Nature in the Mirror Niche: Ancient Japanese Gardens

After Chinese landscape culture was introduced to Japan, the Japanese, with their sensibility as islanders, meticulously enshrined the "landscape" treating it as an object of worship. From our perspective, the Japanese approach to landscape is similar to a kinship relationship, albeit distinct. Chinese landscapes are characterized by spontaneity and a generous spirit of leisurely wandering through nature, accompanied by poetry and wine. In contrast, the Japanese approach is represented by cherishing and enshrining the landscape in a niche.

The best time to appreciate Kyoto's ancient Japanese gardens is during the red leaf season. At Tai-an, you can experience the contemplative mindset of Sen no Rikyu. At Ryoanji Temple, you can explore the mathematical aesthetics and geometric principles of Oriental composition. At Daigoji Temple Sambo-in , you can experience the elaborate work of Toyotomi Hideyoshi from the Momoyama period. This trip allows you to truly feel the essence and artistic conception of traditional Japanese culture.