What is a Japanese Garden?

                         Garden of Reflection, Anderson Japanese Gardens
                                  Rockford, Illinois

Japanese gardens were strongly influenced by Chinese culture. Beginning in 794 AD (Heian Period) the Emperor of Japan took up residence in Kyoto, Japan and began to create gardens around the palace grounds. As years passed new styles and innovations were added.

Features of a Japanese garden;
Japanese gardens always have water, usually a pond or stream (coming from the east to carry away bad spirits).

A waterfall is an important element. Japan has many mountain streams. The cascade should face toward the moon and the moon’s reflection should be captured in a nearby pond. A special evening is set aside for guests to come in the fall to view the harvest moon in the pond.

The placement of ponds, streams or rocks, etc. in the garden is vital.

Rocks tell a story if you know their meaning.

In ancient Japan sand or crushed gravel was placed around Shinto  and Buddhist temples.

The Japanese garden is often designed to be seen from a wide veranda.

Every garden has one or more wood bridges. A bridge to a small island symbolizes the path to the island of the Eight Immortals (Taoist teaching), a path to paradise and immortality.

Every garden has stone lanterns and water basins.
The piece of the lantern touching the ground represents chi, the earth. The next section of the lantern, sui, represents water, and the top with the candle represents ka or fire.
Water basins are used to clean the hands and mouth before a tea ceremony.
It is always placed low to the ground so the drinker has to bend low.

Gardens have many styles of fences, gates and other devices. As you pass through the main gate you leave your world behind and enter a peaceful, natural place in nature. The same idea applies as you cross over a bridge.

Mosses are added to suggest the garden is ancient. Flowers are chosen for each season. Trees and evergreens are carefully trimmed to add interest.

The use of Koi fish is a decorative element in a Japanese garden, the idea was borrowed from the Chinese. Special colorful Koi fish are raised in Japan and cost $$$.

Tea Houses became a popular in gardens in the 15th century.

The garden is not meant to be seen all at once, but to be seen one landscape at a time as you walk through.  Large flat stones are placed at strategic spots as an invitation, i.e. come stand here for an interesting view. The garden is a work of art inspired by nature.