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The Japangarden Guide

The JapanGarden Guide

Discover the ideas, materials, traditions and practical skills behind Japanese gardens. Explore our guides and articles, whether you are planning a garden of your own or simply wish to understand more about Japanese garden culture.

A place to begin, to learn and to return to as your interests grow.

A world of ideas to explore

Japanese gardens bring together landscape, architecture, planting and thoughtful craftsmanship. Browse by subject, follow a particular interest or use our practical articles when you are ready to put ideas into practice.

Watercolour Japanese garden seen through a magnifying glass JapanGarden Focus

Take a closer look at one subject at a time, with thoughtful features on Japanese garden design, materials and traditions, plus practical ideas and further reading.

Explore the JapanGarden Weekly Focus →

Watercolour illustration for 1. Japanese Garden Design

1. Japanese Garden Design

Discover the principles behind Japanese garden design, from balance, borrowed scenery and carefully composed views to the thoughtful use of stone, water, gravel and planting. Explore different garden styles and learn how to adapt their ideas to your own space.

Creating Your Japanese Garden →

So You Want to Build a Japanese Garden →

Zen Gardens and Why We Rake →

Japanese Garden Design — full article index →

The Various Styles of Japanese Gardens →

Shakkei — Borrowed Scenery →

The Japanese Garden Entrance →

Dry River Bed Construction →
Watercolour illustration for 2. Garden Features & Materials

2. Garden Features & Materials

Explore the details that give a Japanese garden its character, including stone lanterns, granite ornaments, stepping stones, bamboo, gravel and water features. Find practical guidance on choosing materials and bringing them together with care.

Granite Lanterns →

History of Shrine Lanterns →

Water Feature Installation →

Japanese Stones and Their Use →

Handling Granite →

Making New Granite Look Old →

Assembly of Granite Ornaments →

Gravel Calculator →
Watercolour illustration for 3. Architecture, Shoji & Interiors

3. Architecture, Shoji & Interiors

Explore shoji screens, tatami, traditional Japanese architecture and interior details. Learn about the materials, craftsmanship and design choices that bring the calm, simplicity and texture of Japanese spaces into the home.

Shoji Screen Information →

Warlon Acrylic and Products →

Tatami →

Japanese Architecture & Interiors — full index →

How to Repair Shoji Screens →

Japanese Acrylic or Shoji Paper? →
Watercolour illustration for 4. Culture, Philosophy & Traditions

4. Culture, Philosophy & Traditions

Get to know the ideas and traditions that inform Japanese arts, gardens and everyday life. Discover useful language, seasonal customs, philosophy and cultural practices that add context to the objects and spaces featured in the Guide.

Japanese Garden Vocabulary →

The Japanese Tea Ceremony →

Ikigai →

Culture, Philosophy & Traditions — article index →

Japanese Garden Vocabulary →

Understanding the Tea Ceremony →
Watercolour illustration for 5. Discover Japan

5. Discover Japan

Plan your exploration of Japan with articles about places to visit, travel, accommodation, food and local experiences. These guides offer a starting point for discovering the landscapes, traditions and everyday details behind Japanese culture.

Visiting Japan for the First Time →

Your First 24 Hours in Tokyo →

A First Visit to a Japanese Ryokan →

Discover Japan — full article index →
Watercolour illustration for 6. Showcase Gardens

6. Showcase Gardens

Explore garden examples, design projects and details of Japanese garden craftsmanship. Look at how paths, stone, water, planting and carefully framed views work together, and gather ideas you can adapt to your own garden.

Explore Showcase Gardens →

JapanGarden Design & Build →

Creating Your Japanese Garden →

Japanese Garden at Birmingham Botanical Gardens →
Watercolour illustration for 7. JapanGarden Answers

7. JapanGarden Answers

Find clear, practical answers to common questions about Japanese gardens, plants, stone, lanterns, water features and traditional techniques. Use the related guides and product information to explore a subject in more detail and plan your next step.

Visit JapanGarden Answers →

Browse the Information Section →

Japanese Garden Vocabulary →

The JapanGarden Guide — main information hub →
Watercolour illustration for 8. Starting with Your Garden

8. Starting with Your Garden

Start with your own space, whether it is a courtyard, a small urban garden or a larger landscape. Consider the mood you want to create, then work through scale, layout, materials and planting one decision at a time.

Creating Your Japanese Garden →

Planting Tips →

Find Garden Inspiration →

Start with Your Garden →

Have a question about Japanese gardens?

JapanGarden Answers is a useful place to begin if you have a particular question or want to explore a subject in more detail.

Explore JapanGarden Answers →

Not sure where to begin?

Start with the space you have, the atmosphere you would like to create and the features that appeal to you.

Creating Your Japanese Garden   |   Planting Tips   |   Showcase Gardens

Continue exploring JapanGarden

Information Section   |   JapanGarden Answers   |   Creating Your Japanese Garden   |   Showcase Gardens   |   Japanese Garden Vocabulary

JapanGarden — information, inspiration and practical guidance for Japanese gardens and interiors.

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