I still remember the first time I saw this very unusual little art park/public garden across the street from Kyoto’s historic Nishihonganji Temple. I was with chef Brendon Edwards, we were biking back in the mid-winter cold from a pork wholesaler waaaay down in south Kyoto preparing to make ‘Epic Sausage‘.
I was like, what the heck is that? I didn’t know who built it yet. (A few months later I would have the aha moment.) In Japan, something built with private funds for public enjoyment is an extremely rare thing. I can’t recall seeing anything similar in all the land.
This little park was ‘given’ to passersby by my client Yohei Izutsu. He is the 9th generation owner of a Japanese Buddhist priest robe and weaving company. He is a very creative guy and a patron of the arts. The flowers and plants change with the seasons. Water runs down the glass obscuring the view inside. (Yohei’s design, no doubt!) I am not too sure about the ceramic sculptures in the pond, but this is a delightful little sight to behold!