Raikyu-ji, a temple garden in Bitchu Takahashi, is the work of Kobori Enshu, one of Japan’s foremost designers of karesansui, and an advocate of the tea ceremony. To enter the temple, one ascends time-worn stone steps overgrown with tufts of grass, an indication that only a trickle of visitors disturb the tranquility of the setting despite the garden’s age and cultural importance.
Enshu, a master in the placement of stone, gravel and rocks, completed the garden in 1609. The focus is an imposing stone triad forming a crane and turtle island, with a central standing rock, surrounded by well-pruned azalea bushes. Mount Atago is visible in the distance over more azaleas, forming the classic “borrowed view” frequently incorporated into such designs.
The garden has one of the most striking examples of karikomi (topiary) in Japan. Dense, tightly pruned azalea bushes descend from a containing bank of camellias, forming shapes that are said to resemble waves crashing onto the sea of white gravel, though others see billowing clouds in the curvaceous greenery.
The garden emphasizes harmony and spiritual peace in both the dynamics of the composition and the onlooker. Like all the most accomplished karesansui, the garden induces a dual response: an immediate sense of calm, a release from the world as we know it, superceded by a more reflective, pensive mood in which to appreciate this exquisite garden.
Pebbles and paving stones beneath the temple eaves, which help to drain rain runoff s, were a later addition.
Kobori Enshu’s highly accomplished garden includes a crane and turtle island composition and a fine borrowed view of Mount Atago.
Raikyu-ji has one of the most outstanding examples of topiary art in Japan.
Hard but fluid stone lines most outstanding examples of are placed in contrast to sand topiary art in Japan. ripples and undulating azalea bushes.
Kinsaku Nakane’s highly ambitious design covers a staggering 43,000 square meters.