Famous gardens of Japan. Parks of Japan. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Few places in the world have achieved such inspired subtlety in landscape art as in Japan. Already in the early Middle Ages, the Japanese paid special attention to the contemplation of nature and created beautiful gardens and parks, which in the language of European culture could be called landscape. They were interpreted in the categories of the Buddhist worldview. The center of the composition was an island (rock, pavilion), surrounded by the waters of a lake - a symbol of a Buddhist paradise in the middle of the ocean. A delightful example is the famous Byodoin Monastery in Uji (near Kyoto), where in the center of the lake a light wooden building stretches its wings - the Phoenix Hall, hiding the statue of Amida Buddha.

Very early (already in the 12th century) the theoretical understanding of gardening art developed, and numerous treatises appeared. During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), Zen Buddhism began to play a decisive influence, for which contemplation of nature is one of the most important paths to enlightenment. The basic principles of designing a Japanese garden, based on irregularity and asymmetry, are gradually being formed.

Theorists define two main types of garden.

Tsukiyama type— recreation of a real hilly landscape with the obligatory presence of a reservoir and mountains or rocks. Often specific, recognizable natural landmarks of Japan or China are reproduced (Mount Fuji, etc.), but each object also has spiritual and symbolic meaning, and their interaction is revealed as you walk through the garden. For example, the upper garden of Saihoji Monastery in Kyoto (created in 1339 - the oldest garden of this type, with its powerful rock stones, symbolizes the primordial forces of nature).

Hiraniwa type is a small flat garden viewed from a fixed point and depicting nature in miniature. The famous embodiment of this type and the symbol of the Zen garden in general are “dry landscape” gardens (karesansui). There is never any water in them: the sea or river is represented by sand, the mountains - by fragments of rocks, “islands” of moss or shrubs. The conventionality of these gardens facilitates the transition to long, in-depth contemplation and meditation. These gardens were an integral part of Zen monasteries; the most famous are the gardens of Ryoanji (late 15th century) and Daisen-in (1509-1513) in Kyoto.

A special type of garden is tea gardens (tyaniva), which spread from the 15th-16th centuries. along with the development of the tea ceremony. They are very small, it is more likely not even a garden, but a small path surrounded by plants and stones to the tea house. It helps to enter a state of solitude, gradual separation from the bustle of the world - the goal of a tea ceremony imbued with the spirit of Zen.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), extensive landscape parks became widespread. They are still built around a pond with an island in the center, but they combine features of different types and can include tea gardens and rock gardens. The relatively small park of the Katsura Imperial Villa (1610s, 1650s) is designed not only for leisurely walks, but also for contemplating natural “pictures” that are captured through the windows of numerous pavilions. The extensive park of another imperial residence, Shugakuin (1650s), was built on the principle of incorporating a natural landscape into an artificial one. A pond with islands and bridges is dug on the slope high mountain, which, like a theatrical backdrop, is visible from many points in the park and thus becomes part of its space. Parks of this kind were created not only for the emperor, but also for numerous noble feudal lords. Three of them are recognized as the most beautiful parks in Japan: Kenrokuen (1676) in Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture), Korakuen (1687) in Okayama (Okayama Prefecture) and Kairakuen (1841) in Mito (Ibaraki Prefecture).

Japan's parks and gardens are beautiful in any weather and at any time of the year. They are wonderful under a veil of rain and in a light haze of fog, in a snow-white winter and a luxurious crimson autumn, but first of all - in early spring, during the cherry blossom season.

Japanese nature is amazing and diverse. There are mountain peaks with waterfalls, untouched forests full of animals and birds, and depths of the sea, and active volcanoes. All this beauty is carefully protected in 34 national parks from snowy Hokkaido to tropical Okinawa.

And to make it easier for tourists to understand this diversity, we, together with the Ministry of Environment, launched a new website this year.

