JAPANESE GARDEN

Kairakuen
Kairakuen is most famous for its 3000 plum trees (the most ant where in Japan) which flower in early spring. There are over 100 different varieties of plum trees in Kairakuen, which is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Kairakuen is located in Mito.

Kenrokuen
Kenrokuen Garden is by far the most famous part of Kanazawa. Kenrokuen is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, maybe the best one of all. It was first established in the 17th century by the feudal lords of Kaga as their private garden.

Korakuen Garden
Korakuen Garden is one of Japan's official Three Great Gardens. Korakuen Garden is located next to Okayama Castle, Okayama.

Motsuji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi Iwate Prefecture. Motsuji Temple complex includes a Jodo (pure land) Japanese garden that contains the ruins of two much older temples, Enryuji and Kashoji which date back to the 12 century. Enryuji and Kashoji were both destroyed by fire in 1226. Motsuji Temple is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi" listing.

Hamarikyu Gardens is located at the mouth of the Sumida River in Chuo-ku, Tokyo. The public park is surrounded by Shioiri Pond, a sea water moat filled by Tokyo Bay.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is a beautiful historic Japanese garden located close to Tokyo University (who now owns the park) in the Bunkyo ward of Tokyo. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty".

Rikugien Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden established in 1702 which features the six elements from Japanese tradition. Rikugien Garden is held in high regard and is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty". Rikugien Garden is located in Bunkyo Tokyo.

Ichijodani Asakura Family Gardens are four Japanese gardens (Suwa Yakata-ato, Asakura Yakata-ato, Yudono-ato, and Nanyoji-ato) located within the site of the Ichijodani Asakura Family Historic Ruins in Fukui. Together these four gardens are designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty".

Kenrokuen Garden is by far the most famous part of Kanazawa. Kenrokuen is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, maybe the best one of all as it is also designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty". Kenrokuen was first established in the 17th century by the feudal lords of Kaga as their private garden.

Daigoji Temple is famous for its five storied pagoda, cherry blossom viewing in spring and a traditional Japanese garden. Daigoji Temple, a classic Japanese Temple, is located in Kyoto. Daigoji Temple is a designated "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Daisenin Temple is a sub temple of Daitokuji Temple and is located within the same compound in Kyoto. Daisenin Temple is famous for its rock garden, which is a designated "Special Place of Scenic Beauty". Unfortunately Daisenin Temple no longer allows photography including ANY cameras in the section with the garden.

Daitokuji Temple is a temple complex which features 22 sub-temples. Many of these sub-temples feature famous Japanese gardens. Daitokuji Temple, located in Kyoto, is a designated "Special Place of Scenic Beauty".

Ginkaku-ji - Silver Pavilion was built in the style of the Golden Pavilion, but was never completed with a matching cover of silver. Ginkaku-ji features some of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Kyoto. Ginkaku-ji is a designated "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Heijo Palace was the former Imperial Palace during the Nara Period, when Nara was the capital of Japan. Today little remains above the ground of the original buildings and there is now a reconstruction of Suzakumon (gate) to the palace. Heijo Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Hokongo-in Temple was established in Hanazono, Kyoto in 1130. The current buildings were rebuilt in 1617. Hokongo-in Temple features a waterfall within its grounds, called Seijo-no-taki, which is the oldest artificial waterfall in Japan and designated as "Special Place of Scenic Beauty". Hokongo-in is famous for its lotus flowers and possesses four statues which are designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Honganji Temple is actually two Buddhist temples located two hundred metres apart in Kyoto, which were until recently the one temple. Both feature large halls which are designated Important Cultural Properties. The Nishi Honganji Temple features a Japanese garden which is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty". Honganji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Joruri-ji Temple located in Kyoto, was established in 1047 and is famous for its Jodo-shiki (pure land style) Japanese garden. This garden, which features a pond in front of the main building, is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty". The Main Hall, Three-story Pagoda, nine wooden Amitabha Tathagata statues and four heavenly kings are designated as National Treasures and many more statues and wall paintings are designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku) is the most famous temple in Kyoto and probably Japan. Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku) is literally covered in gold leaf and is surround by beautiful Japanese gardens. Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku)is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Konchi In Temple is a sub temple of Nanzenji Temple. Konchi In Temple is famous for its Tsurukame Garden which has an extensive dry landscape style Japanese garden which is designated as one of the "Special Places of Scenic Beauty". Konchi In Temple is also noted for its Toshogu Shrine which has the only example of Gongen style architecture in Kyoto.

