There are so many gardens in Japan, but if you want to see some a famous garden, go to the Mōtsūji Teien or Mōtsūji Garden (毛越寺庭園) in Enryūji or Enryū Temple (圓隆寺) in Iwate Prefecture (岩手県). The rocks of Mōtsūji Garden are arranged so as to symbolize the rocky coast of Iwate. In the center of the pond is an isolated cherry blossom tree that represents the Enryū Temple (圓隆寺). In other words, the Mōtsūji Garden is like a “live” map of where the temple is located. That’s awesome!

Saihōji Teien (西芳寺庭園) or Saihō Temple Garden is a famous moss garden in Japan. Ironically the moss was not a part of the original design of the Garden. After a flood occurred, the Temple lacked funds to maintain the upkeep of the Garden. Soon after, moss began to grow in the Garden and now that is what the Saihōji Garden is famous for. The Saihōji Garden is shaped like the Chinese character for “heart” or “mind” (心). The Garden represents the philosophical views of the Temple that maintains the Garden.

Tenryūji Teien (天龍寺庭園) or Tenryū Temple Garden was a garden modeled after Musō Soseki’s (夢窓疎石) Buddhist principles. Musō Soseki was a famous Buddhist monk responsible for transmitting Buddhist principles to his disciples. Musō believed that gardening was an essential part of Zen Buddhism and his gardens reflect the meditative quality of Zen Buddhism. The Garden has a promenade around a pond with trees that reflect its image off the pond. This simplistic quality is valued in Zen Buddhism.

Isuien (依水園) or Isui Garden is in the shape of the character for water (水). The pond contains stepping stones that are connected to a small tuft of grass and moss in the center of the pond. This tuft of grass represents an island. Usually visitors are only allowed to view the gardens, but with this Garden visitors can walk through the Garden via the stepping stones. Isui Garden is an old garden that has been maintained since the Meji Period (明治時代), so it’s a precious symbol of that time.

Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園) is considered a special place of scenic beauty. In the background of the garden you can see Shiunzan or Mt. Shiun (紫雲山). The pond is filled with koi (鯉), which is a type of fish that is often used in Japanese water gardens. Visitors can even feed the fish by buying breadcrumbs from a nearby store on the garden complex. Ritsurin Garden is also known for its various bridges that connect the large garden from one place to another. It’s truly a beautiful garden!