Gardens, Harmony with Nature

The Japanese garden embodies an exquisite spatial design, blending seamlessly with nature and surrounding structures. During the Heian period (794-1185), gardens were crafted to represent the Buddhist Pure Land, exemplified by the Byodoin Garden to resemble a paradise within our earthly realm. As samurai rule rose in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and Zen Buddhism flourished in the Muromachi period (1333-1573), gardens followed a pond-and-spring style, reflecting Zen principles. These tranquil gardens showcased seasonal flora and trees, featuring a central pond and hillocks adorned with natural stones. In addition, Karesansui (dry landscape) gardens, mimicking water flow using white sand, were created.

Imperial Gardens

Katsura Imperial Villa

Authentically beautiful architecture created by two aesthetic crown princes. A must- enjoy the functional beauty of the stone path.

Shugakuin Imperial Villa

After long days of patience, Emperor Gosui reached the fulfillment of his life, which was the Shugakuin Riky

Sento Imperial Palace

A large garden of a secondary palace complex in Kyoto on the occasion of Emperor Gomizunoo's retirement. It's a great garden to visit

Zen gardens

Saihoji (Moss Temple)

The Dry Landscape Garden was created by Muso Soseki, a monk of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and a garden designer. Over time, it became a famous Moss Temple.

Kenninji Temple

The Daioen garden in front of Hojo Hall is a dry landscape garden with white sand paved over it. In contrast, the karesansui-style small garden called Choontei can be viewed from all sides.

Ryoanji Temple

The famous Dry Landscape garden consists of 15 stones and moss on the white sand. It is fun to look at the stone arrangements while solving the riddle of their meaning.

Chisen-Kaiyu-style gardens with a path around a central pond

Tenryuji Temple

Located at Arashiyama, Shogun Ashikaga Takauji built Tenryuji Temple to mourn Emperor Go-Daigo. Sogen pond garden and Could Dragon painting are spectacular.

Koishikawa Korakuen

Ritsurin Park

Three outstanding gardens

Kenrokuen in Kanazawa

Kenrokuen is a strolling garden of the Maeda clan of the Kaga domain. The domain survived through the Edo period, thanks to the survival strategy of the lords.