Publisher Description

The unique beauty of the Japanese garden stems from its spirituality and rich symbolism, yet most discussions on this kind of garden rarely provide more than a superficial overview. This book takes a thorough look at the process of designing a Japanese garden, placing it in a historical and philosophical context.


Goto and Naka, both academic experts in Japanese garden history and design, explore:








The themes and usage of the Japanese garden







Common garden types such as tea and Zen gardens







Key maintenance techniques and issues.





Featuring beautiful, full-colour images and a glossary of essential Japanese terms, this book will dramatically transform your understanding of the Japanese garden as a cultural treasure.

Author Biography

Seiko Goto is a Professor at the School of Environmental Science, Nagasaki University, Japan, where her teaching covers Japanese gardens. She has also published extensively on the subject.


Takahiro Naka is a Professor at Kyoto University of Art and Design, Japan, Department of Landscape Architecture and has published books on Kyoto gardens, as well as articles on Japanese garden design and history.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. Themes 2. Landform 3. Garden Elements 4. Garden Maintenance 5. Symbolism of the Japanese Garden Explained in Historic Garden Manuals 6. Symbolism of the Japanese Garden in North America 7. Symbolism of the Japanese Garden: a Conclusion Appendix 1. Twenty Outstanding Japanese Gardens, Selected by the Authors Appendix 2. Word List Appendix 3. Main Garden Addresses Appendix 4. Bibliography Appendix 5. Credits

Details