A tsubo-niwa is a very small garden. "Niwa" means "garden". Technically, a tsubo is a unit, about ; however, the other spelling of "tsubo-niwa" translates as "container-garden", and tsubo-niwas may be a bit larger. They have been described as "quasi-indoor gardens". Courtyard gardens of all sizes were also called naka-niwa, inner gardens. In a machiya, the tōri-niwa includes both the mise-niwa and the hashiri-niwa ; zensai-niwa are at the front of the building, and additional tsubo-niwa may be found in the interior and at the rear.
History
These small gardens were originally found in the interior courtyards of Heian periodpalaces, and were designed to give a glimpse of nature and some privacy to the residents of the rear side of the building. They were as small as one tsubo, or about 3.3 square meters. During the Edo period, merchants began building small gardens in the space behind their shops, which faced the street, and their residences, located at the rear. These tiny gardens were meant to be seen, not entered. They usually had a stone lantern, a water basin, stepping stones and a few plants, in the cha-niwa style then fashionable. Tsubo-niwa became more popular in the early 21st century, and are found in many Japanese residences, hotels, restaurants, and public buildings. Multistory and underground interior spaces present difficulties for tsubo-niwa cultivation; artificial lighting, anidolic lighting, and a combination of both have been used.
Purpose
Tsubo-niwas are used to provide a touch of nature, connect the outdoors to the indoors, and make an indoor space seem larger. They can act as light wells. Several tsubo-niwas can be used to set up a cross-draft, so that breezes blow through the living space. They may also contain a basin, traditionally used for temizu, hand-cleansing. They are often set up where they can be seen by home occupants while relaxing or eating dinner. Commercial restaurants and eateries, such as ramen shops, may also have tsubo-niwas, placed so that guests can see them while eating. Tsubo-niwas use less space than larger gardens and are cheaper to build., the cost is in the low hundred thousand yen for professional installation. Do-it-yourself kits cost a tenth as much and upwards. They also take less time to maintain; keeping a traditional Japanese garden is considered a meditative act.
Contents
Tsubo-niwas typically contain a functional tōrō and a chōzu-bachi, such as a tsukubai. They may also contain sculpture. Much of the area may be filled with gravel, set with larger stones, and carefully raked and kept free of weeds. Plantings may be very minimal, and surrounded by stones, or the whole area may be covered with vegetation. Shade-loving plants are needed, as a narrow courtyard will seldom be in direct sunlight. Dwarf plants may be used. A few stems of bamboo are common, but not ubiquitous. Artificial plants are also sometimes used.
