HISTORY – Nakane Garden Research & Landscape Consultant

History

Inheriting Time,
Crafting
Eternal Beauty.
A History of the
Nakane
Garden Research Institute.

Beginning with the restoration of Japan’s cultural heritage gardens in the post-war era, we have spent over half a
century refining the philosophy of landscape design. Our history is etched into numerous gardens that define their eras.
Below, we invite you to explore the milestones of the Nakane Garden Research
Institute alongside a chronological showcase of our signature works.

1965

Departed his official role with the Kyoto Prefectural Government to establish his own path.

1970~

Along with the restoration of cultural heritage gardens, we also focus on the creation of modern gardens.

We are involved in numerous restoration projects for gardens designated as World Heritage Sites and Places of Scenic Beauty.
1970s – Present | Adachi Museum of Art Garden (Shimane)
A long-term collaboration maintained since its founding.
Ranked No. 1 in the world garden rankings for over 20 consecutive years.

International Expansion | Jurong Town Japanese Garden (Singapore)
Embodying Japanese culture within a tropical nation.
Successfully realized one of the largest Japanese gardens outside of Japan.

1995

The Legacy Continues.
Following the passing of founder Kinsaku Nakane—who was honored with the Order of the Sacred Treasure for his service—Shiro Nakane was appointed as the second President and Director of the Institute.

1943

Kinsaku Nakane joins the Kyoto Prefectural Government’s Cultural Properties Protection Division. He dedicates himself to the restoration of Japan’s historic master gardens, which had fallen into ruin following the war.

1966

Founding of the Nakane Garden Research Institute.
With a mission to define the philosophy of landscape design, the institute began its work across Japan and around the globe.
Contributed to the design of the Japanese Garden for the World Expo.

1989

Relocated the headquarters to the current location in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto.

2000~

Global Expansion & Recognition
Furthermore, participated in numerous international projects and the fusion of Eastern and Western styles.

Shiro Nakane was awarded the 41st Kitamura Prize.

Major Works & Projects
International Landmark | Mriya Resort & Spa (Crimea)
"Rokkyo-en" — serving as a stage for international exchange visited by heads of state.

Zen Philosophy | Shinshoji Temple, Shoshintei (Hiroshima)
A garden expressing Buddhist Shen-Xian (immortality) philosophy, centered around a "Shinji-ike" (heart-shaped pond) modeled after the kanji character for "heart."

Heritage Restoration | Sanjusangen-do Temple, East Garden (Kyoto)
Yukihiro and Naoki Nakane restored the East Garden, which was originally designed by their grandfather, Kinsaku Nakane.

Future Development | Smart City Planning
Planning, design, and construction management for landscape designs in overseas urban planning (Smart Cities).

1943

1965

Departed his official role with the Kyoto Prefectural Government to establish his own path.

1966

1970~

Along with the restoration of cultural heritage gardens, we also focus on the creation of modern gardens.

We are involved in numerous restoration projects for gardens designated as World Heritage Sites and Places of Scenic Beauty.

1970s – Present | Adachi Museum of Art Garden (Shimane)
A long-term collaboration maintained since its founding.
Ranked No. 1 in the world garden rankings for over 20 consecutive years.

International Expansion | Jurong Town Japanese Garden (Singapore)
Embodying Japanese culture within a tropical nation.
Successfully realized one of the largest Japanese gardens outside of Japan.

1989

Relocated the headquarters to the current location in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto.

1995

2000~

Global Expansion & Recognition
Furthermore, participated in numerous international projects and the fusion of Eastern and Western styles.

Shiro Nakane was awarded the 41st Kitamura Prize.

Major Works & Projects
International Landmark | Mriya Resort & Spa (Crimea)
"Rokkyo-en" — serving as a stage for international exchange visited by heads of state.

Zen Philosophy | Shinshoji Temple, Shoshintei (Hiroshima)
A garden expressing Buddhist Shen-Xian (immortality) philosophy, centered around a "Shinji-ike" (heart-shaped pond) modeled after the kanji character for "heart."

Heritage Restoration | Sanjusangen-do Temple, East Garden (Kyoto)
Yukihiro and Naoki Nakane restored the East Garden, which was originally designed by their grandfather, Kinsaku Nakane.

Future Development | Smart City Planning
Planning, design, and construction management for landscape designs in overseas urban planning (Smart Cities).

"To create a garden is to paint a landscape upon space itself."

The Enduring Philosophy of the Nakane Garden
Research Institute

When founder Kinsaku Nakane first witnessed the overwhelming beauty of Japan’s master gardens, he made a life-defining vow: "I will inherit this authentic beauty and, with my own hands, continue to create it."
Following the war, he served with Kyoto’s Cultural Properties Protection Division, spearheading the restoration of iconic sites like Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and Ginkaku-ji. In 1966, he founded the Nakane Garden Research Institute, going on to direct over 300 global projects, including the Adachi Museum of Art and Daisen Park. His legacy remains etched in the earth: a timeless trail of beauty for generations to come

Awards & Recognition

1969 | Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture Award
1974 | Silver Award from the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
1974 | Gold Award from the Austrian Horticultural Society
1981 | Tokyo University of Agriculture: Grand Prize for Landscape Architecture
1982 | Japan Parks and Open Space Association: Kitamura Award
1982 | The National Academic Society of Japan: Academia Prize
1989 | 5th City Park Design Competition (Ministry of Construction): Minister of Construction Award
1990 | Japan Association of Landscape Consultants: Special Award
1991 | Osaka City Merit Award
1994 | Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture: Keiji Uehara Prize
1995 | Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon (Junior Fifth Rank)

Publications

1982 | The Gardens of Japan (日本の庭 / Kawahara Shoten)
1976 | Famous Gardens of Kyoto: New Revised Edition (新訂京の名庭 / Hoikusha)
1977 | How to Appreciate Master Gardens (名園のみかた / Hoikusha)
1977 | KYOTO GARDENS (KYOTO GARDENS / Hoikusha)
1992 | The Gardens and Climate of Kyoto (京都の庭と風土 / Kashima Shoten)
1995 | Tea Gardens: Appreciation and Creation (露地鑑賞と庭造り / Kashima Shoten)
1996 | Gardens of the Imperial Court and Feudal Lords (宮廷の庭・大名の庭 / Kodansha)
1999 | Kinsaku Nakane: One Hundred Famous Gardens of Kyoto (中根金作京都名庭百選 / Tankosha)