Banryutei Rock Garden

Image Credit: Flickr, Zen garden / Koya San

The Banryutei Rock Garden (pictured above) is one of the largest gardens of its kind in Japan.  Located within the precincts of the  Koyasan Kongobuji in Wakayama prefecture (part of the Kansai Region of Japan) the garden encompasses more that 2,300 square meters of raked sand and strategically placed rocks that when viewed from a certain angle appear to be two dragons flying amongst the clouds.

Visit Welcome to Koyasan for information on the sights of the area as well as walking and audio guides.

Ginshadan – The Sea of Silver Sand

Image Credit: Flickr, Zen Garden

Located in front of the Abbots quarters (hojo) on the grounds of Ginkakuji Temple in Kyoto  is an excellent example of a karesansui garden (dry garden) known as Ginshadan or the Sea of Silver Sand.  The Ginshandan consists of a two foot platform of sand that covers 0.71 hectares (1.75 acres) and is said to represent the sea.

Kogetsudai – The Moon Viewing Platform

Image Credit: Flickr, Grounds of Kinkaku-ji

The distinctive cone shaped mound pictured below is also located on the grounds of Ginkakuji Temple in Kyoto.  It reflects the light of the moon in the evenings and was meant to sit on while waiting for the moon to rise from the Higashiyama mountains.

Ryoan-ji Temple Rock Garden

Image Credit:  Flickr, Ryouanji Stones (竜安寺の石）

One of the most celebrated rock gardens in Japan, it is relatively small with only fifteen stones sitting within a seas of pristinely rake white sand.  Located in the grounds of the Ryoan-ji Temple (also in Kyoto) the garden is enclosed by earthen walls and it is impossible to see all of the fifteen stones from any vantage point.

Hashin-tei

Image Credit:  Flickr, The zen rock garden at Kodai-ji

Originally a pond garden, Hashin-tei was redesigned as a karesansui dry garden and the undulating border of moss and stone was once its shoreline.  This garden is also located in Kyoto on the grounds of the Kodai-ji Temple.

Myoshin-ji Temple Gardens

Image Credit: Flickr, black sand and pink sakura

Myoshin-ji Temple itself and three other temples in Kyoto (Taizo-in Temple, Keishun-in Temple & Daishin-in Temple) are home to a number of beautiful Zen gardens that are well know throughout Japan.  The Taizo-in Temple is well known for features such as the karetaki (dry waterfall), horai-san (Sacred mountain), kamejima (island shaped like a turtle) and an ishibashi(stone bridge).

Rocks, raked sand and tranquility – it’s a combination that is well known and recognized worldwide as a Zen Garden.

“The best gardens in Japan incorporate aesthetics that are contradictory in nature but somehow complement each other when employed by a skillful designer”

The Art of The Japanese Garden offers further insight into the design features and qualities deemed essential in a well designed garden.  Be sure to include a visit to one or two gardens of different styles when you plan any trip to Japan – you won’t regret it!

As we delve further into things to do and see in the region, you might also be curious about what to eat in Kansai.  Exploring the delicious cuisine of the region will only enhance your trip.

Osaka Prefecture

Visit the impressive eight story Osaka Castle that was built over 400 years ago and includes a number of interesting exhibitions.  The 60,000 square meter grounds are a popular place to to view hanami (cherry blossoms).

See a Grand Sumo Tournament from March 15-29 at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium.

Take in a performance of Bunraku at the National Bunraku Theater.  Life sized puppets are manipulated by three puppeteers to the strains of traditional joruri chanting and shamisen music.

Browse for souvenirs on Japan’s longest shopping street, Tenjimbashi-Suji, that is 2.6 kilometers long and spans the equivalent of three subway stops.

Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, in the Tempozan Harbor Village where you can take in the view of Osaka Bay from a  massiveFerris Wheel that measures 100 meters in diameter.

Stop by the Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine, home to the Taiko-bashi Bridge, and a national treasure.  The red arched Taiko-bashi Bridge is featured in a number of Japanese classic works of literature including the “Tale of Genji”.

The 48 Waterfalls of Takihata are the starting point for many of the hiking trails that traverse Mt. Iwaki and Mt. Makio.   The Kotaki fall is the largest and is located behind the Kotakiji temple which is said to be named after the falls.

Stroll through the Japanese garden in Tennoji Park and learn more about the history of Osaka through the parks other historical spots.

If you are looking for Japanese cooking utensils or tableware the a visit to Sennichimae Doguya-Suji is a must.  With over 45 stores spanning over 160 meters, the surrounding area is also home to antique dealers and second hands shops.

Entertain yourself with the rides and attractions at Universal Studios Japan

For more ideas of what to see and do when visiting Osaka take some time to browse around the Osaka Tourist Guide website or visit the Japan National Tourist Organization’s Osaka pages.

Wakayama Prefecture

Visit the Kumano-sanzan and the Kii Mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Learn how to make Kishu Lacquerware or  go whale watching at Kushimoto Marine Park.  These are just two of the hands on experiences in Wakayama, you can also go river rafting or dress in Heian Attire and walk a portion of the the ancient Kumano Pilgrimage route.

Visit the temples and shrines of Wakayama including the Dojo-ji temple, the prefectures oldest, built in 701

Peruse the Buddhist artifacts and artwork at the Koyasan Reihokan Museum.

Relax at the famous onsen in Shirahama and take in the natural beauty of the Senjo-jiki Rock Tableland in the area.

Drive along the scenic Shirasaki Coast.

Take one of five walking tours of Wakayama or follow one of the itineraries created by the Wakayama Tourist Federation.

Visit the Wakayama Tourism website or the Japan National Tourist Organization’s Wkayama pages to plan your trip.

Odd Facts & Trivia

Osaka prefecture is the smallest in terms of area in Japan.

Are you a movie, anime or manga buff or do you just want to snap a classic image of Kansai?  If so be sure to check out popular filming locations in Kansai to learn about which places appear in Japanese film.

Articles in the Japan: A Closer Look series:

• Japan: A Closer Look at Hokkaido
• Japan: A Closer Look at Tohoku – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Chubu – Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Kanagawa
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Tokyo Practicalities
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Tokyo – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look At Tokyo:Lesser Known Facts And Figures
• Japan:A Closer Look at Kansai – Part 1

Image Credit:  Flickr, Osaka Castle Moat & headland 門