JAPANESE GARDENS

COMPILED BY:
HARPREET KAUR
HIMANSHI GUPTA
PRANEET R.M. SINGH
TSHERING CHODEN SAMDRUP
4th SEMESTER B

INTRODUCTION
- The art of gardening is believed to be an important part of Japanese culture for
many centuries.
- Shinto, Buddhism and Taoism were used in the creation of different garden
styles in order to bring a spiritual sense to the gardens and make them places
where people could spend their time in a peaceful way and meditate
- Core values of Japanese gardening have been largely shaped by Chinese culture
and tradition.
- Religion ,in particular Buddhism ,also had a major influence on Japanese
gardening.
- According to Shintoism ,the native religion of Japan everything in nature is sacred;
trees, plants, and rocks.
- They used white gravel in temples as to keep areas clean and white as a means of
enticing the spirits and gods to visit these places.
- Shintoism is not much the worship of rocks ,but the veneration of the spirit that
created those objects.

CHRONOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
The history of the Japanese gardens goes back to around the 7th century. The

first Japanese gardens, that expressed Shinto, Buddhism and Taoism visions
can be traced back to the Asuka Period. They were designed to capture the
landscape in its natural form. From this period the basic rules of designing
gardens was established.
Heian Period is the second very important chapter in the development of

Japanese garden art. Aristocratic style of gardens where created in front of

the mansion with artificial ponds and islands.
During the Kamakura Period and Muromachi Period garden-making

techniques improved considerably because of the rise of the Zen style. Many
gardens designed in that time were properties of successive shoguns and
daimios, who belong to the highest class in Japanese society. Famous gardens
created after Meiji Period were frequented by business people and politicians.
Most of them are opened to the public now and play a role in city parks.

BASIC RULES IN THE DESIGN OF

JAPANESE GARDENS
Natural: That should make the garden look as if it grew by itself
Asymmetry: That creates the impression of it being natural
Odd numbers: Like three, five or seven; that support the effect of the

asymmetry.
Simplicity: That follows the idea of 'less is more'
Triangle: That is the most common shape for compositions made of stones,
plants, etc.
Contrast: That creates tension between
elements
Lines: That can create both tranquillity and
tension
Curves: That softens the effect
Openness: That indicates interaction
between all elements

ESSENTIAL ASPECTS
The line between garden and its surrounding landscape is not distinct.
In the Japanese garden, the viewer should consider nature as a picture frame into
which the garden, or the man- made work of art, is inserted.

PRINCIPLES OF
JAPANESE GARDENS

 A common design principle found in most Japanese garden is the use of

asymmetry.
Plants and trees are often arranged in an asymmetric fashion, as are fences and
hedges.
The clever use of space is unique where empty spaces are deliberately left
unfiled to create feeling of spaciousness and uncluttered calm.
Balance, the proportions and spaces are an essential design principle.

SYMBOLISM

Plants are represented by moss that

surrounds the rock.

Water is represented by raked gravel.

In spring one revels in the bright green of
new buds and the blossoms of the azaleas.
In summer you appreciate the contrasts of
the lush foliage painted against the cool
shadows.
Fall wrests the brilliant colors from dying
leaves as they slip into the deathly hush of
winter, the garden buried under a shroud of
snow.
Winters is as much a garden season in Japan
as spring. The Japanese refer to snow piled on
the branches of trees a sekku, or snow
blossoms, and there is a lantern known as
yukimi that is named the snow viewing lantern.

ELEMENTS OF JAPANESE
GARDENS

There are three indispensable or key elements without which a Japanese garden
cannot be made, that are:

Plants
Rocks
Water
Other subsidiary elements:

Paths
Lanterns
Fences
A stone lantern representing four natural elements: earth, water, fire and wind.
Statues of male and female lions, placed at the entrance of the garden in order to
protect the garden from intruders.
Water basin known as a deer chaser, which keep deer away by making a special
sound when filled up.
Typical Japanese bridge, called a moon bridge, whose purpose is to reflect
artistic feelings.

PLANTS
Japanese garden is predominately green with its use of evergreen trees.
The trees and plants are chosen not just for their beauty and gracefulness but
also for their symbolism.
The deep greens of pines symbolize timeless and longevity, while the colors of
the maples and cherries reflect the changing seasons.

Cherry (Prunus serrulata) and plum trees are extensively used in Japanese
gardens. Both flowers in early April.

Moss:
It is a primitive plant and there are
many different varieties in
existence.
Moss needs damp shady
conditions in order to flourish.
In constantly dry, sunny aspect, it
will not grow.
Moss is most often found in
woodland area under the shade of
trees where nothing else will grow.