World Travel

23.11.18 08:26

When we think of Japan, we most often imagine the gigantic, overpopulated metropolis of Tokyo with its huge neon signs and traffic. Another replicated image of the Country Rising Sun– Mount Fuji rising to the heavens in a cloud of pink cherry blossoms. However, don’t forget about the country’s magnificent national parks, which are often overlooked by tourists! Here are 10 of Japan's most beautiful parks, brimming with natural wonders that will definitely leave you spellbound.

Ogasawara: Galapagos of the East

Fiercely contested after World War II, the Bonin Islands are home to Ogasawara National Park. The archipelago can only be reached by boat or ferry, but the long journey is worth it! As you approach the stunning coves and secluded beaches that dot the park's shores, you will be amazed by its incredible beauty. From the point of view of evolutionary heritage, Ogasawara is unique, which is why it is called the “Galapagos of the East”. The turquoise waters surrounding the islands perfectly set off the amazing landscapes with rich flora and fauna (many of their representatives are endemic). The stunning rock arch on Minamijima Island is just one of the park's attractions. Snorkel, explore walking routes and enjoy the secluded beauty of Ogasawara.

Akan Mashu: diversity of ecosystems

One of Japan's oldest parks, Akan Mashu offers stunning scenery and diverse ecosystems. The fact that the zone was declared a protected area a long time ago helped preserve the virginity of nature. You could wander the local trails for a week and not have time to see all the natural wonders of the park. Incredible volcanic craters scattered throughout the forests, crystal lakes Onneto and Akan, Me-Akan mountains, Kawayu hot springs, pristine silence, broken only by the singing of birds - all this, of course, is worth devoting a few days of vacation to exploring Akan Mashu!

Iriomote-Ishigaki: home of the endemic cat

Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park is famous for a very rare endemic species of wild Bengal cat, which is called the Iriomote cat. Some of the park's islands are surrounded by delightful lagoons with turquoise, very clear waters, and the subtropical flora and limestone cliffs overlooking the beaches below make for an outlandish panorama. In addition to all this, the cascades fill the dense undergrowth with wonderful sounds. Birds circling overhead add to the scenic beauty of Iriomote-Ishigaki Park.

Aso-Kuju: Volcanic Landscape and Flower Gardens

Named after Mount Aso and the Kuju Range, Japan's Aso-Kuju National Park is just that: high peaks, dominating the surrounding flat lands. Aso is an active volcano with a beautiful caldera to walk in, as well as many hot springs suitable for swimming. The volcanic landscape is barren, but scarred by lava flows and very impressive. On the plains below the Kuju Mountains are the Kuju Flower Gardens, an explosion of rich and vibrant colors for which the rocks provide a stunning contrasting backdrop.

Towada-Hatinmantai Hot Springs

In the mountainous region where it is located national park Towada-Hatinmantai, there are many impressive trails. The landscape is magnificent and magically transforms with the changing seasons. While winter is the best time to walk through the breathtaking snow-capped forests of Juhi, summer is the time to enjoy the flowers covering the mountain slopes. The volcanic nature of the region has given travelers the opportunity to bathe in hot springs, and the mountains are interspersed with crystal clear rivers and lakes.

Yoshino-Kumano: Ancient Shrines and Changing Landscapes

Unique appearance The rock formations along the coastline of Yoshino-Kumano National Park are one of the natural wonders you'll discover here. Reaching out to sea, these intriguing geological wonders are beautiful, as are the changing landscapes that blend and merge to form a natural patchwork quilt. Peaceful rivers wind their way through steep ravines that turn into mountains, forests cover the hills and valleys, and in between you'll find old cobbled paths, ancient shrines and rushing waterfalls. sacred mountain Covered with lush flora, Omina offers stunning panoramas of the surrounding area.

Kerama Shoto: an idyllic archipelago with coral reefs

The idyllic archipelago lying on Okinawa forms Kerama Shoto National Park, a dazzling, dreamlike, tropical turquoise and emerald paradise. The calm waters surrounding the islands give way to creamy white beaches that are perfect for relaxing. The low-lying interiors of the islands are covered in rich vegetation, and the eclectic colors of the coral reefs attract scuba divers and snorkelers. Here you can endlessly enjoy the beauty underwater world. sea ​​turtles swim lazily offshore, and lucky ones may spot humpback whales occasionally passing through these waters.