Nijo Castle in Kyoto includes Nimomaru Palace and the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings and several beautiful Japanese gardens. Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Ryoanji Temple houses a Japanese gardens which is considered to be one of the most notable examples of the "dry-landscape" style. This garden, which is the quintessential form of Zen art, and perhaps the greatest masterpiece of Japanese culture, features fifteen rocks arranged on a white gravel within a space of 248 square meters. Ryoanji Temple is located in Kyoto, is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Saihoji Temple is Buddhist temple from the Rinzai Zen sect which is famous for its moss garden, which probably the best in Japan. Unfortunately access to Saihoji Temple, also known as Kokedera (Moss Temple) requires an application in advance. Saihoji Temple, located in Kyoto, is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Tenryuji Temple is the head temple of the Tenryu sect of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and the most important Zen temple in Kyoto. Tenryuji Temple possesses many Important Cultural Properties and features an extensive garden which is particularly beautiful in cherry blossom season and is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty". Tenryuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Korakuen Garden is one of Japan's official Three Great Gardens. Korakuen Garden is located next to Okayama Castle, Okayama. Korakuen Garden is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty".

Ritsurin Garden is a famous, historic and beautiful Japanese garden which is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty". Ritsurin Garden is one of the main attractions in the city of Takamatsu (Shikoku). Ritsurin Garden, established in 1625, it features bridges, tea house, ponds with koi, paths, small hills and is set against the background of Mt Shiun.

Shikinaen Garden is part of the Shuri Castle complex in Okinawa and a World Heritage Site. The Shikinaen Garden, constructed in 1799, is a rare and historically significant example of Ryukyun landscape gardening. Shikinaen features elements such as the circular layout which is seen in more modern Japanese gardens, along with a pond with a bridge to a small island which follows the Chinese style. These elements are combined with Ryukuan styled villa. Shikinaen was used as an area for the royals to relax or entertain important guests such as the envoys from China. Shikinaen is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty".

Katsura Imperial Villa also known as the Katsura Detached Palace, which is related to Kyoto Imperial Palace, but on a different site (hence detached) in western Kyoto. Katsura Imperial Villa features some of the best Japanese garden in all of Japan. Although the gardens are considered important, buildings are considered more so, with the whole site being considered one of Japan's most important large-scale cultural treasures.

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) - The Imperial residence when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Kyoto Gosho features a beautiful and highly acclaimed strolling traditional Japanese garden designed by Kobori Enshu.

Shugakuin Imperial Villa also known as the Shugakuin Detached Palace is a separate, but related site from the Kyoto Imperial Palace (hence detached) which features three main gardens and some tea houses. These Japanese gardens are considered to be some of the best in Japan. Shugakuin Imperial Villa is located in the eastern hills of Kyoto.

Kanjizaio-in is the site of a Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi Iwate Prefecture. Kanjizaio-in Temple was located directly across the Frontier Way from the Enryuji and Kashoji temples (now located within the Motsuji Temple complex). Kanjizaio-in Temple also included a Jodo (pure land) Japanese Garden. Kanjizaio-in Templewas destroyed by fire in 1226. Kanjizaio-in is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi" listing.

Kairakuen is most famous for its 3000 plum trees (the most ant where in Japan) which flower in early spring. There are over 100 different varieties of plum trees in Kairakuen, which is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Kairakuen is located in Mito.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large park and one of the most beautiful in Tokyo featuring Japanese, French and English styles. With 1,500 cherry trees, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a very popular location for viewing cherry blossom. The park overlaps both Shinjuku and Shibuya .

Oyama Shrine is a beautiful shrine with distinctive main gate. Called Shinmon (God Gate), this main gate was designed by Dutch and has a mix of Japanese, Chinese and European architectural elements and is designated as a National Important Cultural Asset. Oyama Shrine of Kanazawa also features a beautiful garden.

Chishakuin Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect which was moved from Wakayama to the Higashiyama area of Kyoto in 1585. Chishakuin Temple is the first temple on the Kyoto Jusan Butsu pilgrimage. Chishakuin Temple is most famous for its tradtional Japanese garden.

Dojuin Temple, Kyoto, is a sub temple of Tofukuji Temple. Dojuin Temple features a moss garden.

Eikando Zenrinji Temple (Kyoto) is famous for its fall foliage and for its prominence in the past as a center of learning. Eikando Zenrinji Temple is a classic Japanese Temple.

