The garden provides a peaceful space on campus to stroll, sit, and learn more about Japanese culture. The plantings, including pines, Japanese maples, and cherry trees, have been carefully selected to provide beauty through all four seasons. The garden contains several traditional elements: a dry gravel garden and a water garden with traditional walking paths.
This garden is dedicated to the late Mr. Megumi Shigematsu, generous sponsor of LCC programs in Japan and former President of Biwako Kisen Company
Rock Gardens
In the karesansui (literally, "dried mountain water") style garden, the gravel typically
represents water or the sea while the large rocks represent mountains or islands.
The condition of the sea is expressed by the raked patterns in the gravel. These types
of gardens are usually found at Zen Buddhist temples and are intended to inspire contemplation.
Lanterns
The Shigematsu Memorial Garden contains two stone lanterns. The larger one is referred
to as yukimi (a snow-viewing lantern) while the smaller on is called misaki (a cape
lantern). These lanterns are sometimes lit with candles or incense. Notice how the
yukimi lantern is bigger than the misaki. The snow-viewing lantern needs to be bigger
so it does not get buried by winter snow.
Moon-viewing Deck
Moon-viewing platforms are a common element of the Japanese garden and often extend
over a pond. The platform provides the visitor with a unique opportunity to "connect"
with nature while also serving as a convenient way to view the koi.
Pond and Koi
Ponds and koi (Japanese carp) are essential features of the Japanese garden. The sound
of running water and the sight of the colorful koi swimming leisurely between the
lotus plants produces a calming effect on visitors to the garden. Notice the two islands
in the pond. What do they look like to you? Can you identify which island looks like
a crane? A tortoise? In traditional Japanese mythology the crane and tortoise symbolize
longevity.
Water Basin
Upon entering the garden, the visitor is greeted with a water basin shaped in the
design of an ancient Japanese coin.
Hill
The hill occupies the center of the strolling garden and was designed to represent Mt. Hiei and Mt. Hira in Shiga Prefecture. It consists of plants that represent the seasons. A large pine tree dominates the hill, providing a splash of green all year long and symbolizing everlasting life. Cherry trees and maple trees were planted on the hill and along the pathways to provide the visitor with beautiful colors in both the Spring and Fall seasons.