7 Elements that Make Japanese Gardens a Photographer’s Paradise

When thinking of landscape photography, we typically make an instant leap to large scale subjects — mountains, deserts, beaches, canyons. Landscape, however, isn’t necessarily a synonym for colossal; compelling landscape photography isn’t limited to big ticket items, so to speak. In fact, there are times when smaller is better — or at least just as good. Case in point: Japanese gardens. Japanese gardens are in many ways microcosms of the natural world, albeit highly stylized versions of the natural world. Originally borrowing ideas seen in ancient Chinese gardens, Japanese garden designers gradually developed their own style, one which remains a source of fascination and inspiration even today. These gardens are characterized by a variety of distinct elements that set them apart from the run of the mill backyard garden, elements that should excite most photographers.

Water

You will always find water in a Japanese garden, commonly in the form of a stream, pond, or waterfall. In a dry rock garden, white sand will stand in for water.

Rocks, Sand, and Gravel

Far from being simple decorative flourishes, rocks of various kinds are typically used to symbolize mountains or animals (such as carp), while sand and gravel represent beaches or flowing water. From rock placement to rock color to rock type, everything is meticulously planned out and given meaning.

Pavilions and Teahouses

Small pavilions or teahouses were central elements in early Japanese garden designs, sometimes taking up more space than the garden itself; these structures were meant to be viewing stations for the garden. Later, however, small teahouses were favored and came to serve as peaceful rest stops along garden paths.

Bridges

Made of stone, wood, or moss covered logs, some bridges are used to connect the main part of the garden to small islands, symbolizing the Daoist path to paradise.

Stone Lanterns and Basins

As one might guess, lanterns were used to light pathways but eventually became just a design element. Water basins bore great significance in religious cleansing rituals and were used by garden visitors to wash their hands before a tea ceremony.

Trees and Flowers

The most common types of plants found in Japanese gardens include bamboo, azalea, pine, willow, ginkgo, Japanese cypress, Japanese cedar, Japanese apricot, oak, maple, cherry, and camellia.

Fish

The beautiful multi-colored fish you see in Japanese garden ponds are koi — domesticated carp that are selectively bred for color mutations.

And of course, all manner of insects might happen upon a Japanese garden where they will find themselves right at home.

If you dream of photographing waterfalls or exotic trees or quaint architecture, there’s no need to travel around the world in search of these things. Find yourself a Japanese garden and you’ll have access to all of this in one place. Landscape photographers and macro photographers are sure to find a paradise of their own in a Japanese garden.