Asia Images / John Lander Photography

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Books
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
Next
131 images found
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    tobi-ishi-02.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    tobi-ishi-01.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    tobi-ishi-04.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    tobi-ishi-03.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    stepping-stones-1.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    tobi-ishi-2.jpg
  • Kiyosumi Garden Tobi Ishi - Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones. While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    tobi-ishi-3.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    tobi-ishi-1.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    koko-en-28.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    stepping-stones-6.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    stepping-stones-3.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    stepping-stones-2.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    stepping-stones-1.jpg
  • Togoshi Garden Tobi Ishi - Togoshi Park Garden has historical traces from the Hosokawa family of Kumamoto - a lord during the Edo period. The garden curves around an arrangement of valleys, waterfalls and a pond in a tsukiyama style.  The garden retains the elements of a Daimyo garden with trees and seasonal flowers such as plum, cherry and Ginkgo trees as well as Rhododendrons. Togoshi is a beautiful and peaceful spot but is not well known nor visited by anyone but the locals.  The large pond, waterfall, bridges, an artificial mountain and its magnificent entrance gate make it a masterpiece of landscape design particularly since it is now a mere Tokyo borough city park
    togoshi-park-garden-27.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-18.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    chion-in-6.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    kenninji-stepping-stones-1.jpg
  • Japanese Stepping Stones Tobi Ishi 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.
    tobi-ishi-5.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    shirotori-garden-18.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    koko-en-31.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    koko-en-30.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    koko-en-32.jpg
  • Stepping Stones at Sorakuen - Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    sorakuen-19.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    shirotori-garden-12.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    shirotori-garden-19.jpg
  • Stepping stones are called tobi-ishi in Japanese, literally skipping stones or flying stones. Walking on a stepping stone pathway the visitor has to make tiny leaps to get from one stone to another. Stepping stone paths force visitor to go in line, one after the other. This is one reason why tea gardens often have stepping stones.  While walking down the path to the tea house, the guests have time to properly arrive in the garden, leave their everyday lives behind and mentally and spiritually prepare for the eminent tea ceremony.
    koko-en-29.jpg
  • Togoshi Park Garden has historical traces from the Hosokawa family of Kumamoto - a lord during the Edo period. The garden curves around an arrangement of valleys, waterfalls and a pond in a tsukiyama style.  The garden retains the elements of a Daimyo garden with trees and seasonal flowers such as plum, cherry and Ginkgo trees as well as Rhododendrons. Togoshi is a beautiful and peaceful spot but is not well known nor visited by anyone but the locals.  The large pond, waterfall, bridges, an artificial mountain and its magnificent entrance gate make it a masterpiece of landscape design particularly since it is now a mere Tokyo borough city park
    togoshi-park-garden-28.jpg
  • Heian Shrine Garden was designed by gardener Jihei Ogawa who created the garden over a twenty year period. Species rare in Japan such as Acheilognathus cyanostigma, the Yellow pond turtle and the Japanese pond turtle live around the ponds here.  The Naka Shinen or Middle Garden was constructed in 1895 formed around Soryu-Ike pond.  The pond features Garyu-kyo, a walkway consisting of stone pillars and is surrounded by an expanse of irises. This strolling landscape garden is representative of Meiji Period garden design.
    heian-shrine-garden-7.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.
    tobi-ishi-6.jpg
  • Nakae Jungoro House is one of the public Omi merchant residences in the townscape of Gokashokondo, which has been selected as an important traditional buildings and gardens preservation district of the country. This pond garden has large stepping stones.  The village was formed by prosperous Omi merchants from the late Edo period to the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras remains in the center, and the surrounding area is traditional. Along with the shrines and temples and rice fields distributed inside and outside the village, it conveys an historical landscape.
    nakae-jungoro--4.jpg
  • Nakae Jungoro House is one of the public Omi merchant residences in the townscape of Gokashokondo, which has been selected as an important traditional buildings and gardens preservation district of the country. This pond garden has large stepping stones.  The village was formed by prosperous Omi merchants from the late Edo period to the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras remains in the center, and the surrounding area is traditional. Along with the shrines and temples and rice fields distributed inside and outside the village, it conveys an historical landscape.
    nakae-junguro-amber-2.jpg
  • Nakae Jungoro House is one of the public Omi merchant residences in the townscape of Gokashokondo, which has been selected as an important traditional buildings and gardens preservation district of the country. This pond garden has large stepping stones.  The village was formed by prosperous Omi merchants from the late Edo period to the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras remains in the center, and the surrounding area is traditional. Along with the shrines and temples and rice fields distributed inside and outside the village, it conveys an historical landscape.
    nakae-jungoro--6.jpg
  • Nakae Jungoro House is one of the public Omi merchant residences in the townscape of Gokashokondo, which has been selected as an important traditional buildings and gardens preservation district of the country. This pond garden has large stepping stones.  The village was formed by prosperous Omi merchants from the late Edo period to the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras remains in the center, and the surrounding area is traditional. Along with the shrines and temples and rice fields distributed inside and outside the village, it conveys an historical landscape.
