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1. The main gate is in the style of the famous Ichida estate in Kyoto. The wood is Cryptomeria, a Japanese tree similar to the redwood, the proper material for sacred structures. The black slate was quarried in the mountains near Nara. The bamboo fence is a classic type first used in the 17th century.

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2. The first bridge inside the gate is a natural stone from Kyoto. On the right side of the first flight of steps is a stone carved more than 1,000 years ago showing the Buddha seated in 16 different positions of worship; 16 signifies immortality.

3. A focal point of the garden is the pond with colorful koi swimming among water-lilies. Some of these koi are as old as the garden itself. Near the pond are Japanese maples with red and purple foliage.

4. Each of the pines by the pond has a special name and role. The view-perfecting pine overhangs the smooth pebble beach. By the round stepping stones is the stretching pine.  Below and to the right of the waterfall is the cascade-screening tree. Above and to the left of the waterfall is the principal tree or upright spirit.

5. At the base of the view-perfecting pine is the rugged dedication stone, or reihaiseki, the spiritual center of the garden. The big flat stone by the smooth pebble beach is the thinking stone. In the pond are the crane and tortoise islands.

6. The two large rectangular stepping stones, like those at the Heian Shrine in Kyoto, are called devil-casting stones; if you take this zig-zag path across the pond, a pursuing devil may fall into the water and drown. The round stepping stones are old millstones. The noisy bamboo device, known as a shishi odoshi, perpetually filling with water and spilling over, is a wild boar chaser.

7. The stupa, a five-tiered pagoda, stands above white stones representing Buddha's bones. There are five elements - sky, wind, fire, water, and earth; and five cardinal virtues - humanity, justice, politeness, wisdom, and fidelity. Above the stupa stands a deciduous spring-flowering Chinese magnolia.

8. The garden house is located away from the garden center, shielded by black bamboos and pines. Deliberately inconspicuous, its purity is intended as a sanctuary from the complex world. The tea ceremony or chanoyu is limited to five people, hence the size of the house.  The stone water basins, or tsukubai, are for ritual washing before entering. A dry stream bed of white stones runs beneath the house. At its source behind the house is a symbolic arrangement of 16 carefully chosen large stones in an area especially conducive to intense meditation.

9. Behind the garden house is the Hawaiian garden. It contains 5 species of tree ferns, 6 species of ground ferns and 7 species of palms. Various tropical vines and epiphytes, including orchids, bromeliads, and philodendrons are also present. The lower pond is used as a nursery for baby koi.

10. Like the main gate, the hokora, or family shrine, is made of Cryptomeria wood and the roof is Cryptomeria bark. The materials are deliberately left unpainted to mellow with age. The antique hand-carved Buddha inside the shrine is decorated with gold leaf. The two stone Chinese animal figures date back to the 18th century and represent lions.

11. The outdoor sunken bath might be found at a Japanese mountain resort. Being a volcanic country, Japan has many hot springs. Here appropriate volcanic rocks placed above the bath and the pebbled walk below suggests a spring-fed stream. The oriental camellias near the bathhouse bloom in winter and spring.

12. The moon-viewing deck is authentic except for the modern furniture. The part of the garden near the main entrance is more exuberant than the relatively controlled areas to the right. The general plan of the garden is supposed to embody the cycle from wild youth to sedate maturity in a sequence arranged in a counterclockwise order.

13. Bonsai are displayed in the former barbeque area. The modern serving counter is decorated with old chrysanthemum and camellia patterns. The pavement is pebbled in a traditional butterfly pattern.


As a complement to this online tour, please view the video.