San Marino in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Dry Landscape Garden
Kare Sansui
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 4, 2025
1. Dry Landscape Garden Marker
The dry landscape garden developed in a unique way in Japan, combining the basic elements of a Japanese garden -- water, rocks, and plants -- in abstract or symbolic forms. Inspired by a garden at Daitokuji, Japan, this design uses the flat raked area of gravel to represent the waves in an open body of water. The other two elements, pruned plants and carefully placed rocks, simulate islands, mountains or abstract forms on the constant shore.
This spare garden style evolved in Zen Buddhist compounds during the Muromachi Period in Japan, 14th - 16th centuries. There, the karesansui was built adjacent to the hojo, a temple building where the abbot lived. Sliding doors of the hojo opened to view the garden from within.
The benches are provided for you to sit and take in the quiet simplicity of the scene.
Erected by The Huntington.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Asian Americans • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 34° 7.526′ N, 118° 6.961′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Japanese Heritage Shōya House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Historic Rose Garden Tea Room (about 700 feet away); Queensland Kauri (about 800 feet away); The Huntington Flagpole (approx. 0.2 miles away); Camellia Japonica California (approx. Ό mile away); George S. Patton, Jr. Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Hale Solar Laboratory (approx. 0.6 miles away); Thornton Gardens (approx. 0.6 miles away).
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 4, 2025
2. Dry Landscape Garden Marker
More about this marker. Located at The Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Gardens. It is in the Japanese Garden section. See their website for hours, admission, etc.
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 4, 2025
3. Dry Landscape Garden
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 4, 2025
4. Japanese Garden
courtesy The Huntington, 2026
5. Huntington Map
Click on map to see it full-size.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 28 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 19, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
