The Art of Japanese Gardens

Known for their moss-covered stones, arching bridges and sculpted trees, Japan’s gardens are an invitation to stillness. Beginning with the arrival of Buddhism in the 6th century, these gardens merge the Buddhist focus on contemplation with the leisurely pastimes of the aristocracy. By embracing nature’s imperfections – through intentional placement of every element – these living works of art favor asymmetry and subtlety to evoke a sense of harmony.

Step into a landscape where every stone, lantern and cherry blossom offers a sanctuary.

Sakura | Hakodate

Striking images of Hakodate’s world-famous sakura (cherry blossoms).

The Alluring Beauty of Japanese Gardens

In this fantastic program, French garden expert Emmanuel Marès visits famous temple gardens in Kyoto—Saiho-ji (aka Moss Garden), Shoden-ji, Kennin-ji—in search of the unique character of the quintessential Japanese garden.

Among The Cherry Blossom Trees

This excellent NHK documentary explores the history and significance of the fleeting blossoming of Japan’s 150 varieties of cherry trees.

Japan’s perfectly imperfect garden

The beautifully expansive park-like garden of Kenroku-en—located in Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture) and known as one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan”— is a perfectly imperfect vision of nature. The irony is that an enormous amount of energy and attention to detail is required to keep the garden looking “natural.”

Ryoanji

Art historians Beth Harris and Steven Zucker review the sublime 17th-century Zen rock garden at Ryōanji temple in Kyoto.

Tofukuji Temple

Located in Nara, near Kyoto, this is one of the five great Zen Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple, known also for its surrounding gardens and historically significant gate, was originally built in 1236. Learn more in this video tour.

Himeji’s Kokoen Garden

Satoru Kanechika, director and designer of the fantastic Kokoen garden (located next to Himeji Castle), offers an overview of the garden’s history, design and distinctive features.

Shunkaen Bonsai Museum

Experience this Tokyo garden dedicated to the Japanese craft of growing and shaping miniature trees. The museum was founded by Bonsai master Kunio Kobayashi, who offers a look at a few of the highlights.

Kenroku-en Garden

A beautiful peek at the Kenroku-en Garden, located in Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture). Created by the Maeda clan in the 1600s, it is considered among the top three Japanese-style gardens.

Japanese Stone Gardens

A comprehensive introduction to the powerful mystique and dynamism of the Japanese stone garden—from their earliest use as props in animistic rituals, to their appropriation by Zen monks and priests to create settings conducive to contemplation and finally to their contemporary uses and meaning. Fifteen gardens are featured, most from famous temples in Kyoto. By Stephen Mansfield.

The Samurai’s Garden: A Novel

The best-selling story of a 20-year-old Chinese painter who is sent to his family’s summer home in the Japanese coastal village of Tarumi (Hyogo prefecture) to recover from a bout with tuberculosis. Here he is cared for by Matsu, a master gardener, who is able to routinely find beauty in a cruel and arbitrary world. By Gail Tsukiyama.