One of the most frequently encountered symbols in the Japanese gardens is Horaijima, the “treasure island". Horaijima is a mythical place inhabited by immortals, and in the garden it is represented inside the pond, as a small island made from a rock (or group of rocks).

There are no bridges and the island is not connected to the shore in any way, because Horaijima is inaccessible to mortals. However, if the island is large enough, flora symbolizing longevity may be planted, like the small pine in this photo taken inside Rikugi-en, in Bunkyo, Tokyo.

Rikugi-en, Bunkyo, Tokyo

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese traditional architecture, Irimoya