“Imagine a heart,” I say pointing towards Shin Pond. That’s what the kanji for “shin” means and that’s the shape of this pond. The Shin Pond is located at Expo Park. This park was built for the World Expo of 1970. It meant to introduce foreign visitors to traditional Japanese garden types.
Shin Pond is more than just a body of water. It is a symbol of Japanese garden design. It showcases how gardens have evolved over centuries. The Expo Park gardens cover 64 acres. It stretches 1,300 meters from east to west. It is 200 meters wide. Taji Rokuro designed it. He was also responsible for Osaka Castle Park.
These gardens are less than 50 years old. But they offer a glimpse into 1,000 years of Japanese garden history. The Shin Pond is part of the Modern garden style. This style is a twentieth-century creation.
The Modern garden is influenced by Western formal gardens. Japanese gardens became “abstract” for the first time. Before this gardens represented landscapes. Now a garden could refer to itself. New design criteria were born.
The Japanese Garden at Expo Park blends four historical styles. These are Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern and Modern. The Ancient garden dates back to the Heian Period. Its design came from China. These gardens included a water source. Jagged rocks represented mountains. Flat areas were like beaches.
The Medieval garden reflects Zen Buddhism. Karesansui or dry gardens appeared. Raked sand represented water. Tea culture flourished. Many gardens had tea houses.
The Early Modern garden is from the Edo or Tokugawa Period. Chisen Kaiyushiki strolling gardens were popular. These featured a large body of water. Paths led visitors through different views. Features from earlier styles were included.
Here at Shin Pond, you’ll notice the koi. The Shinji-ike pond is home for them. Its shape resembles the kanji “shin” for heart.
Expo Park is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm. It is closed on Wednesdays. It is also closed from December 27th to January 7th. Admission is 250 yen for adults. It is 70 yen for children. This fee includes entry to other Expo Park gardens.
The park is a 15-minute walk from monorail stations. You can also take a bus to Nihon Teien Mae bus stop. From there it’s a 15-minute walk to the park.
So, take a moment to appreciate Shin Pond. It is more than just water. It is a heart. It is a reflection of Japanese garden history and design.