
The first post in what I hope to be a series from my recent trip to Japan.
I hope for this series to be available as a guide to a few places to visit and a few things to do! (though it is very far from a complete list!)
First I would like to share with you my visit to the Kyoto Garden of Fine Arts, by the master of concrete, Tadao Ando.
Personally, Ando’s work has been an amazing influence, such refined works from a man who had previously worked as a truck driver, a boxer and had no formal training.
You will more often than not hear Ando recognised for his use of concrete, a work of fine craftsmanship.
The Garden of Fine Art situated North of Japan’s traditional capital Kyoto and not far from the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Gardens, is an ‘open air gallery.’ Though perhaps the words ‘garden’ and even ‘gallery’ are open to interpretation?
The garden’s classical works have been recreated on large weatherproof ceramic plates in a modern concrete ‘garden.’
Though the real interest for me was held in the minimalist concrete walkways and walls rather than the works themselves.
The garden, completed in 1990 uses modern materials of concrete and glass yet holds traditional works of art, and also responds to the serenity of a traditional Japanese garden. Two concrete ramps intertwine their way down into the lower parts of the garden, taking the visitor on a journey through large concrete volumes that serve as separating the space, creating voids whilst also serving as a surface for the works themselves.
Another main feature of the garden is the horizontal and vertical walls and pools of water that flow from the top most level down through the garden whilst the constant sound of falling water serves as soft background ambience.


The Main Entrance (and you can just see Monet’s water lillies under the surface.)


Window looking outside the garden


There are many water features that run horizontally, vertically, horizontally again like a maze through the garden, and also add a gentle background noise when walking through.

An intersection of elements that span through the entire building. (and a hint of the works contained.)

And a Detail of the same intersection.

In, looking out, this shot also shows the looping path that winds its way down to the bottom of the open garden.

Another shot of the ramp continuing down, you can see the element that goes through the wall (top right, and center)

A shot of the different levels and voids.

Openings revealing the works on the wall behind them.


Abrupt intersection and viewing point.

And Looking back, a good demonstration of the shear volumes dividing the space.

Another shot of the horizontal water and the path. Also hints of the botanical gardens behind.


Some photos of the recreated works themselves.
Garden of Fine Arts (Kyoto Fruits Toban Meiga no Niwa)
Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0823. Tel. 075-724-2188
Hrs. 9:00-17:00 (enter by 16:30). Closed Dec. 28- Jan 4.
100 yen (50 yen in case of combination ticket with Kyoto Botanical Garden)
The fastest way to get here from Kyoto Station or Hankyu Karasuma is to take the subway to Kitayama Station.









please stop by the websites we comply with, including this one, because it represents our picks from the web
we came across a cool site that you simply may possibly get pleasure from. Take a search in case you want
That is really attention-grabbing, You are an overly skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and sit up for looking for more of your great post. Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!
Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog web
site? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I were a little bit familiar of this your broadcast
offered vivid clear concept
With almost everything that appears to be building throughout this subject material, a significant percentage of viewpoints are generally rather radical. Having said that, I appologize, because I can not give credence to your entire idea, all be it exciting none the less. It looks to me that your opinions are generally not totally rationalized and in actuality you are generally your self not really thoroughly certain of your assertion. In any event I did take pleasure in reading it.
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you
amend your web site, how can i subscribe for
a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your
broadcast provided bright clear idea
The facts talked about inside the write-up are a few of the best accessible
check beneath, are some absolutely unrelated sites to ours, nevertheless, they’re most trustworthy sources that we use
here are some links to web sites that we link to due to the fact we assume they’re worth visiting
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert
that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
It is best to take part in a contest for among the finest blogs on the web. I will recommend this web site!
usually posts some pretty intriguing stuff like this. If you are new to this site
Ahaa, its fastidious dialogue regarding this post at this place at
this blog, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting here.
I have read several just right stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how a lot attempt you set to make this kind of great informative site.
When someone writes an piece of writing he/she maintains the thought of a user
in his/her mind that how a user can know it. Therefore
that’s why this post is amazing. Thanks!
Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d
figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa?
My blog addresses a lot of the same topics as yours and I think
we could greatly benefit from each other. If you’re interested feel free to
send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Fantastic blog by the way!
I needed to put you that little remark just to say thank you as before for these incredible views you’ve contributed here. It is simply incredibly open-handed of you to make openly all a few individuals could possibly have advertised as an e book to earn some profit for themselves, certainly considering the fact that you might have done it if you considered necessary. These tactics as well served as the great way to know that the rest have a similar keenness similar to my personal own to understand many more regarding this condition. I know there are some more pleasant moments in the future for folks who read through your blog.
Hello, you used to write magnificent, but the last few posts have been kinda boring¡K I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!
Keep functioning ,impressive job!
I actually wanted to type a note to say thanks to you for these great tactics you are giving out at this site. My rather long internet research has finally been paid with brilliant tips to share with my partners. I would admit that most of us visitors actually are unquestionably blessed to dwell in a notable site with many wonderful individuals with good techniques. I feel pretty happy to have seen your entire web site and look forward to tons of more cool times reading here. Thank you once more for a lot of things.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.
I do not know who you are but certainly you’re
going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already ;
) Cheers!
Every the moment in a while we opt for blogs that we study. Listed beneath would be the most up-to-date sites that we choose
Here are a few of the sites we recommend for our visitors
Here is a great Blog You might Discover Intriguing that we Encourage You
Howdy! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 3gs!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward
to all your posts! Keep up the superb work!
Hello, every time i used to check website posts here early
in the break of day, because i enjoy to learn more and more.
Very well written information. It will be supportive to anyone who usess it, as well as yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing – can’r wait to read more posts.
obviously like your web site but you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the reality on the other hand I¡¦ll definitely come again again.
great issues altogether, you just won a new reader. What would you suggest in regards to your post that you made a few days ago? Any sure?
Usually I do not learn post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, quite great post.
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
You are a very capable person!
Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nonetheless really worth taking a appear, whoa did a single find out about Mid East has got more problerms at the same time
Every once in a even though we opt for blogs that we read. Listed beneath would be the latest web-sites that we decide on
the time to read or stop by the material or sites we have linked to beneath the
below you will come across the link to some sites that we think you ought to visit
Helpful info. Fortunate me I found your website by accident, and I am shocked why this twist of fate did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Great goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely fantastic. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is really a great site.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.
I carry on listening to the reports talk about receiving free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the top site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i acquire some?
I am not sure the place you’re getting your info, however good topic. I must spend a while studying much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.
Good site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!
I have been examinating out a few of your articles and i can state pretty clever stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your blog.
Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people consider worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
one of our guests lately suggested the following website
check beneath, are some entirely unrelated web-sites to ours, having said that, they’re most trustworthy sources that we use
It is actually a great and useful piece of information. I¡¦m glad that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Of course, what a great site and educative posts, I will bookmark your website.All the Best!
Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but not you.”
very handful of sites that transpire to be in depth beneath, from our point of view are undoubtedly very well worth checking out