None of the important towns of Japan are without several public gardens. In many cases the grounds surrounding Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples serve the purpose of a peoples' park. Such healthy holiday resorts, which in Western countries have often been secured by means of public sacrifice and State expenditure, or through private munificence, have, in Japan, been preserved for the people by the necessary entourage of religious establishments. The ordinary devotee worships from outside the sacred edifice, and the long paved approaches, the hundred steps, the archways, water sheds, and lanterns are as much a part of the holy accessories as are the painted aisles and chapels of a cathedral interior. The upper illustration of Plate XXIX. shows the grounds surrounding the shrine of Shuzenji, which serve as a public garden at Kumamoto. In the background is the Shinto shrine from which the park receives its name, preceded by its raised ante-court and archway. The lake, of irregular shape, has two islets, one connected with the banks by stepping stones, and one reached from either side by a curved and balustraded stone bridge. Another row of stepping stones crosses the widest portion of the lake. A few pine-trees, rocks, clipped bushes, and stone lanterns add ornament to the grounds. The lower illustration represents a part of the grove surrounding the Shinto-Buddhist shrine of Sanno-sama in Tokio. This is one of the oldest fanes of the city and was in past times specially patronised by the Tokugawa Regents. The triennial festival of Sanno is next to that of Kanda Miojin in splendour and popularity. The spot occupied by this religious establishment consists partly of a high and thickly wooded bluff overlooking the Akasaka district. It is ascended from either side by high flights of steps, is well shaded by fine old trees, and forms a cool and attractive summer resort. The view taken shows a tea-house in the lower part of the grounds, and gives some idea of the rural character of the surroundings.
