Brilliant maple leaves on a blanket of moss, the murmur of a babbling brook, the moon and mountains as seen in an exactingly raked bed of white gravel. At their best, Japanese gardens are places of contemplation, an escape from the frenzy of modern life outside its boundaries.
But for the short-term visitor to Japan, deciding which garden to visit can be overwhelming. At worst, one ends up attempting to ?do? as many as possible within a few days ? which usually results in everything blurring into a single garden in your head.
Trust me: It?s not a fun way to remember your holiday.
The antidote to being ?gardened out? is to choose your gardens carefully. Spend plenty of time in a few of them quietly observing, letting their qualities sink in. Where, then, should you go" We?ve put together a short list of Japanese gardens we love. Some are more famous than others, and some are more difficult to gain access to. All are worth visiting!
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) in Kyoto (photo by Guilhem Vellut CC BY)
Kyoto Gardens
1. Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, was conceived as a private villa in the 15th century. There?s much to appreciate here: the Sea of Silver Sand, so named for its appearance under moonlight; the charmingly named Moon-Washing Fountain; the lush, moss-covered foothills; and the ever-changing flowers and trees throughout the seasons.
Its World Heritage Site status has brought in visitors by the millions, but it still re...