In Japanese culture, a garden is considered to be one of the highest art forms, expressing in a limited space the essence of nature

through the use of specially-selected plants and stones. Often rocks and shrubs are placed to express a traditional symbolic meaning
Japanese gardens have an ancient history influenced by Shinto, Buddhist and Taoist philosophies. The combined emphasis of plants, stones and water are the essence of our Japanese Garden.

BRIEF HISTORY
The Japanese gardens date as far back as 7th century A.D. The early styles were based on those of china in Tang dynasty, but evolved with time to resemble more the landscape of Japan itself. Buddhist themes were explored, but the ancient Japanese faith of Shinto remained in the heart of the garden. From the 8-11 centuries, water features like ponds, fountains, water falls, were introduced to represent the vast expanse of oceans and surrounding islands.

 From the middle of 13th century, the scale of gardens were reduced. In 15th and 16th century, water features were represented by gravel and stone. This abstract strain was desired from the spirit of Zen Buddhism which emphasized simplicity and valued the provocative. Tea gardens were also developed. The philosophical emphasis of natural appearance and elegant simplicity have had an enormous impact on garden design and Japanese aesthetics ever since.

CHARACTERISTICS OF JAPANESE GARDENS

In contrast to the geometrically arranged trees and rocks of Western style garden,the Japanese garden creates a scenic composition. Ancient Japanese,believed that a place surrounded by rocks was inhabited by Gods,thus naming it Amatsu iwasaka (heavenly barrier.

Like wise a dense cluster of trees was called Himaragi (divine hedge)

JAPANESE GARDENS They are classified into two categories. 1)Tsukiyama (hill garden & ponds) 2)Hiraniwa ( flat gardens)

Tsukiyama(hill garden & pond)

This garden comprises of ponds ,waterfalls Shallow streams. It also has trees,shrubs,ferns & mosses that grow in their natural state.
The shukeiyen garden has a Jizo statue representing Boddhista who was to watch people after the death of Buddha.

Tsukiyama (hill garden)

Tsukiyama (Pond garden)

HIRANIWA(Flat gardens)
The Flat Garden is one of the earliest manifestations of garden design in Japan. Flat Gardens are mostly found in confined areas in cities making our Flat Garden example unusual in its expansiveness. This is a Garden that includes Shirakawa Sand raked in careful patterns representing water.

HIRANIWA (flat garden)

SAND & STONE GARDEN

In addition to the above two mentioned garden,there is yet another type called the sand & stone garden. The most abstract of the Japanese Garden forms. It features the stark simplicity of weathered stones rising from a bed of sand ripple raked to suggest the sea. This garden style is typically found in Zen monasteries.

TEA GARDENS
Tea gardens developed during Japan's medieval period, first appearing in the early 17th century along with the advent of the tea ceremony itself, more properly known as chanoyu or sado, the Way of Tea. In order to achieve the appropriate quietude of spirit required to appreciate the aesthetics of sado, a place of preparation was required, and the development of that space marked the beginning of the tea garden

ANDERSONS JAPANESE GARDEN

ANDERSONS JAPANESE GARDEN

Anderson Gardens in Rockford, Illinois, is a ten-acre formal Japanese garden complete with cascading waterfalls, ponds, streams rock formations, winding lanes, and a tea house and guest house built in the authentic sukiya style. The gardens are designed to allow guests to reflect on the tranquil beauty of nature and to instill serenity. The gardens, which receive 20,000 to 25,000 visitors annually, have gained an international reputation for their superb design and maintenance.

DRY LANDSCAPE
In Ryoan Ji Temple It is famous for its Zen garden which is considered to be one of the most notable example of dry landscape style. It is surrounded by low wall & has absolutely no trees & ponds.It has the gravel bed.

KENROKEN GARDEN
Kenrokuen Garden is by far the most famous part of Kanazawa. It is considered one of the "three most beautiful gardens in Japan" and is filled with a variety of trees, ponds, waterfalls and flower