaura is one of the few zen temples with a traditional garden in Kamakura, where the rocks, bamboo groves, zen garden, trees and plants are blended with the hills and natural background of the landscape. Water is considered purifying in Japan, hence the emphasis on cleanliness in everyday life.  Water fountains such as these, known as tsukubai, are also beneficial to hear the trickling of falling water to soothe the nerves as well.  A tsukubai is a small basin provided at Japanese Buddhist temples for visitors to purify themselves by the ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. Tsukubai are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small scoop, laid across the top, ready for use.
    tsukubai-30.jpg
  • Shomyoji Arched Bridge - 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 not to mention 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.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
  • Kaito-ro Bridge at Shosei-en - Kaito-ro, a covered bridge connects the north edge of Engetsu-chi pond and the north island at Shosei-en Garden - designed as a retreat for the chief priest Sen'nyo.  Shosei-en is also called Kikoku-tei "Orange Mansion" because it was once surrounded by orange groves. The garden is a Chisen-Kaiyu-Shiki teien that is a pond garden, or strolling garden with buildings such as tea-ceremony houses and bridges  throughout the grounds.
    shosei-en-9.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-12.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
  • Rakujuen Garden Wisteria - Rakujuen Garden was built around Kohama Pond where the natural spring brings in water from Mt. Fuji. Built by the Imperial Family Komatsu-no-miya in 1890 on the Mishima Lava that flowed from Mt. Fuji. Rakujuen has been designated as a place of scenic beauty and a national natural treasure by the Japanese government.  Its centerpiece is the Rakujukan teahouse built in the Takayukashiki Sukiyazukuri style.
    rakujuen-garden-3.jpg
  • Sorakuen was once the residence of Taijiro Kodera.  This pond garden was built in the early 20th century but now surrounded by modern buildings.  At one time the garden was called “Kodera Residence” or “Sotetsu Garden”/. When Kobe City took over its maintenance it was opened to the public under the name “Sorakuen”.  Like most strolling gardens Sorakuen has a central pond and stone pathways that circle around it.. What makes it distinct is its western influences as it was built during the Meiji period.  Although most buildings were burnt during WWII important cultural properties such as The Hassam House and Funayakata, a sort of houseboat, which were moved to the garden for the sake of preservation.
    sorakuen-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-07.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.<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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Manshu-in also known as Manshuin Monzeki - the temple's major garden is in the Karesansui style, contains a notable pine tree which is about 400 years old, set within an "island" on a stream of white sand best viewed from the shoin.
    manshu-in-garden-5.jpg
  • Rikugien Garden is a Tokyo metropolitan park The name Rikugi comes from the concept of the six elements in waka poetry while 'en' means garden or park. The garden consists of a small pond, trees and a hill. Unlike the renowned Zen gardens found in Kyoto, the Japanese gardens found in Tokyo tend to be of the "strolling garden" variety, typically surrounding a pond.
    rikugien-3.jpg
  • Kotoji-toro, a stone lantern with two legs is said to resemble the bridge on a koto. This lantern is the symbol of Kenrokuen and even Kanazawa itself.  Kenroku-en or the "Six Attributes Garden" (spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, watercourses and panoramas)  along with Kairakuen and Korakuen, is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
    kenrokuen-9.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.
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  • The Garden of Boulders, or Sazareishi-no-niwa, is the main garden of Shunkoin. The theme of the garden is the Great Shrine of Ise in Mie Prefecture. The Great Shrine of Ise is the head shrine of all Shinto shrines in Japan. This garden houses a shrine to Toyouke-no-omikami, a goddess of agriculture. It is common to see Buddhist and Shinto objects enshrined at the same place in Japan because until the the Meiji period. it was a popular belief in Japan that Shinto deities are various forms of the Buddha that existed to save people.
