About Us
Preserving the ancient art ofese garden design through modern innovation and traditional craftsmanship.
Our Story
Founded in the heart of Tokyo, Shakkei Garden Studio emerged from a deep reverence for the timeless principles ofese garden design and an interest in exploring these sacred spaces within modern contexts. Our name, "Shakkei," refers to the ancient technique of "borrowed scenery" – the approach of incorporating distant landscapes into garden compositions.
Our craftsmen have studied under traditional garden designers in Kyoto and Tokyo, learning techniques developed through generations. Today, we explore combining this ancestral knowledge with contemporary tools and sustainable approaches in garden design that honors the past while considering present needs.
Our Philosophy
We consider a garden as more than a collection of plants and stones, but rather a contemplative space that may reflect harmony between human intention and natural forces. Elements in our design approach serve both aesthetic and conceptual purposes – from carefully raked gravel representing water flow, to thoughtfully placed stones symbolizing mountains and islands.
Our approach explores the four fundamental principles ofese garden design: harmony with nature, seasonal awareness, asymmetrical balance, and the acknowledgment of impermanence. Through these principles, we develop spaces that evolve with time and may invite contemplation across seasons.
Master Craftsmen Heritage
Our team includes craftsmen from multiple generations of garden artisans, each bringing experience in traditionalese landscaping techniques. Led by Master Tanaka, who studied under garden designers of Kyoto's temple gardens, our craftsmen have experience with numerousese garden projects across and internationally.
We maintain relationships with traditional stone quarries in Kyushu and source materials including granite lanterns, bamboo fencing, and selected moss varieties. Our focus on authenticity extends to details such as stone placement angles and seasonal timing considerations for plantings.
Our Commitment
Authentic Craftsmanship
Our garden approach follows traditionalese design principles, using authentic materials and time-honored techniques developed over centuries of practice.
Sustainable Practices
We source materials responsibly and design gardens that consider harmony with local ecosystems, exploring biodiversity and environmental stewardship approaches.
Educational Mission
Through workshops and guided experiences, we explore sharing the wisdom ofese garden design with practitioners and enthusiasts interested in these traditions.
Innovation Meets Tradition
While deeply rooted in tradition, we explore modern technology to enhance our design process and client experience. Our AR preview system allows clients to visualize garden concepts before construction consideration, while our digital library preserves traditional techniques for reference.
We utilize surveying tools for site analysis and maintain documentation of project seasonal evolution. This blend of traditional wisdom and modern tools supports our goal of creating gardens that honor tradition while considering contemporary living contexts.