Entsuji temple is a Buddhist temple of the Renzai sect which is famous for its Japanese gardens including one featuring the borrowed landscape style . Entsuji temple was established in 1678 on the site of a former Imperial Villa in northern Kyoto. Entsuji temple does not allow pictures to be taken of or inside the buildings.

Funda-in Temple is a sub temple of Tofukuji Temple and located within the same complex in Kyoto. Funda-in Temple is famous for its dry landscape Japanese garden which was designed by Sesshu Toyo around 1460 making it one of the oldest of the dry landscape (karesansui) gardens in Kyoto.

Heian Jingu is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto. Heian Jingu is famous for having the largest torii in Japan and its beautiful Japanese garden which features a pond and stunning cherry blossom.

Isuien Garden is the only walking style garden in Nara. Isuien Garden is actually two Japanese gardens that were joined together to form one larger garden. Isuien Garden dates back to the Meiji era (1899).

Jakkoin Temple is a famous scenic temple located north east of Kyoto. Jakkoin Temple enshrines a 2.5m wooden statue of Jizo-Bosatsu which is an Important Cultural Property. Jakkoin Temple features a Japanese garden on three sides. Much of Jakkoin Temple and its garden were destroyed in a fire in 2000. A replacement temple building was completed in 2005 and much of the garden has been restored.

Jonangu Shrine is famous for its four gardens which represent four different styles from the four periods; Heian, Muromachi, Momoyama and Heisei. These Japanese gardens feature ponds, tea house, waterfall and a dry landscape style garden. Jonangu Shrine is located in southern Kyoto.

Kegonji Temple, also referred to as Suzumushi-dera Temple (the "cricket" temple) due to the large number of crickets that can be heard around the temple. Kegonji Temple features a Japanese garden and views of Kyoto city. Kegonji Temple is very popular when entertaining talks are provided by the monks, with queues sometimes forming waiting for entry to hear the next session.

Keitakuen Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located within Tennoji Park, in southern Osaka. Japanese garden features a pond and tea house.

Koetsuji Temple, formally known as Taikyo-san, is a Buddhist temple of the Nichiren sect located in northern Kyoto. The site of Koetsuji Temple was developed in 1615 when the artist Honami Koetsu received this land from Tokugawa Ieyasu. Koetsuji Temple was originally a mortuary for the Honami family, but was converted to a temple after the death of Koetsu. Koetsuji Temple is famous for bamboo fences, but also features a tea garden with three tea houses.

Kongobuji Temple is the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhism sect and is located on Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. Kongobuji mean "Temple of diamond mountain". Kongobuji Temple features Japan's largest rock garden which covers 2340 square metres. Kongobuji Temple was first constructed in 1593 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and then rebuilt in 1861. Kongobuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Koshoji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Soto sect. Koshoji Temple is a training centre for the Eiheiji School, was moved to its current site in Uji from Fukakusa in Kyoto in 1648 after it had been destroyed after repeated wars. Kyoto is most famous for its Kotozaka Slope, which leads from the main gate and is lined with cherry blossoms in the spring.

Kounji Temple was originally established in Osaka in 1280 then transferred to Nanzenji, Kyoto in 1664. Kounji Temple features a beautiful Chisan Kaiyu-shiki garden (garden that features a path around a pond).

Kyuanji Temple is famous for its legacy of buildings from its long history and the beautiful garden where people can enjoy various flower and trees throughout the year. Especially, autumn is the most spectacular with its Momiji (Japanese maple). Kyuanji Temple is located in Ikeda, Osaka.

Manshuin Temple is a Buddhist temple from the Tendai sect in north eastern Kyoto. Manshuin Temple, also known as Manshuin Monzeki, is famous for its dry landscape garden which includes 400 year old pine tree.

Murinan Villa was the former villa of Meiji Period soldier and statesman Yamagata Aritomo. Murinan Villa is famous for its strolling Japanese garden which uses the borrow scenery technique and features a pond and two streams. Murinan Villa is located near Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto.

Myoshinji Temple is large temple complex, located in Kyoto, which contains thirty eight sub temples, some of which are famous for their Japanese gardens. Myoshinji Temple features several building which are Important Cultural Properties.

Negoroji is large complex of Buddhist temples from the Shingon sect which once had around 2,700 temples on the site. The Negoroji Temple complex was started in 1087 by En no Gyoja, but in 1585 many of the buildings were burnt down, fortunately the main pagoda and several other buildings were saved. Negoroji Temple, located in Iwate Wakayama Prefecture, includes a highly regarded Japanese gardens.

