Everything in Japan has a kawaii version, I guess. This is a miniature version of the popular Yotsume-gaki bamboo fence and it is used to mark a water faucet. I have to add this to our Real Japanese garden e-Book about bamboo fences.
japanese gardens
Day 30 – When the crowds are gone – After hours in Kodai-ji
The spring season special opening (春特別拝観) with extended hours and a beautiful light-up of the garden is ended yesterday at the last day of the official Golden Week. I experienced the garden today for the first time without visitors and was amazed by the atmosphere. Even the staff was gone while I did my last … Continue reading Day 30 – When the crowds are gone – After hours in Kodai-ji
Day 25 – Planting moss and the mountains of Kyoto
After a day of working in heavy rain, a colleague and I climbed up the mountain behind the temple, just above the tea houses Kasa-tei (傘亭) and Shigure-tei (時雨亭). Kasa means umbrella and shigure means drizzle or autumn rain and is written with the kanji for "time" and "rain". Very poetic, I find. Both tea … Continue reading Day 25 – Planting moss and the mountains of Kyoto
Kaki-Shibu – 柿渋
I love Kyoto because it is the center for traditional craftsmanship in Japan. Over centuries, emperors, shoguns, religious and political leaders and tradesmen have lived here in beautiful houses and gardens, have held sophisticated parties and indulged in lavish banquets. They have invested in the beauty of Japan – sophisticated craftsmanship, a sense for balance … Continue reading Kaki-Shibu – 柿渋
Book review – A Guide to The Gardens of Kyoto
A Japanese garden guide by Marc Treib and Ron Herman Must-Have-Level: 6/7, I wouldn't want to miss it on my desk or when out exploring. Audience: First-time visitors to Kyoto (if they love gardens and explore on their own), students of Japanese garden culture and seasoned Japanese garden veterans. Character: "Serious Japanese garden book" – no dreamy … Continue reading Book review – A Guide to The Gardens of Kyoto
Sandboxing with polymeric sand
So I ordered this table top sand box – in order to better understand the spatial dimensions of Japanese gardens. I do not want to copy single Japanese garden in minute detail, but rather understand how the proportions and dimensions of the design work. I also use them to better understand the levels of an … Continue reading Sandboxing with polymeric sand
90 Days in Kyoto 