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...Continue Reading
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...Continue Reading
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...Continue Reading
Top > Gardens Overview > Secret Gardens > Kyoto Area > Shōren-in Shōren-in（青蓮院） Shōren-in is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect located in Kyoto. Since its sixth head priest Dokaku, until the Meiji period every head priest was a member of the imperial family. This temple,...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
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
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...Continue Reading
Japan’s springtime showcases more than cherry blossoms. Following this iconic bloom, you will soon find another flower spectacle, painting landscapes with vibrant hues of pink, red, and white—the alluring azalea. From traditional gardens to tranquil parks, Japan has numerous destinations to experience the charm of these beautiful flowers. Let’s have...Continue Reading
Wisteria Splendor at Ashikaga Flower Park When it comes to experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Wisteria floribunda, commonly known as “Fuji” in Japanese, Ashikaga Flower Park stands out as a premier destination. Nestled in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, this park has undergone a transformation, becoming synonymous with the enchanting allure of...Continue Reading
Of course the cherry blossom is very much better known than the plum blossom I mentioned in a previous blog post. And yes, it is really great to stand under a whole sea of pink! I guess most visitors to Japan know the Japanese term for cherry – Sakura –...Continue Reading