Nikko: breath of centuries

Home to the stunning Tosho-gu Temple, Nikko is one of the most beautiful national parks Japan. The park feels the breath of ancient centuries, and Shinto shrine a must-see, as is the Buddhist shrine of Rinnoji. The breathtaking landscapes, the amazing Kegon Waterfall, which pours its jets into a forest with mighty trees, Lake Chuzenji, lying between the mountains and green hills - all this amazes the imagination. Mount Nikko Siran is another amazing feature of the park, its snow-capped peak standing out against the bright blue sky.

Shiretoko: enchanting lakes

Located on the northeastern tip of Hokkaido, Shiretoko National Park is isolated enough from the outside world to keep its beautiful scenery intact. The park owes its attractiveness to five enchanting lakes, shining with the beauty of sparkling waters and surroundings: the mountains and forests scattered along the banks are luxurious. The park has an amazing waterfall, and as you climb the rocks that dot the river, you will feel the water gradually warming up - which means the hot springs are close. The park's namesake pass, Shiretoko, offers views from above.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu: around the legendary mountain

Comprising a vast array of natural wonders and contrasting landscapes, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is amazing! Of course, the main jewel of this reserve in Honshu is Mount Fuji, which makes the park the most popular in Japan. There are more than a thousand volcanic islands in the park, and beautiful, sparkling waterways wind through mountains, hills and valleys. Lakes and hot springs, waterfalls and ancient forests growing on lava fields, ancient temples and steep slopes, and, of course, cherry blossoms are just asking to be added to your photo album! The best time to come is in the spring to admire the pink cloud of cherries.

In 1986, the landscape exhibition “Japanese Garden” was opened on the territory of the Main Botanical Garden. Specialists from Japan took part in the project - landscape designer Nakajima, architect Adachi, construction company Watana-be-Tomi. Financial support for the project was provided by the Japanese Embassy in Russia.

The result of the innovation in the botanical complex exceeded all expectations; now in Russia you can get acquainted with the Japanese view of the beauty of nature. On Moscow soil, in the botanical complex, a real corner of Japan appeared with a huge number of small waterfalls, ponds with islands. There are also pavilions in Japanese architectural style, and stone lanterns, and multi-tiered pagodas - this makes people, regardless of their nationality, feel that harmony can be found between nature and human activity. This common sense thought certainly appears after visiting even a small, real Japanese garden.

And in Moscow, the botanical zone, decorated by the Japanese, is simply huge. The laconic and seemingly simple structure of the green zone is, in fact, not easy to achieve. The botanical exhibition presents more than a hundred species of different plants: world-famous sakura, mono maple, rhododendron, David's elm and other plants.

Many Muscovites ask the question, when is the best time to visit a Japanese garden to feel all its beauty? Every Japanese knows that nice park charming at any time of the year, morning, afternoon and evening. In March, spring yellow forsythia and bluish broomers begin to bloom. In April and May, everyone wants to admire the famous cherry blossoms, which have become a symbol of Japan. As soon as it begins to bloom, rhododendron and apricot flowers appear.

At the beginning of summer, irises, familiar to Russians, bloom, followed by the relay of flowering to silvery lavender and pinkish spirea flowers. Until late autumn, blooming petals of Kuril tea, very reminiscent of small gold coins, adorn the green bushes.

Late autumn not only does not diminish the charm, many believe that this place becomes even more poignant and beautiful. The leaves of the maples are covered with autumn crimson, and the purple rhododendrons create the ghostly illusion of re-blooming. In winter, the Japanese park is thoughtfully deserted and gently whitewashed with snowy white colors. Every Japanese kindergarten always has a special lantern designed for leisurely admiring the snow.

