17. Crane Island

South of the Shoin Building are the lotus pots and Crane Island. Notice the pygmy bamboo ground cover. The wing of the crane, (tsuru) can be seen on the west side of the island (the horizontal pine). Cranes are believed to live 1,000 years and are thus, symbols of logevity.

* * *   * * *

18. Daikoku Lantern

Daikoku is the god of wealth, one of the seven household gods. A house which shelters rats is a house where there is wealth because a rat will not go where there is no food to eat. The lantern shows Daikoku standing on bales of rice and a rat symbolizing the presence of wealth, i.e., food.

* * *   * * *

19. Zig Zag Bridge

Located among the iris plantings is a zigzag bridge, or yatsuhashi, which is a picturesque sight. The idea was derived from the famous 11th century Tale of Ise, which contains a description of a beautiful site at which a marsh covered with iris is traversed by a zigzag bridge. It is believed by some that if chased by evil spirits, you will be protected since evil spirits can only go in a straight line and will be unable to follow you around the corners of the bridge.

* * *   * * *

20. Weeping Willow Tree

The weeping willow tree is symbolic of the female persona - kind, loving, and bending with the situation. In the same way, the black pines represent the male persona - warlike, strong, and un-bending. As you look out over the lake, notice the reflection of the snow viewing lantern and the mill stone stepping stones.

* * *   * * *

21. Viewing Platform

From the viewing platform you can look out over the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. The water processed in these tanks is reclaimed and used for the garden and the Lake Balboa Recreation Area.

* * *   * * *

22. Administration Building

This is the Administration Building for the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. It has received many architectural awards. As you proceed to the end of your tour, we invite you to visit our gift shop.

* * *   * * *