Japan
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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.
Yukizuri – 雪吊り
Hamarikyu garden When visiting Japanese gardens in winter, one will recognize some strange ropes and mats around the pine trees and some other plants. These are called Yukizuri 雪吊り and Fuyugakui 冬囲い. Both are meant to protect the trees from the weight of snow. In Tokyo there is seldom so much snow, that the trees need […]
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 […]
Japan Garden Travel Guide: Planning a Trip to Japan
Planning a Trip to Japan: A Guide for Garden Enthusiast Planning a trip to Japan is an exciting journey, especially if you’re passionate about gardens. Here’s a comprehensive Japan garden travel guide to help you design the perfect itinerary, focusing on the best seasons, destinations, and accommodations for your garden-themed trip. Best Time to Visit […]
The Ninomaru Garden of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo
It’s already been a week since I am back to work and it passed too fast! However, now I had time to finish and publish our new eBook about the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. HOW TO ENTER When I first visited the Imperial Palace, I was quite confused by the entrance procedure… Although there is […]
NEW EBOOK! SANKEIEN GARDEN: UNVEILING YOKOHAMA’S TREASURE TROVE
Our newest eBook has been published! Learn more about the fascinating landscape garden Sankei-en in Yokohama!