The style of garden generally referred to as a "Japanese Garden" is a garden based on the traditional Japanese style gardens of ancient Japan. Tracing its origins back to the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, Japanese gardens can now be found in many backyards, public parks, schools and retreats around the world. The most common style of garden found around the world as well as in Japan is the famous dry or rock gardens which are gardens that contain very little in the way of vegetation traditionally called Karesansui.
The tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony and the beliefs of tea masters have encouraged the creation of Japanese gardens of a completely different style. The tea masters have a trademark styles that evokes of a sense of rural simplicity as well as tranquility and consolidation.
One thing that is common throughout all Japanese gardens is the presence of water containing an island with a bridge to it, a stone lantern and a teahouse or sitting pavilion. The elements aren't necessarily real they can be of a symbolic nature. Gardens can also be designed for several viewing styles including from a boat, porch or veranda and for walking through and exploring.
A famous style of garden that most people may be familiar with is the karesansui or "dry landscape garden. This garden originates from the Zen temples of Japan, most recognizable for their lack of water and few plants. The feeling of water is achieved through the use of pebbles and raked gravel instead of water. Perhaps the most famous example of a karesansui garden is the Ryoan-ji temple in Kyoto.
Plants in Japanese gardens consist mostly of bamboos and evergreens such as Black Pine and the famous bright leaved deciduous Maples trees. In cooler climates ferns and mosses can be used as ground covers and thrive in the moist conditions.
Ideally a Japanese garden should provide the visitor with a wholesome environment that allows them to see beauty, relax and find inspiration. One of the greatest cultural practices to make itself into the western world the Japanese garden is truly a thing of beauty.
