Hirukawa Tobi-ishi, Japanese stepping stones

Stairstones, Tobi-ishi (飛石) in Japanese, are an indispensable element of traditional Japanese gardens. Unlike a garden path, walking on stairstones requires more concentration. This has a positive effect on how people experience and take in the garden. Additionally, stairstones prevent people from walking next to each other, which reduces distraction. In a tea garden, this also ensures that not everyone arrives at the tea house at the same time before the tea ceremony begins.

The stepping stone path was introduced by tea master Sen no Rikyū, a very famous historical figure. The original idea behind the stepping stones was to keep the Zōri, traditional Japanese slippers, clean and dry while walking through the garden.

Hirukawa is an authentic Japanese granite originating from the village of Hirukawa, which has been part of the city of Nakatsugawa in Gifu prefecture since 2005. Hirukawa granite is very often used in Japanese gardens for elements such as stone lanterns, Chōzubachi, and bridges. But the granite variety is also particularly suitable as a decorative stone.

– Average size: 30x30x6 cm – Price: Per piece