“Ise Province Garden Trail” — A Journey Through Mie’s Finest Japanese Gardens and the Artistry of Gardeners
- 三重県剪定伐採お庭のお手入れ専門店 剪定屋空
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
A number of distinguished Japanese gardens scattered across Mie Prefecture have been officially recognized as part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism’s Garden Tourism program — collectively known as the “Ise Province Garden Trail” (Ise no Kuni Oniwa Kaidō).
This initiative is a valuable opportunity not only to share the beauty and history of Japanese gardens rooted in local culture, but also to carry forward the traditions of Japanese landscape architecture into the future.
In this article, we take a deeper look — from the perspective of a professional gardener — at the seven officially registered gardens throughout Mie Prefecture, exploring their design styles, cultural backgrounds, and unique highlights.
1. Rokkaen (Kuwana City)
Once the residence of Meiji-era businessman Seiroku Moroto, Rokkaen features a stunning fusion of Western architecture designed by British architect Josiah Conder and a traditional Japanese chisen kaiyu-shiki (strolling pond) garden. The view from the Western-style balcony is breathtaking. With winding paths, artificial hills, and flowing water skillfully arranged throughout the landscape, this garden delights both modern architecture enthusiasts and lovers of Japanese garden design.
2. Yokoyama Residence Garden (Komono Town)
A dry landscape (kare-sansui) garden designed by renowned Showa-era garden artist Mirei Shigemori. Abstract beauty emerges through his arrangement of stones and raked gravel patterns, stimulating the viewer's imagination and emotions. Although usually closed to the public, special openings provide rare opportunities to experience the essence of Shigemori’s design, which emphasizes both geometric structure and spiritual expression.
At Sentei-ya Sora, we were honored to be entrusted with the care of the Yokoyama Residence Garden for one year beginning in 2021. During that time, we conducted comprehensive maintenance, including the restoration of raised earthworks. It was a deeply meaningful experience that allowed us to connect with an exceptional piece of garden heritage. Currently, the garden is lovingly maintained by Mr. Naka of 284., a talented and respected gardener based in Komono Town whom we hold in the highest regard.
重県菰野町にある菰野横山邸園(登録記念物）にてイブキの刈り込み＋築山補修土留施工
3. Inafu Shrine Garden (Suzuka City)
At the heart of this shrine garden lies Shichitō-no-Ike (“Seven-Island Pond”), said to have a history of over 500 years. Designed in a chisen (pond-centered) style, the garden features seven small islands arranged in a natural, uncut earthen landscape. The setting offers a sense of sacred tranquility while expressing harmony between nature and spiritual space.
4. Senshū-ji “Unyū-en” Garden (Tsu City)
Located within the grounds of the National Treasure Senshū-ji Temple, this hidden garden is usually closed to the public. The chisen kaiyu-shiki (strolling pond) garden includes moss-covered artificial hills and the tea arbor Anraku-an. It is said that the garden’s layout was influenced by Sen no Dōan (son of tea master Sen no Rikyū) and Oda Urakusai (Nobunaga’s brother), and the spirit of wabi-sabi tea aesthetics is elegantly expressed throughout.
5. Kitabatake Residence Ruins Garden (Misugi, Tsu City)
Spanning the historic site of the Kitabatake clan’s residence, this chisen kaiyu-shiki garden dates back to the Muromachi period. It is a landscape where hills, a central pond, and stone compositions coexist in quiet balance. The garden reflects the refined cultural tastes of a warrior family and is designated as both a national historic site and scenic beauty spot.
6. Former Hasegawa Jirōbee Residence (Matsusaka City)
This merchant-style Japanese garden is located within the residence of the wealthy Edo-period merchant family, Hasegawa. The pond garden incorporates stone bridges, lanterns, and thoughtfully selected plantings. The aesthetic sensibility and cultural affluence of the merchant class are clearly reflected, with seamless integration between the garden and traditional architecture.
7. Genkōsha (Tamaki Town)
A cultural heritage site featuring a tea house and roji (tea garden), Genkōsha dates back more than 170 years. The view from the tea room reveals the refined beauty of wabi-sabi, and the traditional roji design carries a quiet and contemplative spirit into the present day. It remains a living garden, still used for tea gatherings and seasonal events.
Seasonal Highlights in the Gardens
Spring: Vibrant fresh greenery, soft moss, and blooming cherry blossoms create a gentle, colorful atmosphere.
Summer: Clear blue skies reflected in the ponds contrast beautifully with the deep green foliage.
Autumn: A dramatic season where crimson leaves, stone arrangements, and raked sand patterns create stunning visual depth.
Winter: Snow-covered gardens and winter protection structures (yukitsuri, fuyugakoi) highlight the skills and seasonal craftsmanship of garden caretakers.
Garden Design Details to Observe
Stepping Stones: Notice how their placement reflects the average stride, guiding visitors naturally through the space.
Lanterns and Water Basins: Their positioning carries symbolic and functional meaning within the overall garden composition.
Types of Moss & Light Management: Different species are used depending on sun exposure, revealing deep horticultural knowledge.
Invisible Water Engineering: Subtle techniques are employed to guide, collect, and drain water without disturbing the natural look.
Passing on the Culture of Japanese Gardens to the Future
These gardens are not merely sightseeing spots — they are living cultural heritage that embody the depth of Japanese tradition through refined landscaping techniques and spiritual sensibilities.
Gardeners are not just caretakers; they are artists who shape, protect, and nurture spaces through an ongoing dialogue with nature.
To confront modern challenges such as climate change, a shortage of successors, and rural depopulation, it is essential to cultivate deeper knowledge, advanced skills, and strong collaboration with local communities.
At Sentei-ya Sora, we are committed to sharing the beauty of these gardens and, as modern-day gardeners, to preserving their value while finding new ways to pass on garden culture to the next generation.
Visiting the Ise Province Garden Trail is more than an opportunity to appreciate the artistry of Japanese gardens — it is also a journey into the heartbeat of the craftsmen who bring them to life.