TREES IN JAPANESE GARDENS

JAPANESE FIR
Scientific Name: Abies Firma
Habitat: Evergreen
Texture: Coarse
Height: 40 to 70
Leaf: 1.5" dark green needles are notched at base; sharp prickly
point
Flower/Fruit: 3.5 to 5" brown cones

JAPANESE STRIPPED BARK MAPPLE

Scientific Name: Acer capillipes

Habit: Deciduous
Growth Rate: Moderate
Site Requirements: Sun to partial shade; prefers moist,
well drained soil
Texture: Medium
Form: Round head; low branches
Height: 30 to 35
Flower/Fruit: Greenish white flowers on 2.5 to 4" pendulous
raceme; attractive samara in fall

JAPANESE MAPLE
Scientific Name: Acer palmatum
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Site Requirements: Light dappled shade; evenly moist,
well drained soil; protect from drying winds
Texture: Medium to fine
Form: Low; dense rounded top; spreading branches;
assumes a layered look
Height: 15 to 25'
Flower/Fruit: Small red to purple
flowers; attractive if viewed closely but
insignificant from a distance.

JAPANESE CHERRY BIRCH

Scientific Name
Betula grossa
Growth Rate: Moderate
Site Requirements: Sun; moist well drained
soil
Texture: Medium
Form: Pyramidal
Height: 20 to 25'
Leaf: 2 to 4" alternate, simple leaves; yellow fall
color
Flower/Fruit: Nonshowy flowers

ROCKS
The rocks are like the coordinates of a garden project.
Choosing the right type of rock and positioning them on right place.

Size is meaningful only when viewed in the context of the scale of the garden &
its relationship with the neighboring rocks and other artifacts.
Variation in rock sizes offer greater contrast & interest resulting in the more
dynamic arrangement of rocks.

Rocks are often used to represent islands and mountains, so conical or dome
shape would be the obvious choice.
Colors, generally bright colors are avoided.
Color of rocks generally varies from grey to black, and from yellow to brick red
on other hand.
Texture, one of the vital characteristics of any rock.
A jagged textured rock gives feeling of timelessness and dignity.
Smooth rocks like water worn stones or glacial boulders convey the feeling of
antiquity especially when combined in an interesting shape.

 Placing of rocks in Japanese gardens is quite rhythmic just like a music

composition where individual rocks acts as musical notes.
Certain guidelines or ground rules are followed to achieve good results such as:
Rocks of varying sizes are used to emphasize the contrast.
Generally asymmetric arrangement of rocks is preferred over symmetrical
arrangement.
Sometimes there is a tradition for arranging the rocks to reflect the
philosophical concept heaven, earth and man.

WATER OR IKE
Water is used not just for its visual quality, but also for its sound.
The Japanese have learnt to exploit the sound of water in all its various form. it
varies from powerful waterfall to water falling into a water basin, creating
different emotions.
It represents the sea, lake, pond or river in nature.

Non geometrical in appearance; in order to preserve the natural shapes, manmade ponds are asymmetrical.
The bank of the pond is usually bordered by stones

A fountain is sometimes found at the bottom of a hill or hillside or secluded

forest.

Wells are sometimes found in a Japanese garden.

There are number of ways in which water can be used in Japanese gardens:

As a pond or lake setting, in a stream and as a waterfall.

If the objective is to create an expensive atmosphere then a pond or lake is the

answer.

If the aim is dynamic effect, which will stimulate both visual and acoustic
senses then waterfall is more suitable.

PATHS OR TOBI ISHI

Usually used in tea gardens.
Flat stepping stones served to preserve the grass as well as orient the viewer to
a specific visual experience.
Step- stones are found near the veranda or entrance of the house or tea room.
The visitor of the house or room is expected to place his shoes on the step- stone
before entering.

WATER BASINS AND LANTERNS

The basins vary from simple depressions in uncut stone to elaborate carved stone
creations, and are usually provided with a bamboo dipper for scooping up water.
Two kinds of stone water basins Kazari- chozubachi, which is kept near the verandah
Tsukubai for tea garden
Stone lanterns are placed besides prominent water basins whose luminance
underscored the unfinished beauty of the tea aesthetic.

FENCES AND WALLS

There are three types of fences:
The short fence which extends from the house
into the garden
An inner fence and an outer fence.
Short fences or sodegaki are screens that hide
unwanted views or objects.
They are about 6 or 7 feet high.
Add color and texture to the garden.
Materials used are bamboo,
wood and twigs of bamboo or
tree.

TYPES OF JAPANESE
GARDENS

THE STROLL GARDENS

Legacy of ancient Chinese imperial park tradition.
The imperial hunting parks complete with vast man-made lakes and miniature
mountains and islands.
The imperial gardens were created on a massive scale and filled with all manner
of choice indigenous plants, shrubs, and trees.
Stroll gardens are by definition gardens for walking in. Here visitors can enjoy a
leisurely stroll taking in all beautiful scenery. All the ingredients that make a
Japanese garden are here- rocks, plants, and water.

THE ZEN TEMPLE GARDENS

Also described as gardens of emptiness.
Generally, a garden that has nothing but a few bare rocks in patch of sand.
These gardens were uncluttered and reduced to the bare minimum.
Some refer to them as mini-malsit gardens also.
Also called Kare-sansui which means empty landscape.
Zen warriors(highly educated) developed a very sophisticated and refined
sense of artistic taste and that combined with their very simple and frugal life
style evolved into the characteristic Zen style that we know today.