    nakae-jungoro--5.jpg
  • Nakae Jungoro House is one of the public Omi merchant residences in the townscape of Gokashokondo, which has been selected as an important traditional buildings and gardens preservation district of the country. This pond garden has large stepping stones.  The village was formed by prosperous Omi merchants from the late Edo period to the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras remains in the center, and the surrounding area is traditional. Along with the shrines and temples and rice fields distributed inside and outside the village, it conveys an historical landscape.
    nakae-jungoro--3.jpg
  • Fuchu-no-Mori Japanese Garden - Fuchu-no-mori Park was once a part of Fuchu Air Base, but was given to the city of Fuchu to develop a giant park and forest.   Fuchu-no-mori was used as a location in Aibo for important crime scenes in multiple seasons.  The park was also used as a venue Gokusen, another TV series about school life that was also made into a movie. The park includes a Japanese style garden, sports facilities and a water park that also resembles a Japanese garden with cascading levels of water popular in summer.
    fuchu-no-mori-4.jpg
  • Nakae Jungoro House is one of the public Omi merchant residences in the townscape of Gokashokondo, which has been selected as an important traditional buildings and gardens preservation district of the country. This pond garden has large stepping stones.  The village was formed by prosperous Omi merchants from the late Edo period to the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras remains in the center, and the surrounding area is traditional. Along with the shrines and temples and rice fields distributed inside and outside the village, it conveys an historical landscape.
    nakae-jungoro--2.jpg
  • Nakae Jungoro House is one of the public Omi merchant residences in the townscape of Gokashokondo, which has been selected as an important traditional buildings and gardens preservation district of the country. This pond garden has large stepping stones.  The village was formed by prosperous Omi merchants from the late Edo period to the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras remains in the center, and the surrounding area is traditional. Along with the shrines and temples and rice fields distributed inside and outside the village, it conveys an historical landscape.
    nakae-junguro-amber-1.jpg
  • Nakae Jungoro House is one of the public Omi merchant residences in the townscape of Gokashokondo, which has been selected as an important traditional buildings and gardens preservation district of the country. This pond garden has large stepping stones.  The village was formed by prosperous Omi merchants from the late Edo period to the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras remains in the center, and the surrounding area is traditional. Along with the shrines and temples and rice fields distributed inside and outside the village, it conveys an historical landscape.
    nakae-jungoro--1.jpg
  • Kaitokukan Tokyo University Garden - Marquis Toshinari Maeda, the 16th head of the Maeda Clan of the Kaga Domain, built a stately Western residence in the neo-baroque style in 1907 for receiving imperial visits. In 1926, the University of Tokyo reached an agreement with Marquis Maeda through which this residence and its property would be given to the University in exchange for University property in Komaba. The University named the residence Kaitokukan East Pavilionand used it as a facility for welcoming distinguished guests. In 1945, as a result of an air raid, the residence was completely destroyed. Kaitokukan was rebuilt in 1951 as a Japanese-style residence. The new Kaitokukan uses stones from the original Western-style residence in its foundation, while wood for the building was supplied by the University’s forests. The garden was designed by Hikoemon Ito, the Maeda Clan’s gardener. As well as the common characteristics of Japanese gardens from the late Meiji to Taisho periods, as well as the remains of the gardens built by the former lord of the Edo period in the modern city center of Tokyo. It is precious and has high artistic value in the history of modern Japanese gardens.  Kaitokukan is only open to the public one day of the year, on Todai's homecoming day, mid October each year.
    kaitokukan-15.jpg
  • Hakusasonso Garden was built over a period of 32 years on land that was formerly rice fields. The expansive garden includes many elements found in Japanese gardens: stone lanterns, water basins, and statues. Paths of stepping stones lead through mossy, thatched gates over small bridges and among the pieces of historic stonework. The 10,000-square meter site contains buildings such as a large studio he used for large works, a teahouse, and a personal Buddhist temple. There are also many works of stone art from the Heian to Kamakura periods. The garden was built by Hashimoto Kansetsu, an artist who was a member of the Kyoto art world from 1913 to 1945. The scenery in the garden changes throughout the four seasons, resembling the landscapes painted by Kansetsu. He possessed knowledge of ancient Japanese and Chinese classical history, as well as ancient and modern calligraphy art and poetry.  After deciding to become an artist he produced paintings incorporating the styles of various schools from inside and outside Japan. He is also known for creating many gardens throughtout his life though this garden is considered his best work. Hakusasonso garden was designated as a National Site of Scenic beauty by the Japanese government.
    hakusa-sonso-9.jpg
  • Hiunkaku garden was created during the Taiso Period.  The garden is composed of two tsukiyama or miniature artificial mountains, punctuated by very large granite landscaping stones - most of which are placed in a way to be used as stepping stones which can be found throughout the garden.  Although the giant stones are very evident in the design, the gardens most outstanding feature is often overlooked, that of a dry riverbed known as a kare-gawa.  Few of the Takamatsu castle's original buildings remain only the Asahimon Gate and two turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura, still stand. Inside the castle walls, however, visitors can enjoy a well kept garden.  At the center of the castle park stands the Hiunkaku with large tatami rooms overlooking the garden. Constructed in 1917 as a residence and governmental office, it is used today as an exhibition space and a community hall where tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes are held.
