When I arrived at Sorinji Temple in the outskirts of Ube, Yamaguchi, the day was ending and the temple was in shadow with light fading fast.
I caught a glimpse of colour behind the buildings and upon investigating, was stunned to discover an amazing garden....
It is said to be the oldest garden in all of Yamaguchi.
Sorinji Temple was founded in 1670, but it was built on the site of a much older temple.
The original temple was called Fusaiji, and was founded in 777 by a monk from China.
It is believed that the garden dates from the mid to late 14th Century, although the great garden designer and scholar Mirei Shigemori suggests it might be even earlier
In 1983 the garden was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
It is a pond garden, with a couple of features that, while not unique, are quite rare.
The pond has two straight lines of stones. They are called Yodomariishi, and represent boats at anchor in a harbour.
They are said to be "treasure ships" on their way to Horai, the mythical Daoist home of the immortals.
The other unusual feature is the areas of pebbles laid on the edge of the pond. See the third and fifth photos below.
This is said to represent the ebb and flow of the tides.
Another feature I didnt notice but read about later is a section of the railings along the porch overlooking the garden ahs a section with the lower railing removed.
This is so you can sit on the porch with your legs dangling over...
I hope to be able to return to Sorinji and see the garden in sunlight one day...
There is also a small "courtyard" garden between the buildings.
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