Photos by Yuichi Nakatsu courtesy Tomonori Saito
In Japan, Zen rock gardens are considered, if nothing else, a source of serenity and relaxation. Tokyo city dwellers will often travel all the way to Kyoto just to sample the revered gardens housed within local shrines. Another source of relaxation – enjoying Japanese sweets – doesn’t necessarily go hand-in-hand with rock gardens. But combining these two modern-day pleasures in an elegant design is the Shinan-ji Temple Rock Garden. Named after a fictional temple, the miniature rock garden is actually made from entirely edible ingredients that include black sesame cubes (shaped like rocks) and a bed of sugar (resembling sand).
The unique collaboration is the work of art directors Tomonori Saito and Shohei Sawada, who enlisted Japanese wagashi artisan Motohiro Inaba to help make their sweet garden a reality. The adorable wooden rake included in the set can not be eaten.
Although this set never made it to market, a Japanese company has created a similar edible Japanese garden DIY set.
June 9, 2014 at 8:25 pm
I am usually not a big fan of Japanese Zen Rock Gardens as they might be fun at first but then only end up as dust catchers. This one is however is very different. Once you get bored of it, you can just eat it 🙂
Kati from black.white.vivid.
June 10, 2014 at 10:12 am
Are these available for sale to the US anywhere online?
June 10, 2014 at 1:47 pm
@Seth – Unfortunately the garden isn’t available for sale in the US, Japan or anywhere. But the designers are currently looking for a manufacturer or sponsor who would like to bring it to market!
June 24, 2014 at 1:22 am
This is so cute – I love this concept! I hope that it is brought to life soon!
June 24, 2014 at 6:35 pm
These would sell like hotcakes! They should begin a Kickstarter campaign.