    Sazareishi-no-niwa.jpg
  • Ginkaku-ji the "Temple of the Silver Pavilion" is a Zen temple in Kyoto. Its architecture and design represents the Higashiyama Culture of Muromachi period.  The official name is Jisho-ji or "Temple of Shining Mercy."  Its is called by its popular name "Silver Pavilion" because of initial plans to cover its exterior in silver foil which never happened.
    ginkakuji-10.jpg
  • 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.
    renge-ji-1.jpg
  • Engakuji is the main temple of the Engakuji section of the Rinzai Buddhist sect. The garden was restored in 1969 according to an old drawing. Zen Buddhism regarded gardens as microcosms of the natural landscape and this is a fine example.
    engakuji-garden-3.jpg
  • Kairaku-en Garden, literrally  "A park to be enjoyed together" is a Japanese garden located in Mito, Japan. Along with Kenroku-en and Koraku-en, Kairaku-en is considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Built in the year 1841 by lord Tokugawa Nariaki,  and though worth a visit throughout the year, the garden is at its most attractive during the plum blossom season, which takes place in early March. More than 3000 plum trees have been planted here. Besides the plum tree forest, Kairakuen also features a bamboo grove, cedar woods and the Kobuntei, a traditional Japanese style building - its name is derived from  the word plum.
    kairakuen-5.jpg
  • Meigetsuin is a Zen temple in Kamakura in harmony with nature. Composed of two gardens, one zen dry garden in front and a strolling garden in back. Meigetsuin is well-known for the many hydrangea in bloom in June, and vivid maples leaves in autumn.  According to 350-year-old records  Meigetsuin was originally just the guest house of a much bigger  Zenko-ji Temple which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    meigetsuin-garden-2.jpg
  • Teahouses at Shosei-en Garden - Rinchi-tei on the left and Tekisui-ken to its right. Shosei-en Garden was designed as a retreat for the chief priest Sen'nyo.  Shosei-en is also called Kikoku-tei "Orange Mansion" because it was once surrounded by orange groves. The garden is a Chisen-Kaiyu-Shiki teien  that is a pond strolling garden with buildings such as tea-ceremony houses arranged here and there throughout the grounds.
    shosei-en-6.jpg
  • Shorazon Hill at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden - 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-10.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-4.jpg
  • Sogenchi Pond Garden - Tenryuji has been ranked first among Kyoto's "Five Great Zen Temples".  Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden which, unlike the temple buildings, survived the many fires and is considered one of the oldest of its kind.  This is a "borrowed landscape" garden, taking in the background scenery of the hills of  Arashiyama as part of the garden's composition. Sogenchi pond and Ishigumi rock clusters in the garden are this pond garden's main ingredients and what makes it so special.
    tenryuji-13.jpg
  • The Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple is one of the few temples in Kyoto where visitors must request an invitation in advance before their visit. Visitors are required to participate in chanting and writing wishes before visiting the famous gardens. In this way the monks are able to maintain the temple and garden and prevent mass tourism from destroying the tranquility of the moss garden.
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  • Taizo-in, one of the many sub-temples at Miyoshinji Temple, is well-known for its spectacular Japanese gardens but also for opening its doors to visitors and casual tourists in order to teaching Zen Buddhism, including "Zen Experience" visits which include calligraphy sessions, tea ceremony, and a vegetarian lunch called shojin ryori - a special gourmet assortment of vegetarian dishes.
    taizo-in-motonobu-2.jpg
  • Rakujuen Garden was built around Kohama Pond where the natural spring brings in water from Mt. Fuji. Built by the Imperial Family Komatsu-no-miya in 1890 on the Mishima Lava that flowed from Mt. Fuji. Rakujuen has been designated as a place of scenic beauty and a national natural treasure by the Japanese government.  Its centerpiece is the Rakujukan teahouse built in the Takayukashiki Sukiyazukuri style.
    rakujuen-garden-14.jpg
  • Numazu Goyotei Kinen Koen or Numazu Imperial Villa Memorial Park was at one time an imperial summer retreat for the Japanese Imperial family.  The buildings, and garden retain the remnants of the Imperial family throughout the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods.  The villa and its grounds are of historical value.
    goyotei-garden-1.jpg
  • Gate and Steps at Meigetsuin Garden Kamakura - Meigetsuin represents legendary Mount Shumi or Sumeru an imaginary mountain in the Buddhist universe. According to records Meigetsuin was originally merely the guest house of a much bigger temple called Zenko-ji which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    kamakura-meigetsuin-07.jpg
  • Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura is officially named Kaiko-zan Jisho-in Hase-dera but commonly called Hase Kannon.  Hase-Dera has landscaped Japanese gardens, a giant prayer wheel, jizo caves, a bamboo grove, and a vegetarian restaurant up the hill with a birds-eye view of Kamakura and the Shonan Coast. Hase-dera is famous for its massive wooden statue of Kannon - a treasure of Japan.  Originally belonging to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Hase-dera became an independent temple of the Jodo sect of Zen Buddhism.
