Ladies and gentlemen, are you familiar with the Japanese garden style called "roji"? Also known as "tea gardens," these are a unique type of Japanese garden that emerged alongside the development of the tea ceremony and the concept of wabi-sabi. Unlike pond gardens and dry landscape gardens, this garden style is closely associated with the culture of tea and has garnered interest not only in Japan but also from people around the world. Today, I would like to introduce you to the roji garden.
Features of Roji
First, let me introduce what roji is. Originally, roji referred to the pathway leading to the tea room, but with the addition of the spirit of wabi-sabi, it came to mean a tea garden adorned with rich natural decorations. As the name "tea garden" suggests, it has a deep connection with tea and is a uniquely Japanese garden style that values wabi-sabi, particularly reflecting the spirituality of the tea ceremony.
(Image Citation: 造形賛美)
How to Create a Roji
Creating a roji requires various elements. Some of these appeared in Japanese gardens with the birth of the roji. Let's look at what is needed for a roji.
Koshikake Machiai
The koshikake machiai is a space within the roji (tea garden) before reaching the tea room, intended for rest and waiting. This area serves as a place for guests invited to a tea gathering to cleanse themselves and calm their minds before entering the tea room.
The characteristic of the koshikake machiai is that it allows visitors to quietly enjoy the changing seasons and the beauty of the garden in a serene atmosphere incorporating nature. Often, simple benches or seats made of stone or wood are provided, surrounded by moss, shrubs, and seasonal flowers, offering a tranquil time to those who visit.
Chōzubachi and Tsukubai
Chōzubachi (water basin) and tsukubai are important elements that symbolize the spirituality and aesthetics of the tea ceremony. These are installed as places to offer water for visitors to cleanse themselves before entering the tea room.
Chōzubachi
A chōzubachi is a container for offering water for visitors to cleanse their hands and mouth. This is a traditional Japanese etiquette to maintain a pure mind and body and is commonly seen at the entrance of shrines. In tea gardens, it plays an equally important role. Chōzubachi can be made of stone, pottery, or sometimes bamboo, and while respecting the beauty of nature, careful thought is given to its shape and material.
Tsukubai
Tsukubai is a water basin more specialized for the tea ceremony, reflecting the spirit of "wabi-cha." It is said to have been popularized by Sen no Rikyū and emphasizes the humble posture in using the water. Tsukubai is usually set low, requiring the user to squat, which encourages shedding the ego and fostering a sense of unity with nature. Tsukubai is often carved from stone, and its simple yet profound beauty symbolizes the spirit of the tea ceremony.
Chōzubachi and tsukubai are indispensable elements in the roji of a Japanese garden, playing a crucial role in preparing the mind of the visitor and creating a mindset suitable for the experience in the tea room. They embody the harmony with nature, the pursuit of spirituality, and the aesthetics of "wabi-sabi," which are symbols of Japanese culture.
Stone Lanterns
Stone lanterns are primarily made of stone and come in various shapes and designs. Common styles include standing lanterns, hanging lanterns, and pedestal lanterns. These lanterns are placed in different locations within the roji, illuminating paths or highlighting specific garden features.
Stone lanterns embody the spirit of "wabi-sabi" in the tea ceremony and serve as essential elements guiding the way while walking through the roji. They are artistic pieces that adorn the roji of Japanese gardens, adding unique charm to the garden’s landscape wherever they are placed.
Famous Roji Gardens
Next, let's look at some famous roji gardens. Japan has various roji gardens, and here are some of the most representative ones.
Daihō-in (Kyoto)
Located within Myōshin-ji in Kyoto's Ukyo Ward, Daihō-in is the largest Zen temple in Japan and is known for its roji garden created during the Edo period. This garden was established by Nagahime, the granddaughter of Sanada Nobuyuki, the first lord of the Matsushiro Domain. Situated in the deep recesses of Myōshin-ji, it offers a quiet space covered in moss and greenery. The garden is divided into three layers: outer roji, middle roji, and inner roji, reflecting the beauty of each season, with the autumn foliage being particularly vibrant.
(Image Citation: 庭園ガイド)
Fushin-an (Kyoto)
The Omotesenke school traces its lineage to Sen no Rikyū and continues from his third son, Sōtan. Fushin-an, originally established by Sen no Rikyū, has been rebuilt several times over the generations. After being destroyed by fire in 1914, it was reconstructed. The path to Fushin-an, located within the Omotesenke residence, is a fully-fledged tea garden that includes various garden elements.
(Image Citation: 表千家)
Shoden Eigen-in Temple (Kyoto)
Shoden Eigen-in Temple, belonging to the Kennin-ji branch of the Rinzai sect, was founded in the Kamakura period and originally consisted of two temples, Shoden-in and Eigen-an. In the 6th year of the Meiji era, Eigen-an was abolished, and thereafter, Shoden-in was relocated to the former site of Eigen-an, leading to its current form. The temple is designed so that you can enjoy the beautiful garden even from indoors.
(Image Citation:庭園ガイド)
Summary
What did you think? We have explored one of the representative styles of Japanese gardens, the roji. Born with the development of the tea ceremony and the spirit of wabi-sabi, the roji always provides a sense of calm and peace to those who see it. When you are busy or mentally exhausted, visiting a roji garden would be very soothing. If you are interested, please visit a roji garden!
