TOULOUSE
The art of niwaki, hanami, or even karesansui: you have an hour to brush up on your knowledge of the Zen culture behind Japan’s legendary gardens. Don’t worry, this walk isn’t just for otaku (if you’ve no idea what that means, you really must come along!).
This one-hour tour is a distillation of legends, philosophy and landscape art. Here, you’ll be gently introduced to the world of Zen. Savour the sight of a line, a rock, and even the empty space, designed to rest the eye. The guide will whisper to you of the ancient times from which the symbols—skilfully distilled into your view through vegetation masterfully arranged in perfect harmony with the seasons—originate. Dry garden, bridge, tea pavilion, lanterns of the dead: he also reveals the secrets of the various aesthetic codes gathered here across 7,000 m².
This garden, created in 1981 at the heart of a brand-new business district, is, in itself, a subject for reflection. Moreover, it is unique in its kind because, whilst the landscape architects drew inspiration from the garden of the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, they took the liberty of incorporating regional basalt from the Sidobre Mountains. Indeed, in the true tradition of Japanese gardens, no two should be alike. This distinctive feature is perhaps what earned it the title of ‘Remarkable Garden’ in 1993.
Good to know:
– This tour, open to all, is suitable for people with reduced mobility. The UMEN association provides equipment and experienced Joëlette guides.
This tour is also endorsed by the “Ville pour Tous” label (events accessible to all).
– Between 15 June and 15 September, during red alert weather warnings and when the temperature reaches 35°C or above, tours are cancelled.
