Introduction: A Quiet Detail with Deep Significance

‍When visiting Japan's Imperial Palace Plaza, or traditional Shinto shrines like Ise Jingu or Meiji Jingu, an observer will frequently notice a distinctive detail: the ground is not paved with smooth asphalt or concrete, but covered with a layer of fine, crushed stones. Walking on these stones produces a "gajigaji" or "shasha" sound underfoot. This method of laying stones, seemingly ordinary, is in fact imbued with a unique Japanese aesthetic and cultural significance. The cultural philosophy and practical wisdom hidden within these small stones reveal fascinating insights.

Tamajari: A Landscape of Sacred Intention

Standing in front of the vast plaza of the Tokyo Imperial Palace, one finds that from the Nijubashi bridge extending all the way to the edge of the plaza, the ground is covered with shallow gray small stones. These stones are known as "Tamajari". They are widely used in Japanese garden landscaping and shrine architecture.

Many foreigners might mistakenly believe that the Japanese use stones instead of bricks or pavement to save costs. In reality, the exact opposite is true. The reason why the Japanese insist on using these crushed stones is precisely to convey a spirit of respecting nature and maintaining tranquility. Every single stone, regardless of size or color, is carefully selected, washed, and air-dried before being laid. At Ise Jingu, when the shrine buildings are rebuilt every twenty years, even these stones must be replaced with new ones. This is because the stones are considered to carry a "sacred" meaning and must not become old with time.

The Sound of Footsteps: A Spiritual Trigger

Walking on Tamajari produces a "shasha" or "gajigaji" sound. This sound is not an architectural "defect" but is created intentionally. The Japanese believe that when a person walks in a quiet environment without any sound, it is easy for their mind to become restless. The sound of feet stepping on the stones, however, can awaken one's concentration. It also serves as a ritualistic sense of "purifying the spirit".

Particularly within shrines, this sound holds a "solemn" purpose. Each sound is a reminder that "you have entered the sacred realm," prompting one to compose their mind and refrain from being noisy. A Shinto priest, when visited at Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto, explained that "the sound of these stones is a signal offered to the deity". It is also a reminder to us: "Who are you, why have you come, and what do you seek in your heart?".

Practical Purposes Hidden in Tradition

Beyond their cultural and spiritual significance, Tamajari also possess practical functions. Firstly, they serve as an anti-theft measure. In ancient times, shrines and imperial palaces were often wooden structures with no lighting at night. With stones laid, anyone approaching would immediately make a sound, making it difficult to get close undetected. During the Sengoku period, some castle inner courtyards also utilized this paving method as an early "alarm system". Secondly, they aid in fire prevention. In wooden structures like shrines, fire has always been the greatest hidden danger. Stones do not burn and can isolate ground fires, offering a degree of fire prevention.

Thirdly, they are used for exorcism or purification. Japanese Shinto believes that natural objects possess spirits. Stones, being "objects from nature," are thought to purify defilement. During shrine "cleaning ceremonies," people often step on Tamajari to dispel "dust and" (worldly thoughts/distractions) from their bodies.

The Invisible Beauty of Wabi-Sabi

In Japanese culture, "invisible beauty" is considered the ultimate craftsmanship. "Invisible effort" is often deemed more important than "visible decoration" .
Just like the small stones scattered seemingly randomly in the Imperial Palace Plaza, in reality, each one has been carefully selected and laid. At Ise Jingu, after these stones are laid, shrine maidens must walk on them and purify them in a specific manner before they can be officially used.

A Silent Dialogue with the Sacred

One might not stop to look closely at these stones. Yet, they lie there silently, fulfilling their mission without speaking. This embodies the "beauty of unspoken wabi-sabi"  – conveying the deepest respect through the most simple and plain means.

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