_Nijiri guchi

Nijiri guchi is a small entrance at a teahouse, whose size-about 60cm x 60cm(2ft x 2ft)-forces guests to vow before entering the tearoom.

_kinin guchi

Kinin guchi is an optional entrance besides Nijiri guchi at a teahouse, provided for nobles to enter without vowing down.

How to Use

Put your fists and knees on tatami mats, as you lower your head into nijiri guchi. Slide forward your knees to fully enter, and that movement, called njiru is the origin of nigiri guchi.

Gallery

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  Njiriguchi(right)
  Chasodo in Okayama

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  Njiriguchi(left) & Kininguchi(right)
  Kaho-an in Kyoto

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  Njiriguchi
  Shokintei in Kyoto

_Tobi ishi / Stepping Stones

Tobi ishi is stepping stones in the Japanese garden.

Design & Styles

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  Choku-uchi Style

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  Omagari-uchi Style

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  Chidori-uchi Style

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  Nirenda Style

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  Sanrenda Style

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  Ikada-uchi Style

Gallery

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  Nobedan – Katsuara Imperial Palace

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  Nobedan – Jomyo-ji temple

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  Tobi ishi – Katsuara Imperial Palace

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  Tobi ishi – Jomyo-ji Temple

_Toro / Lanttern

Toro is a traditional lantern used for both lighting and decoration, and it is one of three major elements of the Japanese tea gardens.

Gallery

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  Square Style
  Sanzen-in

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  Circular Style
  Shugakuin Imperial Village

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  Square Style
  Katsuara Imperial Village

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  Oribe-gata Style
  Katsuara Imperial Village

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  Yukimi-gata Style
  Katsuara Imperial Village

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  Tamate-gata Style
  Katsuara Imperial Village

_Tsukubai / Wash baisin

Tsukubai is a shorter type of chozubachi(stone washbasin) whose height makes ones to squat – tsukubau in Japanese – to use it. It is provided in the tea garden for guests to purify themselves by washing their hands before attending a tea ceremony.

Gallery

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  Zeni-gata Style
  Ryoan-ji temple in Kyoto

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  Kesa-gata Style
  Jyomyo-ji Temple in Kamakura

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  Nijyumasu-gata Style
  Katsura in Kyoto

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  Ichimonji-gata Style
  Kennin-ji Temple in Kyoto

_Katana kake

Katana kake, literally meaning sword hanger, is a wooden shelf provided outside of a tea house, and it was once used for guests to leave their swords before entering the tearoom.

Gallery

Shokintei
Katsura Imperial Palace in Kyoto