Japanese garden
is a traditional kind of garden in Japan. The garden is made to be like a small landscape. The basic principle of a Japanese garden is to create harmony and balance.
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.
Types
There are many types of Japanese gardens, for example,
The contemplation or thinking style of garden (kansho) is designed to be studied and enjoyed from one specific place. An example of a kansho garden is the rock and raked gravel garden at Ryoan-ji in Kyoto.
The stroll or walking style of garden (shuyu) is intended to be looked at from a path. The garden is discovered as the viewer walks along the path. An example of a shuyu garden is at Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto.
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 Byodo-in at Uji, which is near Kyoto.
Many-pleasure style of garden (kaiyu) has a central pond and many paths. It combines aspects of kansho, shuyu and funasobi gardens. An example of a kaiyu garden is at Katsura Imperial Villa.
References
Other websites
Japanese Gardens at GoJapan. com
Japanese Gardens at Bowdoin. edu
Japanese culture
Gardening