The “Raku-tei” Kamiari
In the Izumo-style garden, yukimi lanterns are placed on the west side of the garden. Yukimi lanterns, originally called uki-mi-toro (floating lanterns), are said to be more elegant when the light of the lanterns is reflected on the surface of water. Therefore, the lanterns have large shades to make them stand out when reflected on the surface of the water. It is a very elegant way of using the lanterns to see them floating on the water. It is said that the name “Yukimi Touro” was derived from the Japanese word “Yukimi Touro. Therefore, it is an unspoken rule that yukimi lanterns must be placed near a body of water. Even if it is a karesansui (dry landscape), it is placed near a gravel bed, which means water, so that the reflected lights on the surface of the water can be seen from the upper seat.
The direction of west in Izumo has special significance. This is because in October of the lunar calendar, the eight million deities from all over Japan come ashore from the western sea. At Inasa-no-hama beach in Taisha Town, a Shinto welcoming ceremony is held to welcome the gods.
In the Izumo-style garden, yukimi lanterns, meaning water, are always placed on the west side of the garden. One cannot help but feel a sense of mystery in the garden style of this place that welcomes the 8 million gods.
In Raku-tei Kamiari, the Yukimi Lantern is placed on the west side of the garden, and stepping stones are placed on the right.
