Kyoto: Serene Garden Philosophy at Murin-an with Matcha Tea

Nestled at the base of Kyoto’s Higashiyama hills, Murin-an is a rare gem of modern Japanese garden design. Created in the late 19th century by statesman Yamagata Aritomo and designed by landscape master Ogawa Jihei, this villa garden breaks from tradition by embracing open space, flowing water, and borrowed scenery. A stream drawn from the Lake Biwa Canal winds through mossy paths and shaded groves, offering a seasonal, living landscape in quiet motion. Unlike classical gardens focused on symbolic stillness, Murin-an invites reflection through movement and natural rhythm. Carefully restored by today’s gardeners to reflect its original early 20th-century layout, it remains a place where the past gently shapes the present. Murin-an is not just a scenic retreat—it’s a living expression of Kyoto’s deep connection to time, nature, and design.