Pure Land Japanese Garden - lantern-lit evening garden

Pure Land Japanese Garden - lantern-lit evening garden

The lantern-lit evening garden honours an ancient and venerable Japanese tradition.

In Japan, toro (the traditional lanterns) were originally used only in Buddhist temples, where they lined and illuminated paths; lit lanterns were then considered an offering to Buddha.

During the Heian period (794-1185), however, they started being used also in Shinto shrines and private homes.

During the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568–1600) stone lanterns were popularised by tea masters, who used them as a decoration in their gardens.

In the present day, the traditional Japanese lantern-lit evening garden is increasingly rare even within Japan, and Pure Land Japanese Garden is the only place in Europe where one may take part in this beautiful experience.