BBG Japanese Garden

Red torii gate

The red torii gate, or "gate to heaven", welcomes visitors to Birmingham Botanical Garden's Japanese Garden.
Looking back toward the entrance

This is the view near the entrance, looking back at the torii gate.
Weeping cherry tree

The garden elements in the Japanese Garden are traditional ones.
Taylor Gate

The Taylor Gate is the entrance to the cultural center, which includes the tea house.
Side view of tea house

The tea house was built by Mr. Kazunori Tago, of Maibashi, Japan. He is one of Japan's most renowned temple and shrine builders. He used only traditional tools and techniques. The materials were donated by the citizens of Maibashi, Birmingham's sister city in Japan.
Toshinan

Toshinan, whose name means,"the house where those gathered can light a wick of understanding in each others hearts", was built in the sixteenth century Sukiya-style, based on naturalness and rustic simplicity.
Rock in the Japanese Garden

Rocks are a traditional element used in Japanese gardens.
A view near tea house

Rock lined paths border lawn in the Japanese Garden.
More rocks

Rocks are used as a small footbridge along this path.
Another view of the Japanese Garden

Grasses, rocks, trees, and lawn come together in this gorgeous view of the garden.
A beautiful lake at the Japanese Garden

Water is another element featured in Japanese gardens. This serene lake is surrounded by gorgeous trees and rock formations.
Path to the red bridge

This section of the path that encircles the lake leads to the delightful red bridge.
Red bridge

The color red symbolizes courage and good luck, and it makes this arched bridge a stand out.
Another beautiful bridge

This long bridge is zig-zagged. It was thought evil spirits could only travel in straight lines, so traditionally bridges were not straight.
bridge entrance

This view shows the beautiful detailing on the bridge rails.
A happy goose

This goose was enjoying himself at the lake. I like the reflections in the water.
Red and white blossoms frame the bridge.

This is another gorgeous view of the bridge. I could have taken a hundred pictures of this bridge!
Grasses and bridge

Too beautiful!
Heaven in the Japanese Garden

This view has it all.
Another scene near the bridge

The elements of the Japanese Garden come together beautifully in this bridge view.
Kwansan cherry tree

I love how the grasses and rocks frame this little kwasan cherry tree.
A pretty path

I was fortunate that there were few visitors the afternoon I visited, and I had the paths to myself to enjoy and take photos.
Pine tree in the garden

This pine tree is pruned to perfection.
A tree lined path

This path heads back to the entrance of the Japanese Garden.
Another view of the main path

The red torii gate is seen beyond the yoshino cherry trees.