The Japanese are confident that nature has answers to all life's questions. In order to solve any problem or just relax, you should come, reflect, look at plants, stones and water, which have a power that is not fully known to man. Anyone who is interested in the traditions of Japan, those who want to better understand this distinctive people with a difficult history and their own view of the world, should definitely come to the Botanical Garden and its “Japanese Garden” exhibition.

When cherry blossoms bloom in the Japanese Garden

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How to get there

From the Vladykino metro station, walk a couple of minutes to the entrance to the Botanical Garden, then walk along the main alley to the T-shaped fork (25 minutes walk). There will be a sign, turn left and walk another 300 m.

Opening hours

• Tue., Wed., Fri. - from 12:00 to 19:00
• Sat., Sun. And holidays– from 12:00 to 20:0
• Mon. and Thurs. – sanitary days

The garden is open from April 25 to October 15. During the cherry blossom period it is open every day, without weekends or sanitary days.

Ticket prices

• during the cherry blossom period, weekends and holidays: adults – 200 rubles, schoolchildren and students – 100 rubles, pensioners – 30 rubles.
• other days - weekdays: adults - 150 rubles, schoolchildren and students - 80 rubles, pensioners - 20 rubles.

Beautiful parks are one of the reasons why you can and should go to Japan. In general, my autumn trip was timed specifically for the season of red maple leaves. Momiji is one of the favorite seasons of the Japanese and is known throughout the world, along with the flowering season. In Japan they are very respectful of nature and beautiful National parks one of business cards Land of the Rising Sun.

While traveling around Japan, I saw several parks and gardens, some famous and some not so well known. One of the famous natural monuments I visited on the first day of the trip, it was in Nikko, sunny city, - , now we have arrived in the city of Kanazawa, which is famous for its unique and beautiful Kenroku-en Park. Its name means garden of six virtues. Due to the terrible weather, I did not consider all six advantages, although I definitely felt three.

Arriving in the city of Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture), at the station we were greeted by this unusual huge teapot (top picture), it probably symbolizes something.

As usual, we left our things in the storage room and decided to quickly walk around the city. Our acquaintance with the city began with the famous Omi-cho market, this is an amazing fish market with the freshest fish, crabs, and caviar. I'll tell you about it later. After walking through the covered market, we decided to refresh ourselves here. Everything was so beautiful, fresh and must have been delicious.

There were no usual cafes here, mostly something similar to not very cozy eateries, so at first I didn’t understand where and how we would eat. But a woman approached us, apparently the owner of this establishment, said that we needed to pay for the selected dish at the machine and showed that we needed to go back and sit at a table that was located on the street in front of the entrance to the establishment.

We didn't have to wait long. This woman brought us this beautiful and tasty dish, I don’t know the name. The main thing is rice, and on top there is caviar with tuna and all sorts of sea delicacies. Without exaggeration, I will say that I really really liked it and the portion was so impressive and filling. I think this dish is called, at least the composition is similar. As a bonus, they brought us fish soup for free - nice (although... for such a price).

We devoured Japanese food, and other cafe visitors, Japanese, joined us. I carefully and diligently “struggled” with my chopsticks 箸 (はし, hashi） and caught the rice with them. Apparently, the owner of the establishment was looking at my efforts while she wiped the neighboring tables.

In principle, it didn’t bother me that I couldn’t deftly use chopsticks and it didn’t bother me that someone would look at me. In general, I didn’t even try to show that everything was fine and I could use these same gadgets. The only negative is that I slowly devoured my lunch, and the rest amused me, probably the Japanese too, who were in the neighborhood.

But here, an Asian foreigner at the next table, who also didn’t really use chopsticks (???, huh... what about Asians, don’t everyone eat with chopsticks?) asked to be brought フォーク (fo:ku) - a fork. The hostess brought her a plastic fork, and for some reason also brought me one. She was probably tired of watching me “suffer,” so I had to not disappoint her and use a fork.

The next point of our acquaintance with the city of Kanazawa was a visit to the castle of the same name. We did not plan to go inside and limited ourselves to an external inspection.

