Discover Traditional Japanese Gardens

Japanese gardens (Kanji, nihon teien) in the tradition of Japan can be found at private homes, in neighborhood or city parks, at Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, and at historical landmarks such as old castles. Many of the Japanese gardens most famous in the West, and within Japan as well, are Zen gardens.

The tradition of the Tea masters has produced highly refined Japanese gardens of quite another style, evoking rural simplicity.

Typical Japanese gardens contain several of these elements, real or symbolic:
Stone lantern amid plants. The shape of the roof will trap and hold a picturesque cap of snow.

• Water
• An island
• A bridge to the island
• A lantern, typically of stone
• A teahouse or pavilion

Browse through the different sections to learn more about Japanese Gardens.