    hiunkaku-02.jpg
  • Lafcadio Hearn Home Garden, Matsue - Hearn was one of the first western writers with an interest in Japanese culture.  He lived in Matsue, Shimane for about one year and his residence is open to the public.  Hearn was an aficionado of Japanese gardens, and his tiny house is more garden than building, as it is surrounded on 3 sides by Japanese gardens. Hearn was born in Greece to an Irish father and a Greek mother and resided in Greece, Ireland, Britain, France and the US before moving to Japan in 1890 where he married a Japanese and was naturalized as Koizumi Yakumo, the name he remains known under in Japan. He is best known for his books that introduced Japan to the west such as "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan”.
    lafcadio-hearn-garden-11.jpg
  • Hiunkaku garden was created during the Taiso Period.  The garden is composed of two tsukiyama or miniature artificial mountains, punctuated by very large granite landscaping stones - most of which are placed in a way to be used as stepping stones which can be found throughout the garden.  Although the giant stones are very evident in the design, the gardens most outstanding feature is often overlooked, that of a dry riverbed known as a kare-gawa.  Few of the Takamatsu castle's original buildings remain only the Asahimon Gate and two turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura, still stand. Inside the castle walls, however, visitors can enjoy a well kept garden.  At the center of the castle park stands the Hiunkaku with large tatami rooms overlooking the garden. Constructed in 1917 as a residence and governmental office, it is used today as an exhibition space and a community hall where tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes are held.
    hiunkaku-11.jpg
  • Hiunkaku garden was created during the Taiso Period.  The garden is composed of two tsukiyama or miniature artificial mountains, punctuated by very large granite landscaping stones - most of which are placed in a way to be used as stepping stones which can be found throughout the garden.  Although the giant stones are very evident in the design, the gardens most outstanding feature is often overlooked, that of a dry riverbed known as a kare-gawa.  Few of the Takamatsu castle's original buildings remain only the Asahimon Gate and two turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura, still stand. Inside the castle walls, however, visitors can enjoy a well kept garden.  At the center of the castle park stands the Hiunkaku with large tatami rooms overlooking the garden. Constructed in 1917 as a residence and governmental office, it is used today as an exhibition space and a community hall where tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes are held.
    hiunkaku-04.jpg
  • Stepping Stones at Rakusui-en  - Rakusui was the pen name of Hakata businessman Mr Chikamasa Shimozawazenemon, who contributed to the development of Fukuoka.  In 1906, Chikamasa built Sumiyoshi villa with a teahouse in this area.  In 1995 the city of Fukuoka remodeled the garden and teahouse and opened the venue and named it Rakusui-en echoing its original name Rakusuian - a place where visitors can experience tea ceremony chado.  Its most famous feature are its distinctive walls. The clay walls are made of reclaimed burnt  roof tiles and rocks and from the war,  called Hakatabei.
    rakusui-en-9.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-25.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-11.jpg
  • Issuien Garden rear garden was designed by Horitoku, with a pavilion on the west side of the pond.  The pond in the eastern garden inscribes the Chinese character for water and contains a small island, reached by stepping stones. Its layout is that of a strolling garden with hills and a waterfall.  This is a strolling garden, with paths encircling the garden rolling past a teahouse, rest areas, moving over stepping stones.
    stepping-stones-4.jpg
  • Hiunkaku garden was created during the Taiso Period.  The garden is composed of two tsukiyama or miniature artificial mountains, punctuated by very large granite landscaping stones - most of which are placed in a way to be used as stepping stones which can be found throughout the garden.  Although the giant stones are very evident in the design, the gardens most outstanding feature is often overlooked, that of a dry riverbed known as a kare-gawa.  Few of the Takamatsu castle's original buildings remain only the Asahimon Gate and two turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura, still stand. Inside the castle walls, however, visitors can enjoy a well kept garden.  At the center of the castle park stands the Hiunkaku with large tatami rooms overlooking the garden. Constructed in 1917 as a residence and governmental office, it is used today as an exhibition space and a community hall where tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes are held.
    hiunkaku-03.jpg
  • Hiunkaku garden was created during the Taiso Period.  The garden is composed of two tsukiyama or miniature artificial mountains, punctuated by very large granite landscaping stones - most of which are placed in a way to be used as stepping stones which can be found throughout the garden.  Although the giant stones are very evident in the design, the gardens most outstanding feature is often overlooked, that of a dry riverbed known as a kare-gawa.  Few of the Takamatsu castle's original buildings remain only the Asahimon Gate and two turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura, still stand. Inside the castle walls, however, visitors can enjoy a well kept garden.  At the center of the castle park stands the Hiunkaku with large tatami rooms overlooking the garden. Constructed in 1917 as a residence and governmental office, it is used today as an exhibition space and a community hall where tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes are held.
    hiunkaku-01.jpg
  • 65.1. Kokoen Garden 好古園 This series of gardens were designed by a team of Japan's top landscape architects and garden designers and consists of nine separate gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period.  Among the gardens are the lord's residence garden which features a pond with a waterfall, a tea garden with its requisite tea ceremony house, a pine tree garden, a bamboo garden and a flower garden.  Overall the gardens were designed to be attractive in every season, and relatively modern when compared to those found in Kyoto or Nara.
