Rōnin Garden

In order to comprehend the beauty of a Japanese Garden, it is necessary to understand - or at least to learn to understand - the beauty of stone. - Lafcadio Hearn

The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help you are freed. - Buddha

I saw the native home in Japan as a supreme study in elimination—not only of dirt, but the elimination of the insignificant…. I found this ancient Japanese dwelling to be a perfect example of the modern standardizing I had myself been working out.

- Frank Lloyd Wright

Visiting the gardens surrounding The Great Kamakura in Japan in 1994 was a life changing experience. The bronze Buddha statue survived hundreds of years with damage to the base during the Great Kanto earthquake in 1923. Frank Lloyd Wright’s design for The Imperial Hotel survived the great quake using a floating foundation technology. The fortune to travel thru Japan during my formative early 20’s was a gift far exceeding any traditional education.

Passions in landscape architecture & Japanese Garden Design was the primary impetus for my visit to Kamakura only to later find a peaceful respect for many spiritual & philosophical virtues with Buddhism. Seasoned mentors always recommended a ‘boots on the ground’ perspective of many parts of the world. Moving away from the beaten path to small provinces surrounding Tokyo had a profound impact. Holistic traditions, heritage and organic architecture >

Baja California Sur - Asian Fusion / SoCal Cuisine - Japanese Stone Garden

Acquisition of the garden cafe property [Calle Maldonado] in 2007 was comprised of mostly sand with small traces of fertile soil. Commencement of the Japanese Garden design & construction was implemented by working with Patricio Badarccarco, Landscape Architect. Pat was a stand up paddle surf friend at the time appreciating a ‘bottom - up’ investment these for the barefoot garden. An expert at implementing large stones to obtain a sense of power Beneath the Surface. Timeless elements providing a powerful spiritual base included: 

- ‘L’ shaped deck implemented around a centerpiece table made with stone and 100 plus year old Paraguayan rail ties.

- Counter ‘L’ shaped fine beach sand area with protective lining below.

- ‘Locally Grown’ gravel & centerpiece stones - Wooden fence areas around the garden.

The garden cafe has been leased out [since 2015] to operators who have done a great job with their current business. Improvements have been added with an appreciation for this once Sandy lot now becoming a living entity.

Manantiales will require a surfer micro brew & active studios soon… for now the garden cafe is aimed at providing Baja California tacos with Asian fusion options.

The Edge ocean view local’s cafe above aims to please more international visitors as well as our current local crew.

Bohemian Style - Principled Action - Contrarian Wave Riders

Salud -

Cristóbal & H.F.S.

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The statue commonly known as Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Kamakura), a colossal copper image of Amida-butsu (Amitabha Buddha), is the principle image of Kotoku-in. The fact that it sits in the open air makes it unusual amongst large Buddha statues in Japan. The Great Buddha, designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government, is some 11.3 meters tall and weighs around 121 tons. Though in size it falls short of the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple at Nara (an image of Rushana-butsu [Vairochana Buddha]), it essentially retains its original form; as such it is an invaluable example of Japanese historical Buddhist art.

According to the Azumakagami, a chronicle describing the achievements of the Kamakura Shogunate from the late 12th century through the mid-13th century, construction of the Great Buddha began in 1252. It is also believed that the priest Joko gathered donations from the people to build it. However, much remains unclear about the specifics of the Great Buddha’s construction, and the artist has yet to be identified. - https://www.kotoku-in.jp/