    kamakura-hasedera-05.jpg
  • Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura is officially named Kaiko-zan Jisho-in Hase-dera but commonly called Hase Kannon.  Hase-Dera has landscaped Japanese gardens, a giant prayer wheel, jizo caves, a bamboo grove, and a vegetarian restaurant up the hill with a birds-eye view of Kamakura and the Shonan Coast. Hase-dera is famous for its massive wooden statue of Kannon - a treasure of Japan.  Originally belonging to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Hase-dera became an independent temple of the Jodo sect of Zen Buddhism.
    kamakura-hase-dera-04.jpg
  • The Issa Soju Memorial Hall in Nagareyama commemorates Issa Kobayashi, a renowned Japanese haiku poet in the 18th and 19th centuries and Soju Akimoto, a brewer of mirin. Issa Kobayashi visited Nagareyama often to see Sanzaemon Akimoto whose pen name was Soju. The home of Akimoto family showcases the Sojutei outer garden, Issa-an dry garden. Sojutei was originally built as the library and study of the Akimotos in the style of a tea-ceremony house. It has been restored, and consists of Okunoma, Nakanoma and Ochanoma with verandas  facing east, west and south overlooking the dry garden.  Issa-an consists of an eight tatami-mat room and is used for tea ceremonies and gathering of haiku poets.  The Issa-Soju Memorial Hall opened in 1995 to commemorate <br />
the friendship and correspondence between Soju Akimoto and Issa Kobayashi.
    issa-sojo-1.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
  • Ikkai-in is a quiet and has its own unique character and particularities. The most obvious of which is the central pine tree and its long lone branch supported by a couple of poles. This tree is the structuring element of the garden and can serve as a window for the other elements in the background: two stone lanterns, a red or two lost among the satsuki rhododendrons and, finally, a stepping stone path.
    ikkai-in-1.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
  • Ginkakuji garden is famous for its cone shaped structure called the Kogetsudai or Moon Viewing Platform.  Many people assume it is meant to resemble Mount Fuji, while others believe it is meant to reflect divine light into hearts of viewers.  Soami, the famous landscape gardener designed the garden and buildings of Ginkaku-ji.  He is thought to have been the greatest garden designer in medieval Japan - having his name attached to a temple grants immediate distinction although there is no mention of the sand structure before renovations of the Edo period (almost 100 years after Soami's death).
    ginkakuji-4.jpg
  • 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.
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  • Kodai-ji Temple is located at the foot of Higashiyama Ryozen Mountains in Kyoto. It is officially called Kodaiji Jushozenji Temple and was established in 1606.  Tokugawa Ieyasu - the first Tokugawa shogun - financed the construction of the temple resulting in its magnificent appearance.  Many of its buildings and tea houses.  Kodaiji's garden is said to have been designed by the landscape garden designer Kobori Enshu. The garden is designated by the Japanese Government as a historical site and a place of scenic beauty.  Kodaiji south garden is a karesansui or dry rock garden that features raked gravel punctuated by conical formations and surrounded by borders of moss and stone.
    kodaiji-3.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
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  • Honbu Garden Myoshinji - Although it is a main temple of the Myoshin-ji group of the Rinzai sect, which contains 47 sub-temples in a vast area, its Honbo garden is rather simple with impressive paired sand cones used for public events and ceremonies.  The garden is said to have been deisgned by Muso Soseki.
    Honbo-Garden-3.jpg
  • Korakuen is a Japanese landscape garden located in Okayama and is considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, along with Kenrokuen and Kairakuen. Korakuen was built in 1700 by Ikeda Tsunamasa, lord of Okayama. In 1884, ownership was transferred to Okayama Prefecture and the garden was opened to the public. The garden suffered severe flood damage in 1934 and during World War II bombing in 1945, but has been restored based on Edo period paintings and diagrams.
    korakuen-6.jpg
  • Rikugien Garden  the very name of this garden means the six traditional elements essential to great poetry.  A wonderful, romantic sentiment in itself for a garden but especially apt because the concept has been followed through to the design and layout of this garden which depicts 88 scenes from a classic Japanese poem.  It does so by use of the pond, stone islands, teahouses and bridges.