    65.1.HIMEJI-KOKOEN-02.jpg
  • Stepping Stones at Kiyosumi Teien Garden -  the site of the residence of the Edo Period  magnate, Kinokuniya Bunzaemon. Later it became the residence of the Lord of Sekiyado castle, the period when the basic form of the garden came into existence.  In 1878  Iwasaki Yataro chose this property as a garden for the entertainment of important guests. In later years, 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 its large pond.
    kiyosumi-12.jpg
  • Kaitokukan Tokyo University Garden - Marquis Toshinari Maeda, the 16th head of the Maeda Clan of the Kaga Domain, built a stately Western residence in the neo-baroque style in 1907 for receiving imperial visits. In 1926, the University of Tokyo reached an agreement with Marquis Maeda through which this residence and its property would be given to the University in exchange for University property in Komaba. The University named the residence Kaitokukan East Pavilionand used it as a facility for welcoming distinguished guests. In 1945, as a result of an air raid, the residence was completely destroyed. Kaitokukan was rebuilt in 1951 as a Japanese-style residence. The new Kaitokukan uses stones from the original Western-style residence in its foundation, while wood for the building was supplied by the University’s forests. The garden was designed by Hikoemon Ito, the Maeda Clan’s gardener. As well as the common characteristics of Japanese gardens from the late Meiji to Taisho periods, as well as the remains of the gardens built by the former lord of the Edo period in the modern city center of Tokyo. It is precious and has high artistic value in the history of modern Japanese gardens.  Kaitokukan is only open to the public one day of the year, on Todai's homecoming day, mid October each year.
    kaitokukan-03.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-3.jpg
  • Kokoen Garden Stepping Stones - Kokoen is a relatively modern Japanese garden, opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lord's west residence Nishi-Oyashiki at Himeji Castle. The gardens were designed by a team of Japan's top landscape architects and garden designers and consists of nine separate, walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period.  Among the gardens are the garden of the lord's residence which features a pond with a waterfall, a tea garden & tea ceremony house, a pine tree garden, a bamboo garden and a flower garden.  Overall the gardens were designed to be attractive in every season.
    koko-en-42.jpg
  • Hokokuji Temple in Kamakaura is one of the few zen temples with a traditional garden in Kamakura, where the rocks, bamboo groves, zen garden, trees and plants are blended with the hills and natural background of the landscape.
    mossy-stairway.jpg
  • Kaitokukan Tokyo University Garden - Marquis Toshinari Maeda, the 16th head of the Maeda Clan of the Kaga Domain, built a stately Western residence in the neo-baroque style in 1907 for receiving imperial visits. In 1926, the University of Tokyo reached an agreement with Marquis Maeda through which this residence and its property would be given to the University in exchange for University property in Komaba. The University named the residence Kaitokukan East Pavilionand used it as a facility for welcoming distinguished guests. In 1945, as a result of an air raid, the residence was completely destroyed. Kaitokukan was rebuilt in 1951 as a Japanese-style residence. The new Kaitokukan uses stones from the original Western-style residence in its foundation, while wood for the building was supplied by the University’s forests. The garden was designed by Hikoemon Ito, the Maeda Clan’s gardener. As well as the common characteristics of Japanese gardens from the late Meiji to Taisho periods, as well as the remains of the gardens built by the former lord of the Edo period in the modern city center of Tokyo. It is precious and has high artistic value in the history of modern Japanese gardens.  Kaitokukan is only open to the public one day of the year, on Todai's homecoming day, mid October each year.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-197.jpg
  • Hakusa Sonso Tea Hut -Hakusasonso Garden was built over a period of 32 years on land that was formerly rice fields. The expansive garden includes many elements found in Japanese gardens: stone lanterns, water basins, and statues. Paths of stepping stones lead through mossy, thatched gates over small bridges and among the pieces of historic stonework. The 10,000-square meter site contains buildings such as a large studio he used for large works, a teahouse, and a personal Buddhist temple. There are also many works of stone art from the Heian to Kamakura periods. The garden was built by Hashimoto Kansetsu, an artist who was a member of the Kyoto art world from 1913 to 1945. The scenery in the garden changes throughout the four seasons, resembling the landscapes painted by Kansetsu. He possessed knowledge of ancient Japanese and Chinese classical history, as well as ancient and modern calligraphy art and poetry.  After deciding to become an artist he produced paintings incorporating the styles of various schools from inside and outside Japan. He is also known for creating many gardens throughtout his life though this garden is considered his best work. Hakusasonso garden was designated as a National Site of Scenic beauty by the Japanese government.
