garden design, traditional architecture, garden architect, landscapers, japanese woodwork, japanese stone

Michelin Restaurant Japanese Garden - Design (2021)

An authentic Japanese garden at a high-end restaurant
In 2021 we were honored to create the design for a Japanese garden at the back of the Michelin-starred restaurant Japanese Cuisine Yama in Rotterdam. With Cuisine Yama being a highly praised restaurant for its excellent food and amazing experience, it was of utmost importance that the garden design would meet these same standards. In achieving this, a harmony between the restaurant's interior and exterior is created, providing a tranquil and traditional overall experience.

The garden design was inspired by the Tsuboniwa gardens often found in authentic Kyo-Machiya style homes, referring to traditional homes in Kyoto built during the Edo period (1603-1868) and Meiji period (1868-1912). These often narrow, elongated houses would feature a Tsuboniwa, a compact garden or courtyard typically located in the center or back of the house. These small outdoor spaces serve as areas for contemplation, provide a connection to nature, and allow natural light and ventilation into the interior.

Tsuboniwa in Kyo-machiya houses often incorporate traditional Japanese garden elements, such as carefully arranged stones, moss, small trees or shrubs, and a water feature. It is a deliberate effort to create a serene and aesthetically pleasing environment within the constraints of urban living.

Following these guidelines, the design features an island in the corner of the courtyard at Cuisine Yama consisting of a stone lantern, a Japanese maple tree, ground covers, and various shrubs. Around the island is a sea of gravel with a stepping stone path made of authentic Kurama stones from Kyoto and a tall stone water basin at the front.