Former Byakugō-in Garden, Japanese strolling garden in Sakamoto, Japan.
The Former Byakugō-in Garden is a Japanese strolling garden featuring winding paths past trees, shrubs, and water features arranged in traditional patterns. The layout includes seasonal plants, stone groupings, and ponds that showcase how classical Japanese gardeners worked with natural forms.
The garden was originally part of Byakugō-ji Temple, established in the early 8th century. It preserves design elements from the Heian period, when such refined landscapes were created for the nobility.
Buddhist design principles shape how water, stones, and plants are arranged throughout the garden, and visitors can see how these elements encourage quiet reflection. The layout reflects how Japanese gardeners have long understood the connection between nature and spiritual practice.
The garden is best visited during the warmer months when all plants are in full growth and the paths are easiest to walk. Wear good shoes since the paths cross uneven ground with stones.
The site holds seven Important Cultural Properties, including carved wooden statues of Buddhist figures from the 11th to 13th centuries, placed in quiet corners of the garden. These valuable artworks remain in their original locations and offer a rare chance to see sculptures from that era in their intended setting.
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