Mirei Shigemori Garden Museum（重森三玲邸）
A bold fusion of modern garden design and Edo-period tradition in the heart of Kyoto Hidden in Kyoto’s quiet Sakyo Ward, the Mirei Shigemori Garden Museum offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The house itself is a machiya—a wooden townhouse built in 1789, during the late Edo period. In 1943, Mirei Shigemori, one […]
Komyo-in (Tofuku-ji)（光明院）
A Hidden Zen Gem with Shigemori’s Masterpiece Garden Kōmyō-in, a peaceful sub-temple of Tōfuku-ji in Kyoto, was founded in 1391 during the Muromachi period by Kinzan Myōshō, a respected Rinzai Zen monk. Although some temple buildings were destroyed during the anti-Buddhist movement in the Meiji era, the temple was restored by 1911. In 1939, the […]
Nezu Museum（根津美術館）
A modern museum with an elegant stroll garden in central Tokyo The Nezu Museum in Tokyo’s Minami-Aoyama district holds a prestigious private collection of Japanese and East Asian art. From calligraphy and ink paintings to Buddhist sculptures, ceramics, and textiles, its exhibits cover a wide range of artistic traditions. The museum’s origin dates back to […]
Shoren-in（青蓮院）
A historic Tendai temple in Kyoto with two famous gardens and imperial heritage A Kyoto temple of imperial heritage and two historic gardens Shōren-in stands among the five Monzeki temples in Kyoto. These temples traditionally appoint head priests from the imperial family. It belongs to the Tendai sect, one of Japan’s oldest schools of Buddhism. […]
Tokyo Imperial Palace Ninomaru Gardens（東御苑の二の丸庭園）
A peaceful Japanese garden in the historic heart of Tokyo The Tokyo Imperial Palace Ninomaru Gardens lie within the former second defensive circle of Edo Castle. Today, they are part of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, open to the public and easy to reach from Tokyo Station. Historically, this area once held the […]
Tokyo National Museum（東京国立博物館）
A hidden garden filled with history and traditional teahouses The Tokyo National Museum Garden in Ueno Park offers more than just seasonal beauty. It also preserves five historic buildings, each relocated from various parts of Japan. One highlight is Tengōan (転合庵), a teahouse originally designed in Kyoto by the famous tea master Kobori Enshū (小堀遠州). […]
Tonogayato Teien（殿ヶ谷戸庭園）
An early 20th-century garden retreat just outside Tokyo Tonogayato Teien is a Japanese landscape garden located near Tokyo, built between 1914 and 1916 during the Taisho period. Originally, the garden served as the private residence of the vice president of the Manchurian Railway Company. Later, in 1929, a member of the influential Iwasaki family acquired […]
Happo-en（八芳園）
A Wedding Garden with Centuries of History Located in Tokyo’s Shirokanedai district, Happō-en blends timeless natural beauty with elegant modern use. Today, this historic site primarily serves as a picturesque backdrop for traditional Japanese weddings and banquets. Despite its popularity as an event venue, Happō-en welcomes casual visitors as well, offering access to its kaiseki […]
Funda-in (Tofuku-ji)（芬陀院 東福寺）
A Quiet Temple with a Garden by Sesshū Funda-in is a serene sub-temple of Tōfuku-ji in Kyoto, often missed by visitors heading to the main hall or better-known sub-temples. However, those who take the time to explore it are rewarded with historical depth and refined garden design. Founded in 1321 during the Kamakura period, Funda-in […]
Asakura-choso-kan（朝倉彫塑館）
The Sculptor’s Sanctuary in Tokyo’s Yanaka District Asakura Chōso-kan is a hidden gem in Tokyo’s Yanaka district. Once the home and studio of renowned sculptor Fumio Asakura (1883–1964), the building now serves as a museum. It blends Western and Japanese design and houses both artwork and personal relics from the artist’s life. Asakura designed the […]