The castle was built in 1583, like many of today's buildings it is a reconstruction, the original building burned several times and the last fire was in 1881. Only the Ishikawa Gate, built in 1788, and a couple of storage buildings remain real.

The restored Hishi and Tsuzuki Yagura building, a long warehouse connecting the two towers. The castle was opened to visitors in 2001.

Despite the fact that it had been raining for several days, I still didn’t buy an umbrella, mostly because it was very inconvenient to carry a bag, a camera, and also an umbrella. But on this day the weather was raging, there was a very strong wind, which twisted the umbrellas of passers-by and the rain lashed from all sides.

Having reached the pearl of Japanese nature - Kenroku-en Park, I was pretty wet and, to be honest, I didn’t really want to admire the beauty of the park. But Dmitry consistently and persistently adhered to the planned program. In front of the ticket office, I saw a touching picture: a young couple in national costume, white socks and clogs, when there was so much slush and rain all around, they came for a walk in the park.

Inside the park we met another beautiful couple, and everything here (in Japan) turns out to be very romantic. But they say that the Japanese do not know how to love and make friends, in the sense that they do not show their feelings and generally marry without love for the most part. How can you show your feelings to a girl even more beautifully? Dress so beautifully and unusually (I think that not every Japanese guy is ready for this) and go for a walk with his girlfriend. This is much more romantic and bolder than just giving flowers. Although in Japan it might be the other way around?

Kenroku-en Park is one of the three famous parks in Japan, along with Kairaku-en and Koraku-en parks.

The three parks are united according to the characteristics characteristic of an ideal garden: it is a man-made structure using traditional forms, the park must be located in a secluded place and occupy a vast area, it must have flowing water and a panoramic view. The beautiful Kenroku-en Park combines all the features. The area of ​​the park is 11.4 hectares.

The six virtues of the park include: spaciousness, tranquility, respectability, scenic views, subtle design and coolness. Kenroku-en was defeated in 1676 and was the private domain of the Maeda clan. The garden was built and rebuilt over two centuries. The garden was opened to the public in 1871.

There is a lot of water in the park - streams, lakes, fountains, respectively, many bridges and beautifully designed paths. You can wander into secluded corners that seem to be off the beaten path. A huge number of trees and flowers pleases the eye of the vacationer. You should come to Kenroku-en Park specifically for a leisurely walk and contemplation, as the couples in the top photographs did.

On the day we were there, due to bad weather, there were few people, which was a plus. But on the other hand, we didn't watch all the parts beautiful park and our walk was “swift”, to capture and see the most interesting things and quickly put on warm, dry clothes, this is a huge minus.

The park is beautiful at any time of the year. These pictures different seasons taken from the Internet. Isn't it wonderful?

There are many plum and sakura trees in the park, so starting in February, tourists come here to admire the blooming trees. And in the fall, you can see it in the picture - of course, fiery momiji. Such red maples appear in the period November-December. In total, 183 species of plants and 8,750 trees grow in the garden.

This ancient fountain, the very first in Japan. Built in 1861, it gushes naturally, under the influence of groundwater flowing from the nearby mountains. The height of the fountain is 3.5 meters.

One of beautiful places, which is visible immediately as soon as you enter the park, is the complex: Lake Hisago ike (pumpkin lake), the green Midori Taki waterfall and the Yugaotei tea house covered with tree branches. The lake got its name because of its shape, similar to that of a pumpkin. At the beginning of its creation, the park began from this very place.

The Kaiseki Pagoda stands on an island in the middle of Lake Hisago Ike, its height is 4.1 meters.

The tea house is the oldest building in the park, built in 1774.

In the center of the park there is another lake, Kasumigaike (Mist Lake), where colorful carp splash and are fed by park visitors.

