Explanations
8 reasons why you should visit Japan during the rainy season!
The rainy season in Japan is usually not a preferred time for travellers.However, I want to share 8 reasons why you should visit Japan during the rainy season! 1. Fewer visitors Most people avoid Japan during this time. That means sightseeing spots are not as crowded. You can enjoy temples, shrines, and gardens with more […]
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 […]
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 […]
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! […]
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 […]
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 […]
Round Windows in Japanese Gardens and Architecture: The Yoshino Window and More
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.
Tsuboniwa : 坪庭 or 壷庭 ?
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 gardener does not fill it […]
Tsukiyama
I always point out that the regular Japanese garden is not flat. Most of them, even the tiniest ones, have at least one small mound. Fascinating was that, during my research, I found so little information on mounds in the Japanese garden! A garden with a tsukiyama 築山 is called a hill garden – opposed […]
Hōraijima of Rikugien
The Rikugien garden was initially built by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu from 1695 until 1702. In 1868 it was purchased by Iwasaki Yataro who remodeled the garden to his needs but kept the heart of the garden – the theme of Waka poetry. However, he added many elements. So also the Hōraijima in the pond. Jima is […]