In the spring of 2026, we were commissioned to design and construct the garden for the grand opening of "CRAFTS OF JAPAN," a handcrafted goods shop located in Neba Iyashi-no-Sato East, Lake Saiko, Yamanashi Prefecture. This was a magnificent project spanning a 200m² front garden and a 700m² main garden, situated in a prime location overlooking Mount Fuji. Since the site is about a four-hour drive from Gifu, we stayed on-site for a month to complete the landscapes on both the north and south sides of the shop.
We designed the pathways prioritizing smooth visitor flow. In the center, we created a "Moss Island" monument featuring the continuous overflow of pure spring water from Mount Fuji. The soothing sound of the clear water creates a peaceful atmosphere that gently calms the minds of all visitors.
We positioned the existing large Japanese red pine towering over the vast area as the main feature of the site, and proposed a "Sho-Chiku-Bai" (Pine, Bamboo, and Plum) garden design to celebrate the client's new beginning. For the overall landscape anchored by the pine, we made generous use of rare local "Fuji-ishi" (lava stones) and incorporated beautifully contoured trees with natural forms that harmonize with the local climate and offer changing seasonal beauty.
The client initially envisioned a garden filled with intricate, winding paths and dense foliage. However, considering the ease of long-term garden maintenance and ensuring that the trees grow healthily in their environment, we intentionally proposed a more minimalist planting approach. This allows visitors to enjoy the natural growth process as the tall trees, shrubs, and ground cover coexist, while leaving ideal space for the client to gradually add more of her favorite tree species over time.
Although this project took place far from our home ground in an area unfamiliar to us, we received tremendous support and cooperation from the client and various local contractors. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the design firm for providing exterior structural details, the civil engineering contractor for land preparation and topsoil, the local landscaper for their planting proposals, sourcing, and future maintenance, and the residents of the Neba民宿村 (Neba Guesthouse Village) and the entire local community. Beyond the deep sense of accomplishment upon completion, the wonderful encounters with everyone involved have become a cherished part of our lives.
We have documented the entire journey of this month-long project across three videos, categorized by their highlights.
This video compares the "Before" and "After" states of each landscaped area, making it easy to see how the site was transformed. Witness the breathtaking moment when a beautiful, traditional Japanese landscape emerges from bare land.
This edition captures the realistic work scenes of each stage and landscape feature. From the dynamic delivery of heavy garden stones using cranes to the delicate adjustments made by our craftsmen, get an exclusive look into the professional landscape installation process that is rarely seen by the public.
This compilation captures the heartwarming interactions between the client and the Ohta Niwaishi team after completing the project. Additionally, we introduce delicious local cuisine we enjoyed during our long-term stay and recommended sightseeing spots around Yamanashi.
| Company Name | Ohta Niwaishi / Ohta Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Head Office Location | 2-53-2, Sohara Shinsakaemachi, Kakamigahara Shi, Gifu Ken, 504-0855, Japan |
| TEL | +81-58-389-2814 |
| FAX | +81-58-389-2580 |
| Business Hours Japan time | 8:00-17:00 Enquiries can be made outside of business hours |
| Regular Holiday | irregular days off |
| URL | https://ohta2814.com/english/ |
| Company Name | Ohta Niwaishi /
Ohta Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Head Office
Location |
2-53-2, Sohara Shinsakaemachi,
Kakamigahara Shi, Gifu Ken, 504-0855, Japan |
| TEL | +81-58-389-2814 |
| FAX | +81-58-389-2580 |
| Business Hours
Japan time |
8:00-17:00
Enquiries can be made outside of business hours |
| Regular Holiday | irregular days off |
| URL | https://ohta2814.com/english/ |
