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The Japanese art of gardening is an ancient one. It involves the careful planting of each flower, bush, and tree to achieve a medium between natural and orderly. These gardens are meticulously maintained and often contain ponds & Zen gardens. Join me on a trip through 25 of the most beautiful gardens in Japan:

Chion-in

The gardens of a Buddhist temple built in 1234, located in Kyoto. The temple was built in memory of Hōnen, a Buddhist teacher.

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Jōmyō-ji

The temple was founded in 1188 and is dedicated to Zen Buddhism. The magnificent Zen garden is overlooked by a teahouse, allowing visitors a relaxing cup of tea as they sit and contemplate.

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Jōruri-ji

The garden is part of a Buddhist temple, built in 1047. The temple is located by a pond representing the ocean, which separates life and death. It is one of the last of the Paradise Gardens from the Heian period.

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Kajū-ji

After the death of his mother in 900 C.E., emperor Daigo built this temple in her memory. In the midst of its garden lies a pond filled with water-lilies. It is said that the pond used to be sailed upon by poem-writers, though today you may only stroll alongside it.

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Kennin-ji

Zen was introduced to Japan by the monk Eisai, who is now buried in the grounds of this temple. Founded in 1202, it’s considered one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto.

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Kiyosumi Teien

Covering 81,000 square meters (50 square miles), these gardens were built by the founder of Mitsubishi for the enjoyment of his employees. The gardens surround a lake that serves as the focal point of the gardens. There are 3 islands in the lake, with a teahouse on one.



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