Laws of the Japanese Garden: Design, History and Symbolism

What does a Japanese garden represent? Its characteristics and ideals

As we have mentioned, Japanese gardens They are intended to show spirituality, refinement and majesty in all its forms. These landscapes embody a series of ideals, regardless of style or type. Each one displays asymmetry in all its constituent elements, simplicity in all its forms, elegance, and great spiritual depth. Serenity, naturalness, and magnificence are concepts that can be considered synonymous with the "Japanese garden."

Each of these gardens represents a cultural refinement. A well-built one is a work of art in itself And, due to its delicate and living nature (plants, flowers, and trees are constantly developing), its maintenance is declining. Likewise, any change to it greatly alters its style and purpose.

Everything is designed to fit together. In a Japanese garden, each natural element fulfills a specific function and is arranged in such a way that it harmonizes with its surroundings, which can also be seen in the different types of Japanese gardens.

The aesthetic principles of one of these gardens

Japanese gardens are designed in such a way that each element incorporated fulfills a function. As we have said before, it is a enclosed space in which all plants, trees and even rocks have a purposeEverything is designed to fit together, nothing is superfluous, and all components comply with a series of principles, especially aesthetic ones.

These basic principles are:

• A miniature view that idealizes natureAs you'll see in later sections, rocks represent mountains, and ponds often symbolize seas. Miniaturization is present in all the elements.
• miegakure: is the concept of “hiding and revealing.” The strolling garden (a style analyzed in later sections) is designed so that the visitor, little by little, discovers new elements as they walk through it. The garden represents a scroll that must be unrolled.
• Shakkei: a principle that guides the visitor through the garden. It is a visual and auditory guide. It transforms this Japanese landscape into an experience to be enjoyed, not just something to be contemplated and admired.
• AsymmetryIn Japanese gardens, there are no straight lines; on the contrary, the elements are at different heights. Buildings or natural systems are generally positioned to be viewed diagonally.

History of Japanese Gardens

Japanese gardens have evolved significantly over the centuries, beginning with Chinese influences and adapting to Japanese styles and philosophies throughout their development.

During the Asuka period (552–710), the design and architecture of Japanese gardens were influenced by Chinese models, but it wasn't until the Kamakura period (1185–1333) that distinctive characteristics began to take shape. Ideas about garden design were influenced by legends from Taoism and Chinese Buddhism, imitating the imperial gardens of the Tang Dynasty.

The first Japanese gardens are mentioned in the chronicles nihon shoki (from the year 720) and in the collection of poems Man'yoshu (600-759). The latter mentions a garden with small islands and rocks that represented the islands in the Taoist legend of the Eight Immortals. To learn more about this evolution, visit our page on the history of Japanese gardens.

The Key Elements of a Japanese Garden

Japanese gardens are composed of several elements that serve aesthetic and symbolic functions. Below, we describe each of them:

1. rocks: Considered the bones of the Japanese garden, rocks symbolize mountains and must be placed carefully to represent nature in an abstract way.
2. Water: A vital element in many gardens, water can be found in ponds, streams, or even symbolized by raked gravel. It represents fluidity and change.
3. Plants: Trees, shrubs, and flowers are carefully selected for their symbolism. The most common include Japanese pine, maple, cherry, and bamboo; to learn more, see our guide on plants for a Japanese garden.
4. Bridges: Bridges are important elements that connect different parts of the garden and represent the passage between worlds.
5. Lamps and ornaments: Stone lamps are a decorative element that contributes to the serene atmosphere of the garden.
6. Islets: They represent sacred mountains and are located in ponds, often accessible by bridges.

Types of Japanese Gardens

The diversity of Japanese gardens is vast, and each type reflects a unique vision of nature and the environment. Below are some of the most representative types:

• Promenade Gardens (Kaiyu-shiki Teien): Designed to be enjoyed while walking, they include small landscapes and ponds.
• Zen Gardens (Karesansui): Dry gardens that represent the essence of nature, designed for contemplation.
• Tea Gardens: Small gardens designed to accompany tea houses, encouraging meditation and relaxation.
• Gardens of Paradise: Creations that symbolize the Pure Land according to Buddhist tradition.

Paseo Gardens

The promenade gardens, or Kaiyu-shiki Teien, are gardens that usually include a walkway around a pond. They are typical gardens of the Edo period, which appeared in the vacation villas of nobles and feudal lords. This type of garden stands out for its micro-landscapes and its design. miegakure, keeping hidden elements that are revealed when walking.

Zen Gardens

Zen gardens, also known as karesansui, are characterized by their use of white sand or raked gravel. These gardens are designed to be viewed from a meditation platform and seek to facilitate contemplation.

Tea Gardens

Tea gardens are typical of the Muromachi and Azuchi-Momoyama periods. These gardens invite relaxation and meditation, allowing an intimate experience of the surroundings, and are ideal for those seeking create a Japanese garden at home.

Gardens of Paradise

Paradise gardens, typical of the late Heian period, were created to symbolize that Pure Land paradise, and often include bridges connecting islets in ponds.

Design and Composition Approach

The design of a Japanese garden must consider both its symbolism and its functionality. Several aspects must be taken into account:

• Asymmetry: Unlike Western gardens, where symmetry predominates, in a Japanese garden asymmetry is vital to create a more natural landscape.
• Space Usage (Ma): The concept of 'emptiness' or ma It is essential to highlight the importance of the garden elements by allowing them to speak for themselves.
• Wabi and Sabi: These concepts reflect the beauty of the imperfect and the ephemeral, representing the essence of the passage of time.

Garden Maintenance Internship

Maintaining Japanese gardens is an art in itself. Gardeners must be devoted and attentive to the changes that nature presents over time. Essential practices include:

• Constant Observation: Gardeners should visit the garden during all seasons to appreciate its evolution and condition.
• Subtle Intervention: Pruning and adjustments should be done in a way that respects the natural shape of the plants and rocks.
• Symmetry and Asymmetry Care: As with design, maintenance should balance the aesthetics of the garden.

With proper respect and a careful approach, Japanese gardens can remain spaces of beauty and contemplation for generations, as well as in the Japanese garden of Madrid.

The Best Japanese Gardens to Visit

Japan is home to a wealth of gardens that are true masterpieces, and here are some of the highlights:

• Kenroku-en (Kanazawa): Considered one of the three best gardens in Japan, famous for its perfect integration of landscapes.
• Koraku-en (Okayama): Landscaped garden that allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings.
• Kairaku-en (Myth): A garden that invites you to enjoy it in company, with a vast variety of plant species.

These destinations offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and serenity that Japanese gardens can bring to everyday life, as seen in the Japanese garden of Buenos Aires.

Seasonal Flower Calendar

Seasonal plants and flowers allow Japanese gardens to change their appearance throughout the year, which is especially beautiful. Here's a quick rundown of when to visit to see the flowers in full bloom:

• Plum trees: (February) Kairakuen Gardens (Mito), Heian Shrine Gardens (Kyoto).
• Cherry trees: (March-April): Available in many locations in Japan.
• Wisteria: (May): Kameido Shrine (Tokyo) and Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi).

Reflections on the Japanese Garden

Japanese gardens are a testament to the deep respect Japanese culture has for nature and beauty. Through their design, care, and symbolism, they represent a space not only for visual contemplation, but also for meditation and spiritual connection, which is often reflected in the laws of the Japanese garden.