TEA GARDENS

On first impression tea garden appears to be simply a small Japanese garden

consisting of a few stepping stones plus a lantern, water basin and tiny hut.
The traditional tea garden is in fact two garden in one.
There is the simple outer garden, where guest gather in a waiting area, and
the inner garden that contains the tea house.
The outer garden is approached by a stepping stone path, lit by a rough stone
lantern.
The tea garden is essentially a small garden no bigger than the passage way of
a normal suburban house
including the backyard.
The stepping stone path leads to
the waiting area which has a
simple hut like structure with a
bench often referred to as the
waiting pavilion.
The entrance area, which
incorporates the stepping stone
path is the outer garden.
Beyond this is the inner garden,
which has the tea house.

COURTYARD GARDENS

The Japanese courtyards are not large

areas, in fact are very small spaces seldom
more than fifty to a hundred square feet in
size.

A simple arrangement of gravel and a few

rocks or just a minimalist planting of
bamboo or rush will do the trick.

The scale of courtyard garden makes it ideally

suited for indoor, roof top and atrium
situations.

The elements of a courtyard garden are

similar to the elements of a tea garden,
however more shade tolerant plants are used.

The design principles of traditional

Japanese courtyard gardens, are very suited
for creating contemporary small spaces on
roofs or terraces.

KINKAKU-JI GARDEN

INTRODUCTION
Also known as Rokuon-ji, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan.
The Golden Pavilion is a three-story building on the grounds of the Rokuon-ji
temple complex.
The top two stories of the pavilion are covered with pure gold leaf.
The Golden Pavilion is set in a magnificent Japanese strolling garden.
The pavilion extends over a pond, called Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond), that reflects the
building.
The Kinkaku-ji grounds were built according to descriptions of the Western Paradise
of the Buddha Amida, intending to illustrate a harmony between heaven and earth.
The largest islet in the pond represents the Japanese islands.
The four stones forming a straight line in the pond near the pavilion are intended to
represent sailboats anchored at night, bound for the Isle of Eternal Life in Chinese
mythology.

The Kyoko-chi pond spreads in the central of the garden (south) with the
Kinugasa-yama mountain (north) in the background.

Inside the pond are eight vary sized islands or famous rocks dedicated by feudal
lords of that time, expressing the Land of Happiness by likening it to the
Shichiho-ike pond drawn in the Jyodo (paradise) mandala.

The gorgeous Golden pavilion symbols the Land of Happiness.

PLANNING
The pond reflects the Golden Pavilion like a mirror, and makes the gorgeous
Golden Pavilion shine even more.

The rustic thatch-roofed building stands in great contrast to the shiny Golden
Pavilion.
The water falls in the Kinkaku-ji garden drop a distance of 2.3 meters before
emptying into the pool. In the pool are stones resembling carp (rigyoseki), in
reference to the ancient Chinese myth that when carp climb up waterfalls they
transform into dragons. The dragon itself is exemplified by the diagonal rock
seeming to rise up out of the water at the base of the falls.

 Tranquillity Pond (Anmintaku, also known as Ushitaku and Buntaku) is a

small pool surrounded by trees.
Because it never dried up, even during droughts, the pond was also used as a
spot at which to pray for rain.
In the centre is a small island with a five-element stupa known as the White
Snake Mound.

In the front garden of the Abbot's Quarters is a koch wabisuke tree planted by
Emperor Gomizunoo. This is the oldest living example of a koch wabisuke tree,
which is a variety of camella.

TSUBO NIWA GARDEN

INTRODUCTION

These small gardens were originally

found in the interior courtyards of Heian
Period and palaces, and were designed to
give a glimpse of nature and some privacy
to the residents of the rear side of the
building.
They were as small as one tsubo, or
about 3.3 square meters.
During the Edo Period, merchants
began building small gardens in the
space behind their shops, which faced
the street, and their residences, located at
the rear.
These tiny gardens were meant to be
seen, not entered, and usually had a stone
lantern, a water basin, stepping stones
and a few plants.
Today, tsubo-niwa are found in many
Japanese residences, hotels, restaurants,
and public buildings.

These intimate spaces are created to

provide a serene entrance to a home
and are based on the principles of
Japanese tea gardens.
Carefully selected shaped trees and
shrubs usually form the basis of these
tiny gardens and often the plantings are
usually shade loving since they are
surrounded by buildings.
Tsubo-niwa are not only for
courtyards, but for any small space
such as a rooftop garden, narrow space
between buildings or a pathway. The
concept translates particularly well to
urban spaces.
Tsubo niwa do not need to be made
of bamboo and stone lanterns.
They are entirely enclosed by rooms
or garden walls.

REFERENCES
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2099_types.html
http://web-japan.org/factsheet/en/pdf/26Gardens.pdf
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2099_elements.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2099_list.html
http://www.japanorbit.com/japanese-culture/japanese-garden.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_garden
http://digitaljournal.com/article/353493
http://www.zen-garden.org/html/page_Overview.htm
http://jh2403a.wordpress.com/2010/01/31/japanese-influences-on-modernart/

THANK YOU