A variety of unique art forms have developed in Japan over the country’s long and colorful history, and one of these is its distinctive gardens. Japanese gardens exhibit a range of different styles, depending on factors such as the time period when they were created, the individual tastes of the owner and so on. Accordingly, each has their own set of formal rules and imagery, and if you become familiar with these, you can further appreciate the depth and beauty of these magnificent gardens.
Major Japanese Garden Styles
- Karesansui: A great many gardens were built in the karesansui style from the 12th -16th centuries. Defining characteristics include large rocks representing waterfalls and white sand representing water. The karesansui style was heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism.
- Shoin garden: The shoin garden style is said to have originated in the latter half of the 16th century as a complement to shoin architecture (a traditional Japanese architectural style, believed to be the prototype of the modern Japanese house, which also began around this time). It utilizes many massive garden rocks and other colorful stones.
- Tea garden: These long, narrow gardens were built starting in the 16th century for tea rooms. The tea garden style is also strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism.
- Stroll garden: This type of large garden has its beginnings in the Edo period (1603?1867). The style features a pond in the center, and visitors stroll around the pond as they admire the garden, which is where the name originates.
Kanagawa Prefecture, home to the old capital of Kamakura as well as Hakone?one of the country’s foremost onsen (hot spring) resorts?also boasts a large number of traditional Japanese gardens. Here we present photographs of some of these gardens. When you are in Kanagawa, spend a day taking in the special appeal of these famed gardens. Click here for details.
The influence of Zen Buddhism on the formation and development of Japanese garden styles has been significant. Due to the fact that tea ceremony originated largely with Zen Buddhism, there are many Japanese gardens?particularly Zen temple gardens?where one can experience the Zen-influenced tea ceremony while viewing the garden. In addition to such opportunities, Kanagawa Prefecture also offers numerous other places where visitors can try the tea ceremony in a more casual atmosphere. Click here for details.
Zen Buddhism can be summed up in one word: zazen. Zazen, performed mainly in the Zen Buddhist sects, is a sitting practice of concentration and quieting the mind, and today it is also a widespread means of meditation and self cultivation outside the monastery setting. Zazen as ascetic training involves a variety of strict rules. Keeping these in mind, the first step is to sit in the correct form. Take a moment to sit zazen, and you may just see yourself in an entirely different way. Click here for details.
