Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Engetsukyo Bridge
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A stroll along the winding, tree
sheltered paths lead to the Chinese-style
Engetsukyo
(above)
, the “round moon
bridge,” arguably the oldest ornamental
stone bridge in Tokyo.
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Kuhachiya House
&
Horai-jima Island
Standing in the
middle of a glade of red
pines, this thatched-roof
building is modeled on an
Edo-era drinking house.
The original structure,
destroyed in the war,
was rebuilt in 1959.
The island at the
pond's center represents
the Taoist paradise of
Horai-jima. The idea of
placing a “heavenly isle”
in a garden was first con-
ceived by the Chinese
Emperor Wu Di.
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Iris Garden
Planted in the marsh surrounding the zigzag bridge,
purple and white Japanese and rabbit-ear irises bloom
(below)
during the June rainy season. An ancient
system of sluice gates and dikes irrigates the marsh.
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Inner Garden
Japanese Tea
Ceremony
The dual purpose of the
ceremony is to create a
spirit of modesty and to
express deep hospitality
to tea guests. Stepping
stones leading to the
teahouse are designed
to slow down guests,
to decrease the pace
of ordinary life, while
the very low entrance
requires guests to
stoop, a gesture of
humility that places
everyone on an equal
social footing.
Apart from a long-
gone Chinese gate, every-
thing else remains the
same as when the Mito
family used this Chinese-
style inner garden
(below)
as a place of study.
)
Plum Orchards
and Yatsu-hashi
An attractive plum
orchard just to the north
of the pond comes into
fragrant white blossom in
early February. Nearby, a
zigzag, eight-span
yatsuhashi
bridge runs
through a small marsh.
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Green tea was introduced to Japan in the 12th century when
seeds were brought from China and grown in the hills around Uji.
