A Mapping and Geographical Analysis of Japanese Gardens in the Kyoto Basin

This study analyzes the location of 164 renowned Japanese gardens in the Kyoto basin, that is the Kamogawa alluvial fan and the Katsuragawa flood plain. The gardens were mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. The mapped data indicate that physiographic environments constrain the loca tion of the gardens. Rock gardens (karesansui type gardens) are located accross the whole area of the alluvial fan, while water gardens (chisen type gardens) are concentrated along the piedmont spring zones and the artificial canals of the irrigation system known as the Biwako sosui (constructed in 1890). In brief, hy drological conditions affect the location of Japanese gardens, which is primarily constrained by surface geomorphic units.