The further I travel, the less I realise I know… by Mary Hackett

I’ve been in Japan for a few weeks.

Not specifically a garden tour but I did spend a happy day in some wonderful gardens in the Kyoto area. Many RHSI members are familiar with Japanese gardens, the considered placement of each element to achieve harmony, the use of natural materials and empty space as an element in design.

Water as in running streams and waterpipes as well as ponds and lakes, is integral to Japanese gardening. One of my wanderings happened to coincide with a rainy afternoon. In the grounds of Tofukuji Temple I sat under the wooden roof of the Hojo, the chief priest’s former living quarters while the sound of gushing gutters and waterspouts added yet another element to the precisely constructed garden in front of me.

Like many experiences in Japan, although I was surrounded by Japanese, it was a very quiet moment.

In my ignorance, the full concept of that garden is beyond me. But I enjoyed every minute.