Rakutei can be readily hand-assembled because it is pre-crafted by Japanese garden craftsmen.  Sophisticated bamboo fences, which normally require difficult skills to create, can be completed by simply inserting columns into the base and combining pre-cut bamboo materials.  In addition, the bottom parts of landscape stones are pre-cut so that they present the best shape.  Thus, you can create the best looking and well-balanced garden simply by placing the landscape stones in designated positions.  Stone lanterns are dug out of large stones by stonemasons, and simply by assembling each component in turn from the bottom up, you can create a magnificent lantern. The stone lanterns are pre-processed for this easy assembly, so you can assemble your Rakutei with confidence.

Japanese gardens have been developed with the backdrop of Japanese history and culture and are recognized worldwide as beautiful gardens. The prayers and thoughts of the Japanese people are imbued in the design of Japanese gardens. Particularly, Japanese gardens in the Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture, which is famous as a sacred place of mythology, are called Izumo-style gardens because of the development by the unique history and culture of the Izumo region.

Izumo City in Shimane Prefecture is known as one of the most famous places in Japan. The reason for this is that the name Izumo appears many times in the myths that tell the history of the creation of Japan, and the region is essential to the story of Japan’s origin. There is also evidence that Izumo is treated as a special region in Japan. The best example of that is the Izumo region gives a special name to the month of October.

We select the most suitable landscape stones from many natural stones based on their texture, color, and shape.  The most important aspect of landscape stone is the compatibility with other stones used.  Without a sense of unity of the stones, the garden will look scattered and disjointed.  Japanese garden is the art of integrating the individuality of each stone to create a cohesive design for the garden as a whole.  For Rakutei, our skilled garden craftsmen select the best combination of stones from many stones.  When installing landscape stones in the garden, the ground is dug out and adjusted so that the stones are at just the right height and angle. The height and angle of the stones are determined by the sharp sense of a skilled garden craftsman.  The landscape stones for Rakutei have been cut and processed in advance by skilled garden craftsmen so that they are at the optimum height and angle.  Therefore, no matter who installs the stones, the height and angle will always be optimal.  The skill of finding meaning and value in the combination of natural stones is the true appeal of Japanese gardens. Rakutei’s landscape stones are ingeniously designed in a way that anyone can use this technique.

Bamboos used for the fences in Japanese gardens are not designed to be durable. However, the bamboos for Rakutei have been treated to maintain its quality over a long period of time.  The first step in the bamboo treatment is to straighten natural bamboo by applying heat.  Since natural bamboo is usually slightly bent, straightening is necessary to make the finished product look beautiful.  The surface is then thoroughly polished.  Next, the bamboo is dried to remove the moisture inside.  Then, the bamboo is treated with chemicals to prevent mold and insect damage. Since round bamboo will crack if left as it is, a slit is made on the back of the bamboo.  In this way, bamboo craftsmen have devised techniques to ensure that real bamboo materials will last for a long time.  The best method of applying chemicals to prevent mold and insect damage is adopted based on numerous research and data.

The bamboo fence is pre-cut to the optimum length and can be simply inserted to holes in props.  The wood used for the props is cored to prevent cracking.  In addition, insect repellents are injected, and a protective coating is applied to ensure long-term use.  In addition, we do not use nails or screws for assembly.

It is also important to maintain Japanese gardens to always keep them beautiful.  It is because of this care that Japanese gardens are said to be more beautiful after decades or centuries than when they are just completed.  However, for Rakutei, there is no need to pick up fallen leaves or water the garden.  Basically, no maintenance is required, but maintenance of gravel for enjoyment is possible.  Gravel represents the ocean or a river.  In Japanese gardens, wave patterns called “Samon” are often drawn on gravel.  In some temples of certain religious sects, drawing Samon on the gravel in the garden is a part of the training.  Raking the gravel to create Samon calms the mind.  Rakutei uses fine and beautiful gravel suitable for Samon.

Lanterns can be lit to savor the evening view.  Visitors can enjoy drinks and conversation while looking at the Japanese garden lit by the lantern light.