Japanese Gardens of Kyoto

Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years (794-1867). It is famous for its temples and gardens, of which there are three main types (although some gardens combine styles):

Dry gardens use rocks and sand for the expression of water. They are generally designed to be enjoyed from a room.

Excursion style gardens usually include a walk around a pond. We can enjoy different views during the walk.

Abstract style gardens are quite modern but still follow some garden traditions.

The first garden in Kyoto originated at Shinsen-en Garden. Gardens evolved over a long period of time into the three styles mentioned above.

In this series, Tomoko Kamishima  introduces some master garden planners (gardeners/landscape architects), and some of the gorgeous Japanese gardens they designed in Kyoto:

Priest Muso Soseki (1275-1351): Tenryu-ji’s Hojo Garden (Excursion style garden)

Kobori Enshu (1579-1647): Konchi-in’s Tsuru-Kame Garden (Dry garden)

Ishikawa Jozan (1583-1672): Shisen-do Villa (Dry garden/Excursion style garden)

Ueji VII (1860-1933): Murin-an Villa (Excursion style garden)

Shigemori Mirei (1896-1975): Tofuku-ji’s Hojo Garden (Abstract style garden)