The Spirit of the Forest

This garden is inspired by visits to Ashiu Forest in Kyoto and Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo. In these places, trees and forests create a calm and peaceful atmosphere that soothes the soul.
The garden's concept is to create a tranquil, forest-like space, offering visitors opportunities for contemplation and introspection, while also telling a story about the future of Japan's forests.

In Japan, artificial forests of Japanese cedar and cypress were created in various parts of the country in the early 20th century, but as these artificial forests mature, they are becoming more vulnerable to decline and environmental changes.
This garden represents the process of gently thinning artificial forests to restore light to the forest floor and promote the regeneration of more diverse and resilient forests.

The understory plantings are designed to create a textured space with delicate leaves and understated flower colors, representing the regenerative process that occurs when diversity returns to the forest ecosystem.
The cedar planks, cut upright, and the cypress decks and benches utilize timber obtained through this kind of forest management. The natural scent of the wood contributes to a sense of peace and tranquility, helping visitors experience the space using all their senses.

The sculptural metal spiral that runs through the garden symbolizes a visual connection to the tree spirits believed to reside in the forest, and also suggests that the forest continues to live on through repeated regeneration.