Byōdo-in Temple

#JapanGuide

Borrowed Scenery and the Uji River: Paradise that Draws in the Surrounding Nature
Byodoin Garden skillfully utilizes the technique of borrowed scenery, actively incorporating the surrounding natural environment into its design, not just within the garden itself. The waters of the Uji River flowing in front of the temple grounds and the forest of Mount Asahi in the distance form an essential backdrop to the garden.
Although the pond is artificial, the use of water from the Uji River creates an organic connection with nature. The mountain peaks and forest beyond the Uji River serve as a natural backdrop, enhancing the expansiveness and depth of the western paradise seen from the Phoenix Hall. Thanks to this borrowed scenery technique, Byodoin Garden is not confined to a confined space. Rather, it expands the entire beautiful natural landscape of Uji into a part of paradise, creating a sense of lasting comfort for the viewer.

Post by WandererRamzi | Oct 18, 2025