Japanese gardens differ from Western gardens in that they represent a miniature version of natural scenery. Therefore, they are not arranged in a style that creates mathematically beautiful patterns, such as symmetry. In a Japanese garden, you can see elements like mountains, rivers, forests, and seas in a natural, uncontrived manner. Additionally, a Japanese sense of beauty is incorporated into the design. We appreciate seasonal changes and highly value the concepts of Wabi and Sabi, which emphasize simplicity and the beauty of aging.
Important Points about Japanese Gardens
ー Traditional Japanese gardens showcase their unique beauty and embody natural scenery in a picturesque way.
ー They represent true beauty, which makes people feel a sense of peace, harmony, and serenity.
ーThey are designed to connect people with nature.
ー They play a very important role in Japanese culture, known for their reserved and refined elegance.
ーThey don’t have any artificial ornaments; instead, these traditional gardens artistically reproduce natural scenery using plants, sand, ponds, and rocks.
ーThe important elements include plants, rocks, ponds, moss, bridges, and properly pruned trees.
ー They are very simple, but that doesn’t mean they are easy to create. They are designed to represent the true beauty of nature, encouraging visitors to notice the details as they look around.
ー Besides their beauty, they show us the deep consideration given to the metaphorical layout of the elements.
ー They are totally different from Western gardens in that they have an oriental appeal and cultural backgrounds.
ー Western gardens are designed symmetrically with a geometric arrangement of plants and statues, while Japanese gardens aim to embody nature as closely as possible.
ー You will notice simplicity, harmony, order, diversity, and many elements that stimulate your intellect and emotions.
ー The style changes over time due to advances in construction skills and religious influences.
Pine Trees
Pine trees are the most popular trees planted in Japanese gardens as symbols of luck. Because they live long and keep their green leaves year-round, even in cold winter, they symbolize a long and happy life. Not only are they used in Japanese gardens, but they are also used for bonsai, a miniature display of a planted tree. Some pine tree bonsai are worth more than one hundred million yen. FYI, if you find mushrooms at the root of a pine tree, they could be very expensive ones called Matsutake, the king of Japanese mushrooms.
Carp
Colored carp are often seen in ponds in Japanese gardens. They have been bred for a long time to achieve their present patterns and colors. With colors like red, white, black, and gold, they can be called beautiful swimming gems. They are becoming more popular outside Japan. Some are worth more than one million yen. They are gems!
The most expensive carp ever sold was worth about 200 million yen.