The Simplistic Elegance of the Japanese Garden is a Living Work of Art.
By Cindy-Lou Dale, Freelance Writer

April 2007

Japan is shrouded in mystique and ancient history, and the perfect way to unravel this enigma is by exploring its landscape gardens. Their basic design is based on capturing the grace and beauty of nature and bringing it into our daily lives.

As simplistic as that may sound, the true magnificence of Japanese gardens is profound. They create soulful, refined and elegant spaces, a humbleness surrounded by nature.

Landscape gardening has been an art form in Japan for centuries. Their designs can be put into three distinctive groups, namely hill gardens, dry gardens and tea gardens and can include everything from courtyards to streams and from simple, austere spaces to lush, tropical environments. Some are highly groomed, while others look almost wild.

The basic landscaping concept is based on the principle of minimalist simplicity. There is nothing much to it other than the understated contrasts in hues and textures of green, and a near flawless harmony with the elements. This accord is attained through repetition and a semblance of balance.

Japanese gardens in general follow several basic design principles: they are hugely reduced in scale, they are enclosed, the angle of view is crucial, they borrow scenery, and they hold balance and symbolism. Most Japanese gardens endeavor to duplicate the environment in miniature.

The Japanese garden is a work of living art and a reflection of the Japanese spirit. Nothing is left to chance; every living thing in a garden exists for a reason and stands as a symbol for something else in Japanese culture. There is a link somewhere that serves to tell us more about Japan, if we know where to look and what to look for. A simple garden walkway could reveal to us a part of the richness of Japanese history or the significance of its metaphorical importance.

Japanese gardens aesthetically please all the senses - the clunking sound of the bamboo wind chimes in a silent garden, the textures and shades of the foliage; but it’s the serene simplicity and stillness as found in the Tsukiyama style garden that enchant all who experience it.

Tsukiyama style gardens reflect nature in miniature and consist of hills, stones, ponds, streams, bridges and paths, and vary in the way they are viewed. The smaller garden variety is typically enjoyed from one viewpoint, like a temple’s veranda, whilst the gardens more generously proportioned benefit from a circular path.

Zen Buddist inspired Karesansui style gardens encapsulates poetry, religious belief, and a link to the past. They are an ever changing symphony which imitates abstract variations of natural landscapes by using sand, stones and gravel.

Individually, we experience Japanese gardens in a different way and come away with unique encounters. There is no right or wrong way to experience it. One only needs to look in from the outside and the Japanese garden will open itself, or from the inside out, as one would in a Chaniwa style garden.

Chaniwa style gardens are visually stimulating and characteristically include stepping stones which lead to the tea house. On route, a guest will come across stone lanterns and a stone basin in which to purify themselves before partaking in the traditional tea ceremony.

Kenrokuen Gardens

The finest tea garden experience is to be found at the Kenrokuen Gardens, in Kanazawa, which took nearly two centuries to build. It is considered by many as the best garden in all of Japan and was once the private garden of the Maeda family who ruled from Kanazawa Castle.

The spacious Kenrokuen Gardens feature secluded stone gardens and is abundant with streams, waterfalls and ponds. Broad views are offered from the numerous bridges and reflective tea ceremonies are performed at the teahouses.

Korakuen Gardens

Built in the 17th century by a local feudal lord, Korakuen Gardens are ranked as one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens. The gardens contain ponds, woods, teahouses and pavilions and are overlooked by Okayama Castle.

Due to its black exterior, Okayama Castle is also known as "Crow Castle". It was built in 1597, then completely destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt in the 1960s. Today the castle houses a modern day museum.

Kairakuen Gardens

Mito’s Kairakuen Gardens are famed for its acres of plum trees and is understandably at its best during the blossom season which is late February and March. The Mito Plum Festival is held every year from February 20 to March 31.

Kairakuen (meaning ‘park to be enjoyed together’) was created by the local lord Tokugawa Nariaki. Unlike the other two great gardens, Kairakuen was open to the public and did not purely serve to please the ruling lord. Other than the plum tree forest, Kairakuen also boasts cedar woods and bamboo groves.

From the marvellously grand landscaped gardens to the tiny curb-side shrub arrangement, nature encompasses Japanese life at all levels. At times you will be left speechless, other times breathless, but when you come to leave you do so with a lifetime of memories.

**All Photos by Cindy-Lou Dale

Back to Index

©2004-2006 Live Life Travel. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Articles Listed by Country
design by: EPOIA Interactive Studios, LLC