Tokonoma Garden – Samumaya no Niwa

The garden

The Tokonoma Garden - Sanumaya no Niwa, revives the tradition of viewing a beautiful landscape from the tokonoma, a raised alcove once central to Japanese family life. While visitors cannot enter the room itself, they will experience the tranquil view from outside, where stone, moss, water, and seasonal plants create a contemplative scene.

The theme is harmony and connection, inspired by the designer’s childhood memories of the Sanumaya drapery store, where his large family gathered. In the past, the tokonoma served as a place where family meals, conversations, and hospitality unfolded while enjoying views of the garden beyond. Today, such rooms are rare, and the designer seeks to reimagine this cultural tradition for modern times. The garden embodies both personal memory and universal values of family togetherness and community, offering visitors a space to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of nature. 

The garden includes a traditional stone lantern, which conveys a sense of weight and permanence. An unusual feature is the garden gate, crafted with distinctive form and artistry. As visitors pass through it, the gate heightens their sense of anticipation for the special world ahead – the unfolding garden scenery and the architectural features that await beyond.

The plants

The planting follows a subtle colour scheme inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. Shades of green from moss and foliage form the foundation, with delicate contrasts in leaf tones. Seasonal highlights include the purple and blue hues of irises, adding elegance and depth. Overall, the scheme remains restrained, reflecting harmony and tranquillity. 

Fuki (Farfugium japonicum) adds seasonal charm with its glossy foliage and autumn flowers, while ferns bring delicate texture and resilience. Moss, though understated, is essential for creating a sense of tranquillity and grounding the design. These plants are not showy, but they are indispensable in expressing the quiet depth and timeless character of Ishihara’s gardens.

Plants suppliers: Majestic Trees, Beaver Plants, Big Plant Nursery, Rhino Rock, Herons Bonsai, Evergreen Exterior Services and Hortus Loci.

Sustainability notes

The garden promotes sustainability through restraint and thoughtful use of resources. Moss is applied sparingly, the water feature is modest in scale to reduce consumption, and natural stone and plants are chosen for their durability and longevity. Depth and atmosphere are created by space, height, and foliage tones rather than excess planting. These ideas can be applied in any garden: designing with fewer but carefully selected plants, using natural materials, and considering water-saving features to achieve beauty that is environmentally responsible. 

The designer – Kazuyuki Ishihara

“Chelsea is the ultimate stage to share the culture of Japanese gardens with the world, offering invaluable opportunities to connect with visitors, media, and fellow designers. This year, I decided to take part to present a new proposal – the Tokonoma Garden, inspired by the historic ‘Sanumaya Kimono Shop,’ reinterpreting a traditional space for the modern age,” Kazuyuki Ishihara.

Kazuyuki Ishihara, affectionately dubbed the “Green Magician” by the late Queen Elizabeth II, is one of the most celebrated garden designers in the world, with 14 Gold medals from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. His journey began at age 22 at the Ikenobo school of ikebana, where he was inspired by the beauty of minimal floral arrangements. From selling flowers on the street to creating internationally acclaimed moss gardens, Ishihara has become a master of Japanese aesthetics. Between 2006 and 2025, he earned 13 Gold medals and seven Best Garden Awards at RHS Chelsea, including the prestigious President’s Award and, most recently, the RHS Chelsea Garden of the Year and People’s Choice Award in 2025.

Beyond Chelsea, Ishihara has pioneered “landscape bonsai” and recreated his award-winning garden “Paradise of Flowers” at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. His work spans over 10,000 projects, from disaster-affected towns like Onagawa to private residences and urban greening initiatives across Japan. Operating from Tokyo, Nagasaki, and Fukuoka, he leads design and landscaping efforts for both domestic and international clients. As a “Greening Producer” and “Green Ambassador” for 21 initiatives, Ishihara continues to inspire through seminars and workshops, sharing his passion for plants and promoting greener cities worldwide.

About the sponsor – Nippon Calmic

Nippon Calmic is a hygiene and environmental management company offering rental services for hygiene products, facility maintenance, and sanitary assessments. It also provides engineering and consulting support for comprehensive hygiene solutions. As a joint venture with a leading UK firm, Calmic proudly sponsors the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. Its support of Kazuyuki Ishihara’s award-winning garden reflects its cultural and social commitment as a Japanese company.

Garden legacy

The garden will be relocated in the UK - plans will be announced at a later date.