Japanese garden

Saihō-ji (Kyoto) also known as the "Moss Garden", begun in 1339

Lua error in Module:Unicode_data at line 293: attempt to index local 'data_module' (a boolean value). is a traditional kind of garden in Japan. The garden is made to be like a small landscape.^[1] The basic principle of a Japanese garden is to create harmony and balance.^[2]

History

The oldest Japanese text on garden-making is Sakuteiki (Records of Garden Making). The work was based on oral traditions which were published for the first time in the 11th century.^[3]

Types

There are many types of Japanese gardens, for example,

The contemplation or thinking style of garden (kanshō) is designed to be studied and enjoyed from one specific place. An example of a kanshō garden is the rock and raked gravel garden at Ryōan-ji in Kyoto.^[4]

The stroll or walking style of garden (shūyū) is intended to be looked at from a path. The garden is discovered as the viewer walks along the path. An example of a shūyū garden is at Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto.^[4]

The boating or pleasure-boat style of garden (funasobi) is centered on a large pond. The best views are seen from a boat in the pond. An example of a funasobi gardem is at Byōdō-in at Uji, which is near Kyoto.^[4]

Many-pleasure style of garden (kaiyū) has a central pond and many paths. It combines aspects of kanshō, shūyū and funasobi gardens. An example of a kaiyū garden is at Katsura Imperial Villa.^[4]

Japanese Garden Media

An island in Kōraku-en gardens, Okayama, with azaleas in flower
Carefully positioned stones around the pond in Ritsurin Garden
Japanese Garden in the Tatton Park Gardens, England
Ise Jingu, a Shinto shrine begun in the 7th century, surrounded by white gravel
A view of the Lua error in Module:Unicode_data at line 293: attempt to index local 'data_module' (a boolean value). main pavilion
Byōdō-in: Jōdo-shiki garden
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion (1398)
The zen rock garden of Ryōan-ji (late 15th century)
The garden at Tokushima Castle (1592) on the island of Shikoku features water and enormous rocks. It was meant to be seen from above, from a viewing pavilion.