Middle Garden (Naka Shin’en)

The Middle Garden at Heian Shrine opened with the shrine in 1895, designed by master Meiji-era gardener Ogawa Jihei VII around a central pond and stepping stones that cross the water at varying heights and angles. The design draws inspiration from the Muromachi period, when Zen Buddhist aesthetics shaped the tea ceremony, garden design, and flower arranging. Stepping stones of different shapes lead visitors along a winding path with water-level views of the garden. A tea hut along the path serves matcha. Seasonal plantings include azalea, water lily, golden lace, and rabbit-ear iris. The pond's name, Soryu-ike, refers to the Azure Dragon of the East in ancient Chinese geomancy.