In Kenroku-en Park there is the famous Kotoji Toro stone lantern, 2.67 meters high. The most favorite place for tourists. On the bridge in front of the lantern there are a lot of people who want to take pictures. There are 18 stone lanterns in the park, but this is the most famous

I was also offered to take a photo, but by this time I was already on the verge of boiling because I was wet myself, my camera was flooded with water and the rain was not going to stop. I understood literally what the expression “getting wet” means, and it was the end of October, and getting sick was not part of my plans. And the photo - I imagined what I would look like in it (wet, disheveled, tired, to be honest, I don’t really like being photographed), but maybe it’s even more interesting.

At the same time, I am very glad that we visited this park in Japan. This is an ideal place for contemplation and relaxation. And a great memory of Japan.

We also ran along several paths, saw monuments to samurai soldiers, but I didn’t take out my camera again. Because with each subsequent frame the photographs became foggier and more spotty from the rain.

The park is open daily from 7.00 to 18.00, in autumn-winter (from mid-October to February) from 8.00 to 17.00. Entrance fee 310 yen.

I read information that admission is free in rainy weather, but this is not true, at least not in our case. You can come to the park early in the morning at 5 o’clock, in which case entry will be free, but you must leave it before 7 o’clock.

My not very successful hike and acquaintance with Kenroku-en Park is over. This is probably the only day when I allowed the weather to ruin my mood. We had to drive another couple of hours to our destination, so taking my things from the storage room, I went to the toilet to change clothes. Fortunately, Japanese toilets are clean and very spacious. And at the stations, perhaps on purpose, in the booths there are places where you can put your numerous backpacks and bags so as not to put them on the floor.

Having changed clothes, I felt calmer, but the epic with wet clothes was not over yet. After all, as usual, our day was long and during the day we were in different places, sometimes (and maybe always) in different cities. We went to Takayama for the night.

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Types of parks.

In Japan, where nature is so loved and appreciated, there are many different types of parks, from national reserves and quasi-national parks, including prefectural natural protected sites, to city squares, green recreation areas with fountains and benches and children's playgrounds with horizontal bars, slides and a swing. There are also famous traditional and historical parks such as Shinjuku Gyoen, Imperial Palace, and city parks, which may include zoos and botanical gardens, historical monuments and sports complexes.

There are also theme and memorial parks, peace parks, amusement and amusement parks.

• Recreation in the parks.
  In good weather, parks are a pleasant place to relax, walk, breathe fresh air, sunbathe, and admire flowers.
  On weekends, the parks are always full of families and young couples, since outdoor recreation is one of the favorite pastimes for the Japanese.
  Some famous parks in Japan.

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima Prefecture).
  The park was built as a reminder and regret of the horrors of World War II and as an embodiment of prayers for peace. In the southern part of the park is the Peace Memorial Museum. Admission to the museum is 50 yen for adults and university students, 30 yen for high school students, and free for junior and middle school students. Entrance to the park is free.
  Official website of the Peace Memorial Museum (at English language). http://www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/index_e2.html

Cenotaph to the victims of the atomic bombing in Memorial Park peace in Hiroshima. cowardlion/Shutterstock.com

• Takato Castle Park (Nagano Prefecture).
  A park located on the site where Takato Castle once stood. The park is very famous for the cherry blossom festival in spring. During normal times, admission to the park is free, but during the cherry blossom season there is an entrance fee of 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for elementary and middle school students.
  Official website of Takato Castle Park (in Japanese). http://www.ta-ka-to-o.com
• Osaka Expo Park - "Banpaku Kinen Koen" (Osaka Prefecture).
  The park, which was laid out on the territory where the international exhibition EXPO`70. In the park, you can enjoy natural views in the Japanese Gardens, Natural and Cultural Gardens, and there are also many cultural sites such as National Museum ethnology, Commemorative Pavilion EXPO`70, Folk
  Museum of Japanese Crafts and others, sports areas and recreation areas are organized. Among the works of art that decorate the park, the most famous is the “Tower of the Sun” by the famous Japanese sculptor Okamoto Taro. There is an entrance fee to certain areas of the park and museums.
  Official website of the park (in English).