Shirotori Garden.

Developed for the 1989 World Design Expo, Shirotori Garden is a 3.7-hectare landscape that cleverly compresses the geography of the Chubu region into a walkable map. Here, a central pond filled with koi represents Ise Bay, a rushing stream evokes the Kiso River, and a southwestern hill stands in for Mount Ontake. At its heart sits Seiu-tei, a tea house designed to resemble a resting swan, where visitors can pause for matcha and seasonal wagashi. This complex even uses modern engineering to mimic tidal ebbs and flows, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary design. Fully wheelchair-accessible and highly dynamic, the garden transitions beautifully through the seasons, drawing crowds for spring plum blossoms and dramatic autumn night illuminations.