Gardens of Japan

Ongoing project capturing the beauty of the gardens of Japan

  • Ryouan-ji

    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.

  • Koyasan

    Koyasan

    Detail from a subtemple on Mount Koya (Koya-san), a UNESCO World Heritage site in Wakayama.

  • Kinkaku-ji

    Kinkaku-ji

    Nestled within the garden sits the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto.

  • Nanzen-ji

    Nanzen-ji

    One of the many gardens of Nanzen-ji temple.

  • Bridge

    Bridge

    Tenjuu-an is one of the often overlooked sub-temples of Nanzen-ji.

  • Eikan-do

    Eikan-do

    Also found just off the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto.

  • Hounen-in

    Hounen-in

    Another often overlooked temple and garden along the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto.

  • Ginkaku-ji

    Ginkaku-ji

    Starting at the head (or the tail) of the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto sits the precincts of the Silver Pavilion.

  • Tofuku-ji

    Tofuku-ji

    There are four gardens at Tofuku-ji in northern Kyoto. This moss garden is the north garden.

  • Tofuku-ji

    Tofuku-ji

    The West garden at Tofuku-ji

  • Ryougin-an

    Ryougin-an

    Another of the dry gardens within Tofuku-ji.

  • Reiun-in

    Reiun-in

    Sub-temple and associated dry garden of Tofuku-ji

  • Nijo-jo

    Nijo-jo

    Nijo castle was built in the 17th Century by the ruling Tokugawa shogunate.

  • Tenryu-ji

    Tenryu-ji

    Located in the western district of Arashiyama. A UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Sogen Pond

    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.

  • Shisen-do

    Shisen-do

    Well off the beaten track in northern Higashiyama is Shisen-do and its pleasant dry garden.

  • Giou-ji

    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.