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
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...Continue Reading
Top Spots in Japan for Stunning Autumn Foliage in 2024 Autumn in Japan is a breathtaking experience, with vibrant red, orange, and golden hues transforming landscapes across the country. Here’s our garden guide to Japan autumn foliage spots in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Hamamatsu, along with recommended hotels...Continue Reading
Today I want to introduce special openings and events in Kyoto during the autumn foliage. However, I won’t write of every special event as there are far too many! This is only a list of some examples. Most people who love Japanese Gardens dream of visiting Kyoto with its many, many temple...Continue Reading
Kinchakuda Manjushage Park: A Popular Spot for Spider Lilies, but Is It Worth the Crowds? Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Saitama is well-known for its vibrant display of spider lilies (Manjushage or Higanbana), attracting thousands of visitors during the bloom. With fields of over five million bright red flowers, it is...Continue Reading
The Shigemori Mirei Garden Museum: New Ebook with free Reservation Guide Introducing Our New eBook: Shigemori Mirei Garden Museum in Kyoto We’re pleased to announce the release of our new eBook, focusing on the Shigemori Mirei Garden Museum in Kyoto. This museum, centered around one of Japan’s most respected landscape...Continue Reading
Where to Stay in Kyoto: Hotels with Japanese Gardens or Near Famous Gardens Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart, is home to some of the world’s most exquisite Japanese gardens. For travelers seeking serenity and traditional beauty, staying at a hotel with its own Japanese garden or near one of Kyoto’s iconic...Continue Reading
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...Continue Reading
The Spider Lily is a flower that blooms in Japan each autumn. Its vibrant red petals, curved like spider legs, make it an unmistakable sight in rural and urban landscapes alike. But this flower is more than just a visual highlight—it holds deep symbolic meaning in Japanese culture, representing both...Continue Reading
Kenroku-en in Kanazawa What’s behind the Three Great Gardens of Japan (Nihon Sanmeien)?Why were they chosen and what makes them great? We will explore this in the following article. Japanese people love top lists since ancient times. Very important is the Top 100, which could already experienced during the Edo...Continue Reading
