Tag: japanese garden
Tofuku-ji Temple: Mirei’s Modernism in the Heart of Kyoto
Japan's abundance of breathtaking gardens makes it a promised land for plant lovers and landscapers alike. The problem is, which gardens should take priority when you only have limited time in the country? Tofuku-ji temple's gardens aren't Kyoto's largest or oldest, but...
Serenity A Stone’s Throw Away At Tokyo’s Kiyosumi Gardens
There's no shortage of beautiful parks and green spaces in Tokyo. So, to ensure you make the most of your time in the capital, we’d recommend you start by visiting one of the Metropolitan Cultural Heritage Gardens. These nine locations each have...
Ancient Art and Tranquil Gardens at Nezu Museum
The Japanese aesthetic is the sum of many parts, each wonderful in their own right. Ancient history, traditional art forms, architecture, design and landscaped gardens. These things may not immediately come to mind when you think of Tokyo, but there are plenty...
A Mystical Sea of Clouds in Tokyo’s Historic Chinzanso Garden
If you venture out of the cities, you’ll find that Japan is a land of stunning scenery; jagged coastlines, ancient forests, white beaches and undulating mountain ranges. In some of these mountainous zones, a natural phenomenon can occur known as “unkai”, or...
Moss: An Essential Element of Japanese Culture
Ask someone what they would associate with Japanese culture, and many things might crop up in their answers: tempura, geisha, Mt. Fuji, sushi. These are all true, of course. But there’s something that is so ubiquitous in everyday Japan, and plays such...
Tokyo’s Secret “Power Spot”: Meiji Jingu Inner Garden
I look on as a group of five groundskeepers silently go about their work. They are squatting next to buckets, holding curious tools and digging in soil that has been turned and trodden a thousand times before. A gentle breeze ruffles the...
Kanazawa Itinerary: A One-Day Tour in this Historic City
For lovers of Japanese culture and history, a visit to Kanazawa is a must. Although its location is a bit remote, the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo and express trains from Kyoto make a side-trip here quite feasible. Catch all the historic highlights in...
Japan’s Rainy Season is Perfect for Hydrangea Hunting
Many people think of tsuyu, or the rainy season, as one of the worst times to visit Japan. It’s muggy, wet, and all your outdoor plans are usually put on hold. But the rains also mark the beginning of hydrangea season. Cherry...
Fresh Matcha and Garden Strolls at Okochi Sanso Garden
For those who enjoy a peaceful garden stroll, Japan is certainly the country for you. Not only are Japanese gardens ubiquitous, they are each fascinating examples of landscape architecture in their own right. If you happen to find yourself in Arashiyama, Kyoto’s...
Serene Gardens, Exquisite Kaiseki and Feudal History at Fugetsuro, Shizuoka
Ah, Shizuoka. Rolling hectares of tea crops, vast lakes, rushing rivers, stretching coastlines and jaw dropping views of Mount Fuji. It’s hard to believe this nature-lover’s paradise is only an hour from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Shizuoka City, the capital...
