Rock garden in the South Garden of Tofuku-ji Hojo with tall standing stones and finely raked gravel patterns

Zen rock garden in the South Garden of Tofuku-ji Hojo featuring the moss-covered Five Hills and autumn foliage beyond the white wall

Checkerboard moss garden in the North Garden of Tofuku-ji Hojo with autumn foliage in the background

South and North Gardens of Tofuku-ji Hojo — Zen Rock Garden and Checkerboard Moss Designed by Mirei Shigemori

The Hojo Gardens of Tofuku-ji, designed by the acclaimed modern garden master Mirei Shigemori（1896-1975）, present two contrasting yet harmonious landscapes. The South Garden features bold stone arrangements and flowing raked gravel patterns, with the sculptural “Five Hills” standing prominently within the Zen composition. In contrast, the North Garden showcases Shigemori’s iconic checkerboard layout of stone tiles and moss, creating a distinctive rhythm and modern aesthetic.

During autumn, the surrounding trees burst into vivid shades of red and gold, beautifully complementing both the dynamic rock formations of the South Garden and the geometric forms of the North Garden. Together, these gardens embody Shigemori’s philosophy of blending traditional Japanese garden principles with innovative design, offering visitors a serene and visually compelling experience.

Table of Contents

South Garden of Tofuku-ji Hojo — Zen Rock Garden of Dynamic Stone Arrangements
South Garden of Tofuku-ji Hojo — “Five Hills” and Autumn Foliage in a Zen Rock Garden
North Garden of Tofuku-ji Hojo — Checkerboard Moss Garden with Autumn Colors

South Garden of Tofuku-ji Hojo — Zen Rock Garden of Dynamic Stone Arrangements

The South Garden of Tofuku-ji’s Hojo was designed by the renowned modern garden designer Mirei Shigemori. Its bold arrangement of towering stones symbolizes the vitality of nature, while the precisely raked gravel forms rhythmic wave patterns that enhance the sense of tranquility. In autumn, the surrounding foliage adds rich seasonal colors, harmonizing beautifully with the garden’s strong geometric composition.

South Garden of Tofuku-ji Hojo — “Five Hills” and Autumn Foliage in a Zen Rock Garden

The “Five Hills” in the South Garden of Tofuku-ji’s Hojo were designed by modern garden master Mirei Shigemori. Their soft, moss-covered mounds contrast beautifully with the precise raked gravel patterns that surround them. Beyond the white wall, vibrant autumn foliage adds depth and seasonal warmth to the otherwise minimalist Zen composition. The interplay of sculptural landforms and rich fall colors captures the unique aesthetic of this celebrated garden.

North Garden of Tofuku-ji Hojo — Checkerboard Moss Garden with Autumn Colors

The North Garden of Tofuku-ji’s Hojo is renowned for its innovative checkerboard layout of square stepping stones and lush moss, a signature work by modern garden designer Mirei Shigemori. In autumn, the trees behind the garden turn vivid shades of red and yellow, creating a striking contrast with the garden’s geometric pattern. The rhythmic alternation of stone and moss invites the viewer’s eye across the scene, showcasing the harmony between modern design and seasonal beauty.

For more photographs of Tofuku-ji, please visit my other related galleries.