Where to see Japan‘s Azaleas: 10 Places to visit
After the beautiful cherry blossoms, comes the time for azalea. In this article I will show you 10 places to visit to see Japan‘s azaleas. You will find azaleas everywhere in this country: along the streets, in public parks, on playgrounds and Japanese gardens. We will explore the best places in gardens and temples/shrines. Content:Meiji […]
The Japanese Gosekku 五節句
The Five Festivals in Japan The five festivals in Japan are known as the Japanese Gosekku. They’re celebrated by the common people since the Edo period. January 7 (Jinjitsu, Seven Herbs)March 3 (Joushi, Peach)May 5 (Tango, Calamus)July 7 (Shichiseki, Sasa bamboo)September 9 (Chōyō, Chrysanthemum) Auspicious Numbers and the Origin of the Festivals In Japan, odd numbers, especially […]
New eBook: The Shōmyō-ji Garden Guide
When I first visited the grounds of Shōmyō-ji, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I had read about its Pure Land garden. It is one of the rare historic jōdo-style gardens in the Kantō region. However, nothing prepared me for how it actually feels to step through the temple’s red gate. First, I walked along the quiet […]
Tools for Traditional Japanese Gardens
When people talk about tools for traditional Japanese gardens, they often imagine something very specialised or ceremonial. In reality, most of these tools are very practical. They’re designed for precision, control, and working carefully around stones, moss, and in long-lived trees. A friend who has no connection to Japanese gardens gave me the idea for this […]
Exploring Plum and Cherry Blossoms in Japanese Gardens: Top Viewing Spots
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 underestimated. When the plums start […]
7 – 5 – 3 (Shichi Go San) in Japanese Garden Design
I have explored the topic of 7 – 5 – 3 (Shichi Go San) in Japanese Garden Design over on Patreon after I had visited Shinju-an Temple with its 7 – 5 – 3 dry landscape garden. Support our Work on Patreon Our Patrons are making our work possible and are the first to read! […]
Visiting Tō-ji Temple in Kyoto
Visiting Tō-ji Temple in Kyoto at the end of September was a different kind of experience. This was off season—everything was deep green and lush, and the gardens didn’t look like they were staged for visitors. Pruning isn’t usually done until May and December, so many plants appeared slightly wild and overgrown, but that simplicity gave the […]
Beyond Basics Part 1: Evolution of Japanese Garden Styles
Regional Styles and Historical Influences in Japanese Gardens: From Heian to Edo Periods The evolution of Japanese garden styles has not only been shaped by cultural aesthetics and religious philosophies but have also evolved in step with political shifts across the centuries. From the opulent palace gardens of Kyoto’s Heian era to the Zen-inspired temple […]
いい庭の日 – Good Garden Day 2025
On 11/28 is ii Niwa no Hi – Good Garden Day! People in Japan enjoy wordplay and number puns, which leads to some amusing celebration days (for example, Good Tooth Day…). The 28th of November has now become known as Good Garden Day.Here’s how the numbers are read: 1 – ichi → i1 – ichi → i2 – ni → ni8 – and this one is a little tricky, […]
How to Visit Saiho-ji (Moss Temple) in Kyoto: A Free Guide
Saiho-ji Temple, often referred to as Kokedera or the Moss Temple, is one of Kyoto’s most treasured sites. Famous for its lush moss garden and tranquil atmosphere, Saiho-ji offers a unique spiritual experience for those seeking peace and natural beauty. However, visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site requires careful planning due to its reservation-only policy. […]