    hakusa-sonso-3.jpg
  • Moss Steps at Hokoku-ji  - Hokoku-ji Kamakura is world famous for its bamboo garden containing more than 2000 Moso bamboos trees. Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  The bamboo garden is punctuated with stone lanterns, jizo and moss covered stones.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-moss-stairway-2.jpg
  • Kaitokukan Tokyo University Garden - Marquis Toshinari Maeda, the 16th head of the Maeda Clan of the Kaga Domain, built a stately Western residence in the neo-baroque style in 1907 for receiving imperial visits. In 1926, the University of Tokyo reached an agreement with Marquis Maeda through which this residence and its property would be given to the University in exchange for University property in Komaba. The University named the residence Kaitokukan East Pavilionand used it as a facility for welcoming distinguished guests. In 1945, as a result of an air raid, the residence was completely destroyed. Kaitokukan was rebuilt in 1951 as a Japanese-style residence. The new Kaitokukan uses stones from the original Western-style residence in its foundation, while wood for the building was supplied by the University’s forests. The garden was designed by Hikoemon Ito, the Maeda Clan’s gardener. As well as the common characteristics of Japanese gardens from the late Meiji to Taisho periods, as well as the remains of the gardens built by the former lord of the Edo period in the modern city center of Tokyo. It is precious and has high artistic value in the history of modern Japanese gardens.  Kaitokukan is only open to the public one day of the year, on Todai's homecoming day, mid October each year.
    kaitokukan-17.jpg
  • Hiunkaku garden was created during the Taiso Period.  The garden is composed of two tsukiyama or miniature artificial mountains, punctuated by very large granite landscaping stones - most of which are placed in a way to be used as stepping stones which can be found throughout the garden.  Although the giant stones are very evident in the design, the gardens most outstanding feature is often overlooked, that of a dry riverbed known as a kare-gawa.  Few of the Takamatsu castle's original buildings remain only the Asahimon Gate and two turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura, still stand. Inside the castle walls, however, visitors can enjoy a well kept garden.  At the center of the castle park stands the Hiunkaku with large tatami rooms overlooking the garden. Constructed in 1917 as a residence and governmental office, it is used today as an exhibition space and a community hall where tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes are held.
    hiunkaku-12.jpg
  • Ichijo Ekan was a noble during the Edo Period, the son of Enperoro Goyozei but was adopted by the Ichijo clan.  He served as Advisor and Regent to the Emperor, brother Enperor Gomizuno.  In later years he became a Buddhist monk and took the name Chitoku Ekan.  He was an affcionado of the arts, especially tea ceremony, flower arrangement, architecture and calligraphy.  Naturally, these interests led him to construct a retreat which was originally built in Kyoto and later brought to Kamakura.. Ichijo Ekan Sanso is an exquisite example of Japanese court architecture often compared to Katsura Rikyu.  The use of natural materials in the villa and garden highlights the nature loving tastes of the time.
    ichijo-ekan-sanso-16.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-29.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-20.jpg
  • Kokoen Garden Stepping Stones - Kokoen is a relatively modern Japanese garden, opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lord's west residence Nishi-Oyashiki at Himeji Castle. The gardens were designed by a team of Japan's top landscape architects and garden designers and consists of nine separate, walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period.  Among the gardens are the garden of the lord's residence which features a pond with a waterfall, a tea garden & tea ceremony house, a pine tree garden, a bamboo garden and a flower garden.  Overall the gardens were designed to be attractive in every season.
    koko-en-35.jpg
  • Rinnoji Zen Garden in Sendai - beyond the main hall of the temple is a Japanese pond garden and pagoda. Visitors to Rinnoji's inner gardens can walk along the various paths, admire the koi pond, the three storied pagoda.  All of the buildings have been recently restored to their original condition.  The garden was designed by Musoto Osho.  Rinnoji is the family temple of the Date clan and is noted for its irises in the month of June.
    rinnaji-sendai-02.jpg
  • Stepping Stones at Rakusui-en  - Rakusui was the pen name of Hakata businessman Mr Chikamasa Shimozawazenemon, who contributed to the development of Fukuoka.  In 1906, Chikamasa built Sumiyoshi villa with a teahouse in this area.  In 1995 the city of Fukuoka remodeled the garden and teahouse and opened the venue and named it Rakusui-en echoing its original name Rakusuian - a place where visitors can experience tea ceremony chado.  Its most famous feature are its distinctive walls. The clay walls are made of reclaimed burnt  roof tiles and rocks and from the war,  called Hakatabei.
    rakusui-en-8.jpg
  • Fuchu-no-Mori Japanese Garden - Fuchu-no-mori Park was once a part of Fuchu Air Base, but was given to the city of Fuchu to develop a giant park and forest.   Fuchu-no-mori was used as a location in Aibo for important crime scenes in multiple seasons.  The park was also used as a venue Gokusen, another TV series about school life that was also made into a movie. The park includes a Japanese style garden, sports facilities and a water park that also resembles a Japanese garden with cascading levels of water popular in summer.
    fuchu-no-mori-3.jpg
  • Rinnoji Garden in Sendai - beyond the main hall of the temple is a Japanese pond garden and pagoda. Visitors to Rinnoji's inner gardens can walk along the various paths, admire the koi pond, the three storied pagoda.  All of the buildings have been recently restored to their original condition.  The garden was designed by Musoto Osho.  Rinnoji is the family temple of the Date clan and is noted for its irises in the month of June.
    rinnaji-sendai-14.jpg
  • Kokoen Garden Stepping Stones - Kokoen is a relatively modern Japanese garden, opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lord's west residence Nishi-Oyashiki at Himeji Castle. The gardens were designed by a team of Japan's top landscape architects and garden designers and consists of nine separate, walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period.  Among the gardens are the garden of the lord's residence which features a pond with a waterfall, a tea garden & tea ceremony house, a pine tree garden, a bamboo garden and a flower garden.  Overall the gardens were designed to be attractive in every season.
