Japanese garden || Japanese Gardeners work || Japanese life style || Tales of a Japanese gardener

“The only gardener experience in Japan”
Japanese gardens are one of the most globally recognised of Japanese traditions, but it is not easy to replicate. Taking care of Japanese gardens is skilled work, and it isn’t easy to find an opportunity to experience it.”

What characterizes the Japanese approach to gardening?

There are two approaches. This first is to maintain the garden as it is, so visitors always enjoy the same experience – which is what we do at big temples.
But for younger gardens like HOSHINOYA Kyoto, which is only 8 years old, you need to consider how the garden will develop.

When I prune trees, I’m constantly imagining the view guests will have from their room in the years to come.

What are the most important elements in a Japanese garden?

The key to any Japanese garden is the role of nature. Every element – water features, stone features, etc. – should be an extension of nature rather than a manmade creation. For example, we believe moss is beautiful because it occurs naturally.

At HOSHINOYA Kyoto, I’ve narrowed the garden path by taking away gravel and letting moss cover it. Nature must be allowed to express itself.

Which is your favorite season?

Spring and autumn! At HOSHINOYA Kyoto, the maple trees become bright green in spring and yellow and red in autumn.

But the garden is designed so guests can enjoy colors in each season.

Even in winter, we have trees with yellow seeds and fruit.

What qualities do you need to be a good gardener?

Attention to detail is essential. But you also need to understand nature by immersing yourself in it as much as possible.

It’s about finding inspiration in the beauty of the world and then replicating it in the garden.