Features of Japanese gardens

• Types of Japanese garden

Japanese gardens have been loved by not only Japanese but also foreign people. 

 There are 2 types in the Japanese gardens.  One is called a strolling landscape garden that features paths around ponds.  The second one is a dry rock garden that was originally created at Zen temples and is made of only rocks and pebbles.

 Most Japanese gardens are strolling landscape gardens. This type of garden is designed in accordance with the appearance of nature. In the center of a garden, there is one or more ponds which represent real or mythical lakes or seas.  Around the ponds, mounds of earth, rocks, trees are placed. They represent mountains and hills. The purpose is to create miniature reproductions of natural scenery.

Plants, such as maple and cherry trees, are often chosen for their seasonal appeal.  Pine, bamboo, and plum trees are planted because these three kinds are regarded as auspicious trees.  Colorful carp (koi) often swim in the ponds, which introduce additional color and life to the garden.

 These gardens have been loved by feudal lords in the Edo period from 17th to 19th century.  So, many popular Japanese gardens were created in their properties. 

• Hamarikyu garden

There are such gardens in Tokyo including the Hamarikyu garden. Hamarikyu Garden is a large Japanese garden located by the Tokyo Bay. It  features paths around ponds, and a tea house on an island where visitors can rest and enjoy the scenery. A peony garden, plum tree grove and cosmos fields have flowers for every season.

Walking slowly in the quiet and beautiful garden while seeing various flowers and plants is very refreshing. After strolling for a while, it is a good idea to rest at the tea house that offers green tea and Japanese sweets in a tea-ceremony style.

It was originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds from 17th to 19th century. It was used as a guesthouse for foreign diplomats and royal families in the late 19th to early 20th century. In February 2015, Prince William of England visited this garden and experienced the tea ceremony.

• Tour

If you like to visit the Hamarikyu garden, I recommend this tour.