In early August 2015, I visited the Adachi Museum of Art. Pictures of its gardens always appear here and there on the internet, and I was always moved by the beauty of this not old, but old-appearing garden. I set it on my garden bucket list. History of the Adachi...Continue Reading
Discover the history and symbolism of round windows in Japanese gardens and architecture, including the Yoshino window, Zen temple designs, and sukiya-style tea houses.Continue Reading
Keio Mogusaen Garden in Tokyo is a hidden gem known for its seasonal plum blossoms and autumn leaves. A peaceful retreat with historic charm.Continue Reading
Hamarikyu garden When visiting Japanese gardens in winter, one will recognize some strange ropes and mats around the pine trees and some other plants. These are called Yukizuri 雪吊り and Fuyugakui 冬囲い. Both are meant to protect the trees from the weight of snow. In Tokyo there is seldom so much...Continue Reading
Beyond Basics Part 3: Symbolic Plants & Seasonal Patterns Japanese gardens are designed to reflect nature’s beauty through carefully chosen elements. In this installment, we explore Japanese Garden Plants & Patterns, highlighting their cultural significance and role in shaping the seasonal aesthetics of these landscapes. Japanese Garden Plants & Patterns...Continue Reading
The Tsuboniwa in Japan Kanji: 庭 – niwa – garden, yard 坪 – tsubo – unit of land measurement, 3.31 square meters, 2 tatami mats 壷 – tsubo – jar, pot, vase The courtyard garden – called tsuboniwa in Japanese – is a garden in a small, enclosed area. The...Continue Reading
It is the end of February and we already hit the time of plum blossoms with only one month left until famous cherry blossom season starts! Today I want to introduce some gardens, which hosts great plum and/ or cherry trees! The early plum blossoms in Japanese gardens are often...Continue Reading
Explore Anika’s thoughtful impressions of Ōbai-in Temple in Kyoto, a tranquil and historic Zen site with seasonal beauty.Continue Reading
Beyond Basics Part 2: Japanese Rock Arrangements & Symbolism In Japanese gardens, rocks are more than just landscape features—they carry deep symbolism and significantly enhance the visual appeal of the garden. Through careful rock arrangements, stones represent mountains, islands, rivers, and other natural elements, offering both beauty and meaning. In...Continue Reading
Almost every Japanese garden in Kyoto hosts one part which is covered in nice, fluffy moss. When building a Japanese garden outside of Japan or even in another area in Japan, there might be some problems when it comes to establishing moss in it. Although moss doesn’t need much to...Continue Reading