    koko-en-47.jpg
  • Stepping Stones at Heian Shrine Pond Garden - the shrine is surrounded by beautiful chisen-kaiyu-shiki which literally means "pond-stroll" gardens on three sides of the main structures.
    heian-shrine-pond-2.jpg
  • Stepping Stones at Naritasan Shinshoji Garden - Naritasan Shinshoji is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the Tokyo area, and the Head of the Chisan Shingon Buddhism sect.  Its Japanese garden, usually called Naritasan Park,is composed of wooded and landscaped greenery. Stone monuments and memorials bearing haiku poetry punctuate the landscape, making it one of the most unusual Japanese gardens in the country. Its centerpiece is a pond with a pagoda in the middle.  In addition there is a waterfall composed with a surrounding rock garden.
    shinshoji-garden-7.jpg
  • Stepping Stones across a Rock Pond Garden in Hakone - A water source in a Japanese garden should appear to be part of the natural surroundings; this is why one will not find fountains in traditional gardens. Man-made streams are built with curves and irregularities to create a serene and natural appearance
    stepping-stones.jpg
  • During the Edo Period Kawagoe Honmaru Goten was built by Matsudaira Naritsune, a Kawagoe feudal leader and built the oldest building still standing in Kawagoe.  In 1639, the Tokugawa Shogunate leader  Matsudaira Nobutsuna implemented a large scale construction project to expand Kawagoe Castle. After the Meiji Restoration, Honmaru Goten was torn down and what remains today is only one part of what was reconstructed in 1848.  Most of the rooms at Honmaru Goten are surrounded by Japanese gardens.  Some corridors have small gardens next to them with many windows for the sake of air circulation.
    honmaru-goten-kawagoe-10.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-21.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.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-69.jpg
  • Stepping Stones at Naritasan Shinshoji Garden - Naritasan Shinshoji is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the Tokyo area, and the Head of the Chisan Shingon Buddhism sect.  Its Japanese garden, usually called Naritasan Park,is composed of wooded and landscaped greenery. Stone monuments and memorials bearing haiku poetry punctuate the landscape, making it one of the most unusual Japanese gardens in the country. Its centerpiece is a pond with a pagoda in the middle.  In addition there is a waterfall composed with a surrounding rock garden.
    shinshoji-garden-20.jpg
  • Okochi Sanso “Mountain Villa” is the former home and garden of the Japanese film actor Denjiro Okochi in Arashiyama, Kyoto. The villa is known for its gardens and buildings that are recorded as cultural properties by the national government including: a traditional Japanese villa and teahouses set within a Japanese strolling garden. They were built up over the years by Okochi to as one of his residences, but were opened to the public after his death in 1962. The various gardens were designed to show off each of the four seasons.
    okochi-sanso-8.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-28.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-27.jpg
  • Denpo-in was once called "Kannon-in" or "Chiraku-in" when it was built, the name was changed to Denpo-in during the Genroku Period.  The strolling pond garden or Chisen Kaiyu Shiki is laid out in a circular style.  The garden has long been for imperial prince abbots and was never ever open to the public until recent years and even now it is only open a few weeks per year in springtime.  The garden was designed by Enshu Kobori a master of tea ceremony, an architect and renowned Japanese garden landscape gardener.  Denpo-in is the private garden of Sensoji Temple’s abbot.
    denpo-in-31.jpg
  • Gora Park Japanese Garden - Gora Park is a Western-style landscape park located on the steep slope above Gora Station in Hakone National Park. It is a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy the scenery and views of the area. Japanese like to think of Gora Park as a French styled landscape park as it features a large fountain with an adjacent rose garden. The park also has  greenhouses, with a tropical botanical garden and also a flower garden. There is a restaurant overlooking the main fountain, as well as the Japanese-style Hakuun-do Chaen teahouse. To please the kids and family types there is a craft house where one can experience glass blowing, glass etching, pottery and dried flower arrangement.
    gora-park-1.jpg
  • Rinkaku is the teahouse within the main enclosure of Aizuwakamatsu Castle - also known as Tsuruga Castle. It is a Japanese tea room that is said to have been built by Sen-no-Rikyu's child, Sen Shoan.  The tea room that Sen Shoan built here during his stay in Aizu is Rinkaku" After that, Shoan returned to Kyoto to revive the tea ceremony, and his son and grandson handed it down to the present day as the Omotesenke, Urasenke and MushakojisenkeIt schols of tea ceremony. is designated as an important cultural property by Fukushima Prefecture.
    rinkaku-04.jpg
  • During the Edo Period Kawagoe Honmaru Goten was built by Matsudaira Naritsune, a Kawagoe feudal leader and built the oldest building still standing in Kawagoe.  In 1639, the Tokugawa Shogunate leader  Matsudaira Nobutsuna implemented a large scale construction project to expand Kawagoe Castle. After the Meiji Restoration, Honmaru Goten was torn down and what remains today is only one part of what was reconstructed in 1848.  Most of the rooms at Honmaru Goten are surrounded by Japanese gardens.  Some corridors have small gardens next to them with many windows for the sake of air circulation.
