Gardens of Japan
Ongoing project capturing the beauty of the gardens of Japan
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Ryouan-ji
One of the most famous dry gardens (karesansui) in Japan. This image only shows a portion of the garden but there are 15 rocks among the gravel. It has been constructed in such a way that, from ground level, one cannot see all 15 from one location.
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Koyasan
Detail from a subtemple on Mount Koya (Koya-san), a UNESCO World Heritage site in Wakayama.
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Kinkaku-ji
Nestled within the garden sits the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto.
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Nanzen-ji
One of the many gardens of Nanzen-ji temple.
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Bridge
Tenjuu-an is one of the often overlooked sub-temples of Nanzen-ji.
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Eikan-do
Also found just off the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto.
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Hounen-in
Another often overlooked temple and garden along the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto.
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Ginkaku-ji
Starting at the head (or the tail) of the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto sits the precincts of the Silver Pavilion.
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Tofuku-ji
There are four gardens at Tofuku-ji in northern Kyoto. This moss garden is the north garden.
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Tofuku-ji
The West garden at Tofuku-ji
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Ryougin-an
Another of the dry gardens within Tofuku-ji.
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Reiun-in
Sub-temple and associated dry garden of Tofuku-ji
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Nijo-jo
Nijo castle was built in the 17th Century by the ruling Tokugawa shogunate.
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Tenryu-ji
Located in the western district of Arashiyama. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Sogen Pond
Located in the western district of Arashiyama within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tenryu-ji. This style of garden is referred to as "shakkei" or borrowing of the surrounding landscape.
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Shisen-do
Well off the beaten track in northern Higashiyama is Shisen-do and its pleasant dry garden.
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Giou-ji
The most famous of the moss gardens in Kyoto is Saiho-ji (Kokedera) but if you decide that pre-booking your visiting time is too much hassle, the lesser known Giou-ji is highly recommended.