Ninnaji Temple is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect Buddhism, which was founded on the orders of Emperor Koko and completed in 888. Ninnaji Temple, located in Kyoto, features a five storied pagoda and a treasure house which contains many National Treasures. Ninnaji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Rengeji Temple is famous for its garden which is best seen when the leaves start to change color in Autumn. Rengeji Temple is located in north eastern Kyoto.

Sanzenin Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect, located in northern Kyoto. Sanzenin Temple is famous for its beautiful gardens that feature a moss garden, Autumn foliage and cherry blossom in Spring. Sanzenin Temple, also known as Kajii Monzeki, is one of the five Tendai Monzeki temples which in the past always had a chief priest who was a member of the Imperial family. Sanzenin Temple was first established in 985 and also features the distinctive thatched Ojo-Gokuraku-in which enshrines the Amida trinity statues.

Sento Gosho is a large garden located in the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Sento Gosho is the site of the former Sento Imperial Palace which was destroyed several times by fire, however two tea houses still remain. The main feature of Sento Gosho is a large pond which features two main segments (north and south) with islands and walkways. The southern segment features a beach made of rounded stones.

Shisendo Temple is a Buddhist temple from the Zen Soto sect, which is located to the north east of Kyoto. Shisendo Temple is famous for its Japanese garden which features azalea bushes, gravel areas and ponds. This tranquil temple was established in 1641 by the poet Ishikawa Jozan, who actually designed the garden.

Shodenji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Rinzai sect, located in northern Kyoto close to Kinkakuji - Golden Pavilion. Shodenji Temple is famous for its Japanese rock or dry landscape garden which features Mt Hiei as a borrow scenery.

Shorenin Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect located in Kyoto. Shorenin Temple is one of five Monzeki temples where in the past, the head priest at these temples was always belonged to the Imperial family. Shorenin Temple features two observatories that provide excellent views of the city of Kyoto. Shorenin Temple features a beautiful Japanese garden that emphasises the beauty of the four seasons.

Shosei-en Garden is a formal Japanese garden, located in Kyoto, which affiliated with the Higashi Honganji Temple. Shosei-en Garden features several tea houses, a large pond with a waterfall, stone lanterns along with trees and plants that flower throughout the year. Shosei-en Garden was designed by Ishiyama Saijo in 1643. Most of the buildings and structures were burnt down in 1858 and 1864, but were later restored. In 1938 the Shosei-en Garden was declared a National Historic Site.

Taizo-in Temple is one of the thirty eight sub temples of Myoshinji Temple which is located within the large Myoshinji Temple complex in north eastern Kyoto. Taizo-in Temple is famous for its three Japanese gardens, which include two dry landscape and another large garden featuring a waterfall and pond. Taizo-in Temple is one of the few Myoshinji Sub Temples which is normally open to the public.

Tenjuan Temple is a sub temple of Nanzenji Temple and located within the massive Nanzenji Temple precinct in Kyoto. Tenjuan Temple is famous for its two beautiful Japanese gardens including a dry garden and a pond within a strolling garden.

Tofukuji Temple is a Buddhist temple which is one of the Kyoto Gozan (Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto). Tofukuji Temple is a large temple complex with 24 sub temples remaining from an original 53. Tofukuji Temple is famous for its main gate (sanmon) which is two stories high and five bays wide with three central doors, is the oldest in Japan. Tofukuji Temple also features several Japanese gardens, of particular note is the moss garden, but there are also some distinctive gravel gardens as well. Tofukuji Temple was established in 1236 on its current site in the Higashiyama region of Kyoto.

Toji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect, located near central Kyoto on a large site with extensive gardens, it is an oasis of calm in a busy area. Toji Temple is famous for its five story pagoda which is the tallest wooden tower in Japan. Toji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Yata-dara Temple (also know as Yatasan- Kongosenji Temple ) is famous for its hillside gardens full of hydrangeas. Yata-dara Temple is located in Nara.

Yoshikien Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden which features a tea house, a Pond Garden, Moss Garden and a Tea Ceremony Flower Garden. Yoshikien Garden is located in Nara, near Nara Park and almost next to another famous garden, Isuien Garden.

Skukkeien Garden Hiroshima sometimes known as Bridges in Shukkeien is one of the great Japanese gardens. Skukkeien Garden is also significant for its roll in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine features some very beautiful Japanese gardens.

Komyozenji Temple in Dazaifu near Fukuoka, features two styles of Japanese garden; a stone zen garden plus a stone and moss garden.

Suizenji Park (Suizenji Koen) is considered to one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Japan . Suizenji Park is Kumamoto's second top tourist attraction.