    honmaru-goten-kawagoe-7.jpg
  • Waterfall at Naritasan Shinshoji Garden- Naritasan Shinshoji is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the Tokyo area, and the Head of the Chisan Shingon Buddhism sect.  Its Japanese garden, usually called Naritasan Park,is composed of wooded and landscaped greenery. Stone monuments and memorials bearing haiku poetry punctuate the landscape, making it one of the most unusual Japanese gardens in the country. Its centerpiece is a pond with a pagoda in the middle.  In addition there is a waterfall composed with a surrounding rock garden
    shinshoji-garden-15.jpg
  • Kyu Yasuda Teien Garden  - the garden was once the grounds of a samurai and designed in 1688 by Honjo Inabanokami Munesuke.   The strolling garden was taken over and remodeled in 1894 by Zenjiro Yasuda. The Great Kanto Earthquake and also WWII seriously damaged the garden. It was renovated in 1927 after the earthquake and again in 1971.  It was given to the city of Tokyo according to Yasuda’s dying wishes. Kyu Yasuda Teien has been open to the public ever since as a public park. The pond garden retains the appearance described in literature of the Meiji period and is one of the typical gardens of this period.
    kyu-yasuda-garden-14.jpg
  • Gyokurinji is a Rinzai Buddhist temple that was founded in the  Muromachi period 1339. The garden was created in the second half of the Heisei period. Its dry stone karesansui garden was created in recent years, and was designed in three straight lines:  an abstract representation of a treasure boat heading to the shore anchored in the pool of night. The highlights are Hiyama and a stone bridge made of natural stone. The stone bridge at the intersection of two other stones, when viewed from a different angle, the balance is maintained by slightly cutting the stone. This makes it look like a stone bridge with an exquisite balance when viewed from the front. There is a second dry mountain garden behind the zen garden, covered and surrounded with cedar moss on a gentle slope.
    gyokurinji-itsukaiichi-3.jpg
  • Gora Park Japanese Garden - Gora Park is a Western-style landscape park located on the steep slope above Gora Station in Hakone National Park. It is a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy the scenery and views of the area. Japanese like to think of Gora Park as a French styled landscape park as it features a large fountain with an adjacent rose garden. The park also has  greenhouses, with a tropical botanical garden and also a flower garden. There is a restaurant overlooking the main fountain, as well as the Japanese-style Hakuun-do Chaen teahouse. To please the kids and family types there is a craft house where one can experience glass blowing, glass etching, pottery and dried flower arrangement.
    gora-park-3.jpg
  • Yamazaki House in Kawagoe is an interesting mix of western and Japanese styles.  ThThe building was designed by Katsuya Yasuoka a famous architect in the 1920s in which Japanese buildings and homes, with western elements were incorporated and in vogue at the time. Stained glass windows were de rigeuer at the time and there are some designed by Shichiro Beppu and Sanchi Ogawa.  The gardens, however, are almost all Japanese style in flavor.  There is a small teahouse in the garden to complete the tableau.
    yamazaki-house-garden-2.jpg
  • Yusentei was built as a vacation house by a feudal lord of Fukuoka in 1754 and was reopened by the city of Fukuoka in 1981 as a historical park.  This  garden is constructed in the chisen kaiyu-shiki  style, that is a strolling garden centered on a scenic pond. The paths of the garden wind through thick trees and mossy rocks, up miniature hills and along the shore of the koi pond, immersing visitors in a uniquely Japanese landscape garden atmosphere. At the large teahouse overlooking the pond, visitors can enjoy matcha tea at the teahouse overlooking the pond.  The garden is named after a poem by Kuze Michinatsu, which expresses the coolness of the spring water in the summer and the feeling of retreat at the Jyosuian and Shozanan teahouses.
    yusentei-garden-11.jpg
  • Gora Park Japanese Garden - Gora Park is a Western-style landscape park located on the steep slope above Gora Station in Hakone National Park. It is a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy the scenery and views of the area. Japanese like to think of Gora Park as a French styled landscape park as it features a large fountain with an adjacent rose garden. The park also has  greenhouses, with a tropical botanical garden and also a flower garden. There is a restaurant overlooking the main fountain, as well as the Japanese-style Hakuun-do Chaen teahouse. To please the kids and family types there is a craft house where one can experience glass blowing, glass etching, pottery and dried flower arrangement.
    gora-park-2.jpg
  • Lafcadio Hearn Home Garden, Matsue - Hearn was one of the first western writers with an interest in Japanese culture.  He lived in Matsue, Shimane for about one year and his residence is open to the public.  Hearn was an aficionado of Japanese gardens, and his tiny house is more garden than building, as it is surrounded on 3 sides by Japanese gardens. Hearn was born in Greece to an Irish father and a Greek mother and resided in Greece, Ireland, Britain, France and the US before moving to Japan in 1890 where he married a Japanese and was naturalized as Koizumi Yakumo, the name he remains known under in Japan. He is best known for his books that introduced Japan to the west such as "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan”.