    rikugien-5.jpg
  • Meigetsuin is a Zen temple in Kamakura in harmony with nature. Composed of two gardens, one zen dry garden in front and a strolling garden in back. Meigetsuin is well-known for the many hydrangea in bloom in June, and vivid maples leaves in autumn.  According to 350-year-old records  Meigetsuin was originally just the guest house of a much bigger  Zenko-ji Temple which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    meigetsuin-garden-6.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-02.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-35.jpg
  • Kokawa-dera Temple Garden was created by Ueda Soko, a Sengoku warrior and master of tea ceremony.  The garden at Kokawa-dera is designated as a national site of scenic beauty of Japan.  Besides the renowned vertical stone garden, there are artfully sculpted shcrubs that are common in Wakayama prefecture, but the artfulness here takes them to a new level.  Kokawa-dera was founded by a hunter in the 8th century, Wakayama's Kokawa-dera Temple is still maintained by the hunter's descendants. The temple is known nationwide as an important place for the Buddhist belief in Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. It is the third temple in the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage.
    kokawa-dera-10.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Japanese Gardener - The karesansui zen garden of raked sand, rocks and plants at Meigetsuin Temple Garden represents legendary Mount Shumi or Sumeru an imaginary mountain in the Buddhist universe. According to records Meigetsuin was originally merely the guest house of a much bigger temple called Zenko-ji which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    kamakura-meigetsuin-01.jpg
  • Sorakuen was once the residence of Taijiro Kodera.  This pond garden was built in the early 20th century but now surrounded by modern buildings.  At one time the garden was called “Kodera Residence” or “Sotetsu Garden”/. When Kobe City took over its maintenance it was opened to the public under the name “Sorakuen”.  Like most strolling gardens Sorakuen has a central pond and stone pathways that circle around it.. What makes it distinct is its western influences as it was built during the Meiji period.  Although most buildings were burnt during WWII important cultural properties such as The Hassam House and Funayakata, a sort of houseboat, which were moved to the garden for the sake of preservation.
    sorakuen-2.jpg
  • Tsukubai at Hase-dera Kamakura - 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
    hase-dera-tsukubai-1.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-03.jpg
  • Shodensan-so is a a venue for promoting and practicing tea ceremony.  As the variety of tea rooms confirm, Shodensan-so is not a temple but rather a center for the pursuit of tea culture in Japan.  Rare openings to visitors in November includes the tea ceremony experience, as well as a stroll through its Japanese garden and an opportunity to view exquisite sukiya architecture.  The property was built in keeping one architectural detail in mind: the square-circle duality. For example, ponds: square north, round south, to square and round window shapes, ceiling patterns to lanterns and stepping stones. Though the garden itself appears to have no real focal point, it is in fact a strolling garden where the visitor encounters various aspects of the garden as a kind of adventure.  
    shodensan-so-16.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.
    tsukabai-50.jpg
  • Honen-in is most famous for its two sand mounds that are said to purify the visitor.   At the approach to the temple itself are mounds of white sand that are called Byakusadan. These symbolize water that cleans your body and mind. Patterns on the top of the mounds are changed every few days.
    honen-in-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.
    garden-rest-area-1.jpg
  • Reiun-in was established in 1390 and has always had a tradtional Japanese garden on its grounds since its establishment but unfortunately the original was destroyed. However, there was a picture taken of the original during the Edo period, and modern Japanese garden designer Mirei Shigemori redesigned the garden using the original as a base. The garden was meant to express the true aspect of the great universe and is called Garden of Nine Mountains and Eight Seas
    reiun-in-garden-2.jpg
  • Kodai-ji Temple is officially Kodaiji Jushozenji Temple & was established in 1606. Kodaiji's garden is said to have been designed by the garden designer Kobori Enshu and is designated by the Japanese Government as a historical site and a place of scenic beauty.  Kodaiji south garden is a karesansui or dry rock garden that features raked gravel punctuated by conical formations and surrounded by borders of moss and stone.
    kodaiji-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-1.jpg
  • Kiyosumi Teien Garden was the site of the residence of the Edo Period business magnate, Kinokuniya Bunzaemon. Later it became the residence of the Edo of the Lord of Sekiyado castle, Shimofusa-no-kuni the period when the basic form of the garden came into existence.  In 1878,  Iwasaki Yataro, chose this property to use a garden for the entertainment of important guests. After the design and construction phases ended, the garden opened in 1880 under the name of "Fukagawa Shimbokuen." In later years, the waters of the Sumida River were brought into the grounds to make the pond. Hills and waterless waterfalls were constructed and famous rocks from all over Japan were brought in to embellish the garden. The garden was completed in the Meiji Period and developed into a famous strolling garden centered around a large pond.
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