As November approaches, people in Izumo begin to speak of Kamiarizuki, “the month when the gods are present.” Across most of Japan, the tenth month of the old lunar calendar is known as Kannazuki, “the month without gods.” In Izumo, however, it has long been called Kamiarizuki, for this is when the eight million deities of Japan are said to gather at Izumo Taisha, one of the country’s oldest and most revered shrines. In this article, we introduce Kamiari, a garden from the Rakutei 100 series inspired by this sacred month.
1. Izumo’s Month of the Gods
During Kamiarizuki, Izumo Taisha and other shrines throughout the region hold rituals to welcome the gods and, later, to see them off. According to legend, the gathered deities spend this time deliberating on en – the bonds and connections that shape people’s lives. Some rites even welcome the gods on the beach at night, and the whole region seems wrapped in a solemn, hushed atmosphere. Local people also keep a custom called Oimi-san: spending these days quietly, without making noise, so as not to disturb the gods’ discussions.
2. A Single Path and the Glow of a Snow-Viewing Lantern
Kamiari is a karesansui (dry landscape garden) that uses a Yukimi-dōrō, or snow-viewing lantern, to evoke the presence of the gods. River stones of different shapes form a single stepping-stone path leading toward the lantern. Because each stone is unique, the eye is drawn naturally into the depths of the garden until it comes to rest before the lantern. A Yukimi-dōrō is designed to cast its light onto water, so that the reflected glow seems to float on the surface. Here, white gravel represents that water, and the light at the end of the path feels like a lamp lit to welcome the gods.
3. Raked Patterns That Trace the Flow of Water
Guided by a Mizuwake-ishi (water-dividing stone) set at the back right, the water flows from the upper right toward the lower left. The ripple patterns raked into the gravel make this flow all the more striking. Sprinkle a little water over the stones and their colours deepen, revealing yet another expression. On winter evenings, we also recommend gazing at the garden while imagining the lantern’s light shimmering on the water.
The garden measures 100 cm wide × 100 cm deep × 58 cm high and weighs 50–60 kg. The layout is the same for every piece, but each landscape stone is one of a kind. As every garden is handmade by our craftsmen, delivery may take around three months from the time of purchase.
Kamiari brings the season when the gods gather in Izumo into a small garden. Why not place a single path and a gentle light in your room, and enjoy a quiet moment of stillness? Whatever the season or weather, it lets you feel the spirit of a Japanese garden close at hand.
▶ See the Rakutei “Kamiari” product page