    lafcadio-hearn-garden-12.jpg
  • Kyu Yasuda Teien Garden  - the garden was once the grounds of a samurai and designed in 1688 by Honjo Inabanokami Munesuke.   The strolling garden was taken over and remodeled in 1894 by Zenjiro Yasuda. The Great Kanto Earthquake and also WWII seriously damaged the garden. It was renovated in 1927 after the earthquake and again in 1971.  It was given to the city of Tokyo according to Yasuda’s dying wishes. Kyu Yasuda Teien has been open to the public ever since as a public park. The pond garden retains the appearance described in literature of the Meiji period and is one of the typical gardens of this period.
    kyu-yasuda-garden-2.jpg
  • Hiunkaku garden was created during the Taiso Period.  The garden is composed of two tsukiyama or miniature artificial mountains, punctuated by very large granite landscaping stones - most of which are placed in a way to be used as stepping stones which can be found throughout the garden.  Although the giant stones are very evident in the design, the gardens most outstanding feature is often overlooked, that of a dry riverbed known as a kare-gawa.  Few of the Takamatsu castle's original buildings remain only the Asahimon Gate and two turrets, the Ushitora Yagura and the Tsukimi Yagura, still stand. Inside the castle walls, however, visitors can enjoy a well kept garden.  At the center of the castle park stands the Hiunkaku with large tatami rooms overlooking the garden. Constructed in 1917 as a residence and governmental office, it is used today as an exhibition space and a community hall where tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes are held.
    hiunkaku-08.jpg
  • Gyokurinji is a Rinzai Buddhist temple that was founded in the  Muromachi period 1339. The garden was created in the second half of the Heisei period. Its dry stone karesansui garden was created in recent years, and was designed in three straight lines:  an abstract representation of a treasure boat heading to the shore anchored in the pool of night. The highlights are Hiyama and a stone bridge made of natural stone. The stone bridge at the intersection of two other stones, when viewed from a different angle, the balance is maintained by slightly cutting the stone. This makes it look like a stone bridge with an exquisite balance when viewed from the front. There is a second dry mountain garden behind the zen garden, covered and surrounded with cedar moss on a gentle slope.
    gyokurinji-itsukaiichi-4.jpg
  • Gyokurinji is a Rinzai Buddhist temple that was founded in the  Muromachi period 1339. The garden was created in the second half of the Heisei period. Its dry stone karesansui garden was created in recent years, and was designed in three straight lines:  an abstract representation of a treasure boat heading to the shore anchored in the pool of night. The highlights are Hiyama and a stone bridge made of natural stone. The stone bridge at the intersection of two other stones, when viewed from a different angle, the balance is maintained by slightly cutting the stone. This makes it look like a stone bridge with an exquisite balance when viewed from the front. There is a second dry mountain garden behind the zen garden, covered and surrounded with cedar moss on a gentle slope.
    gyokurinji-itsukaiichi-2.jpg
  • Yamazaki House in Kawagoe is an interesting mix of western and Japanese styles.  ThThe building was designed by Katsuya Yasuoka a famous architect in the 1920s in which Japanese buildings and homes, with western elements were incorporated and in vogue at the time. Stained glass windows were de rigeuer at the time and there are some designed by Shichiro Beppu and Sanchi Ogawa.  The gardens, however, are almost all Japanese style in flavor.  There is a small teahouse in the garden to complete the tableau.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-243.jpg
  • Gyokurinji is a Rinzai Buddhist temple that was founded in the  Muromachi period 1339. The garden was created in the second half of the Heisei period. Its dry stone karesansui garden was created in recent years, and was designed in three straight lines:  an abstract representation of a treasure boat heading to the shore anchored in the pool of night. The highlights are Hiyama and a stone bridge made of natural stone. The stone bridge at the intersection of two other stones, when viewed from a different angle, the balance is maintained by slightly cutting the stone. This makes it look like a stone bridge with an exquisite balance when viewed from the front. There is a second dry mountain garden behind the zen garden, covered and surrounded with cedar moss on a gentle slope.
    gyokurinji-itsukaiichi-5.jpg
  • During the Edo Period Kawagoe Honmaru Goten was built by Matsudaira Naritsune, a Kawagoe feudal leader and built the oldest building still standing in Kawagoe.  In 1639, the Tokugawa Shogunate leader  Matsudaira Nobutsuna implemented a large scale construction project to expand Kawagoe Castle. After the Meiji Restoration, Honmaru Goten was torn down and what remains today is only one part of what was reconstructed in 1848.  Most of the rooms at Honmaru Goten are surrounded by Japanese gardens.  Some corridors have small gardens next to them with many windows for the sake of air circulation.
    honmaru-goten-kawagoe-11.jpg
  • During the Edo Period Kawagoe Honmaru Goten was built by Matsudaira Naritsune, a Kawagoe feudal leader and built the oldest building still standing in Kawagoe.  In 1639, the Tokugawa Shogunate leader  Matsudaira Nobutsuna implemented a large scale construction project to expand Kawagoe Castle. After the Meiji Restoration, Honmaru Goten was torn down and what remains today is only one part of what was reconstructed in 1848.  Most of the rooms at Honmaru Goten are surrounded by Japanese gardens.  Some corridors have small gardens next to them with many windows for the sake of air circulation.
    honmaru-goten-kawagoe-9.jpg
Next