The lake-garden at Fukagawa, illustrated in Plates XXIII. and XXIV., occupies the principal area of the grounds to the south and west of the Japanese residence. Connected by corridors with the main block of living and reception rooms is a set of Tea Rooms for the practice of the Tea Ceremonial, designed in the frail and delicate style which characterises such bijou constructions. The front Tea Room looks out upon a little garden�illustrated in Plate XXV.,�remarkable for its natural loveliness. It has in every respect the semblance of a wild mountain dell deeply shaded with maple trees and evergreens, in the centre of which is a rocky bed resembling the parched channel of a valley rivulet. Among the boulders of this watercourse is a naturally hollowed stone which serves as a water-basin. To the right and left may be seen stone lanterns partly hidden amidst the foliage. The windows of the Tea Room open on a level with the bottom of this hollow, which is enclosed by hills and banks thickly planted and ornamented with occasional rocks and a miniature stone pagoda. Ascending the slopes, a small upper garden is reached, with winding walks of stepping stones, an enormous natural rock, bush-clad hillocks, and surrounding escarps quaintly faced with stone. This area is divided from the lake-garden by a low rustic fence constructed of wood, bamboo, and broom; it is entered by a tiny gateway picturesquely roofed with thatch. This Tea Garden exemplifies to perfection the wild sequestered character which is often given to such garden designs.
