We are thinking about building the screens on the left and right of the gate using bamboo... is that recommended?

Hello Peter and Malin ---

I've delayed responding (as I suspect others might, too) because I don't want to discourage you about the design of your gate. The torii gate is only used in Japan to mark the entrance to a Shinto shrine, or to a site or an object recognized as special or sacred. Also, the torii gate is always free-standing and doesn't incorporate side fences.

I like to make rustic gates from cedar logs which have only one crosspiece at the top (torii gates have two crosspieces) to distinguish them from torii gates.

Of course people are free to use whatever designs they choose and like in their gardens --- it's just that torii gates have a special meaning in Japan and using them decoratively in private gardens would look strange to a Japanese person.

As for materials, my company often uses wild spirea and cedar for fences here. Using bamboo in northern climates tends to make fences that look exotic, which is not really in keeping with traditional Japanese garden aesthetics. Japanese gardens tend to make use of local materials.

Lee

Lee
I am interested in making a garden gate. Where can I find Japanese style gates? Design or for sale?

Thanks,
archae

Now we have built one... with the fence...

and I guess it isn't a torii gate anymore?? Then it would be fine to have one... One can call it a "torii inspired" gate? Would that be valid?

I will post pics later
/Peter

Hi Archae ---

I'm not aware of sources of ready-made Japanese gates, although there may be some. We build ours (which are quite rustic) from scratch, and I know you can spend quite a bit of time and money on authentic gates made by trained carpenters.

As for designs, I've designed my own based on illustrations in Japanese carpentry books. I think I've seen plans for sale for similar things in ads in Fine Gardening magazine, and there used to be someone called Fleming Design (I think) who advertised in Journal of Japanese Gardening.

I'm sorry I can't be more helpful than that!

Lee