JAPANESE GARDEN ELEMENTS

Japanese gardens utilize elements such as ponds, streams, islands and hills to create
miniature reproductions of natural scenery. The following are some of the most
commonly employed elements:

Stones, Gravel and Sand

Since ancient times, stones have played an important role in Japanese culture.
In Shinto, prominent large stones are worshiped as kami, while gravel was used to
designate sacred grounds, as seen at some ancient shrinessuch as the Ise
Shrines or Kyoto's Kamigamo Shrine.

In today's gardens, large stones symbolize mountains and hills, set decorative accents
and serve as the building material for bridges and pathways. Smaller rocks and gravel
are used to line ponds and streams. Meanwhile, dry gardens are comprised entirely of
stones, with larger stones symbolizing mountains, islands and waterfalls, while gravel
and sand replace water.

Japan's largest rock garden at Kongobuji Temple on Koyasan

Large, beautiful or unusual stones have been considered status symbols (Nijojo Castle)

Ponds, Streams and Waterfalls

Ponds are a central element of most gardens and often represent real or mythical lakes
or seas. Sometimes they provide a habitat for carps (koi) which introduce additional
color and life to the garden. In dry gardens, ponds, streams and waterfalls are
symbolized by raked gravel, sand and upright stones.

In recreational types of gardens, ponds can be used for boating or enjoyment from
pavilions built out over the water or from plazas and embankments on shore, which
often served as the site for aristocratic poetry or moon viewing parties in past centuries.
slands and Bridges

Islands are another long standing component of Japanese gardens, and range in size
from single stone outcroppings to large islands big enough to support buildings. They
often represent real islands or have religious symbolism, such as those built to
resemble turtles and cranes, symbols of longevity and health, or Horai, a sacred
mystical mountain in Taoism.

Bridges are another common feature that is used to connect islands and cross streams
or ponds. They are built of stone or wood, and range in complexity from a simple slab of
uncut rock laid across a stream to elaborate, covered wooden structures that span more
than ten meters.

Large ponds often have high arching Chinese style bridges under which boats can pass (Korakuen)

Vegetation

Trees, shrubs, lawns and flowers of all kinds are used in Japanese gardens. Plants,
such as maple and cherry trees, are often chosen for their seasonal appeal and are
expertly placed to emphasize these characteristics. Conversely, pine trees, bamboo
and plum trees are held in particular esteem for their beauty during the winter months
when other plants go dormant. Mosses are also used extensively, with over a hundred
species appearing at Kokedera alone.

Plants are carefully arranged around the gardens to imitate nature, and great efforts are
taken to maintain their beauty. Trees, shrubs and lawns are meticulously manicured,
and delicate mosses are swept clean of debris. During winter, straw, burlap and ropes
are used to insulate and protect the trees and shrubs from the freezing snow, while
straw wraps protect against bug infestations.
 Manicured shrubs at Adachi Museum of Art

Hills

Larger gardens, especially the strolling gardens of the Edo Period, make use of large
man made hills. The hills may represent real or mythical mountains, and some can be
ascended and have a viewpoint from where visitors are treated to a panoramic view out
over the garden.

Lanterns

Lanterns come in a variety of shapes and sizes and have been a common element of
Japanese garden design throughout history. They are usually made of stone and placed
in carefully selected locations, such as on islands, at the ends of peninsulas or next to
significant buildings, where they provide both light and a pleasing aesthetic. Lanterns
are often paired with water basins (see more details below), which together make up a
basic component of tea gardens.

lanterns

Water basin
Row of pedestal lanterns at Saimyoji

Water Basins

Many gardens contain stone water basins (tsukubai), which are used for ritual
cleansing, especially ahead of tea ceremonies. 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. These days they often appear as
a decorative addition more than for a practical purpose. Water basins are an essential
element of tea gardens and are often paired with lanterns.

Chusonji Temple A famous water basin at Ryoanji Temple

Paths

Paths became an integral part of Japanese gardens with the introduction of strolling and
tea gardens. Strolling gardens feature circular paths constructed of stepping stones,
crushed gravel, sand or packed earth, which are carefully prescribed to lead visitors to
the best - albeit controlled - views of the garden. Winding paths also serve to segregate
different areas, such as an isolated grove or hidden pond, from each other so that they
may be contemplated individually.

Stone paved path at Kotoin

buildings

Many types of gardens were built to be viewed from inside a building, such as palace,
villa or temple. In contrast, gardens meant to be entered and enjoyed from within, use
buildings as a part of the garden's composition, including pavilions, tea houses and
guest houses.