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. […]
The Real Japanese Gardens Calendar 2026
Yeah! It’s this time of year again!I’m always happy when autumn comes closer and I can start choosing the pictures for the next Japanese garden calendar. For the 2026 calendar, I mainly selected photos from our garden visits this year and last year. Some choices were also influenced by our Patrons on Patreon, who supported […]
Taiko-bashi and their use in Japanese shrines and temples
Among the many bridges found in Japanese culture, the taiko-bashi stands out—not only for its dramatic shape but also for its deep spiritual symbolism. While I’ve written broadly about Japanese bridges before, this post takes a closer look at this unique structure and its role in shrines, temples, and gardens. What is a taiko-bashi? A taiko-bashi is […]
Visiting Byōdō-in Temple in Uji
Visiting Byōdō-in Temple in Uji was the first point on my itinerary. You might already be familiar with it—its famous Phoenix Hall is featured on the back of the ¥10 coin. The temple was originally built in the Heian period as a villa, and later converted into a Buddhist temple in 1052. One year after […]
Adachi Museum of Art: A Harmonious Blend of Japanese Gardens and Art
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. Before sharing my very own experience in the museum, […]