Zen Gardens

So this is a traditional Zen garden, just because I haven't shown one yet and no blog of Japan would be complete without one. This one is in Nakatsu, a city in the north of Oita prefecture. I went there to visit LeeSean one week last March and found this little gem in a Zen temple near his house. Japan is positively full of this type of garden, because, as many might already know, the Japanese take their gardening very seriously. It, like many aspects of life in Japan, has been raised to the level of a fine art. Many houses have intricate gardens in their front yard, and what they lack in space, they make up for in sheer beauty. The purpose behind this is twofold: firstly, the act of tending for the garden brings peace, tranquility and a connection to nature. Secondly, gazing upon such a garden can quickly bring calm and enhance one's experience during meditation. They truly do capture the essence of Japan - disciplined beauty. I only hope the picture can do it justice.