History of Japanese Gardens

Yusuke Nakashima / Blog / History, Japanese Gardens /

July 21, 2021

Japanese gardens have changed its style continuously in the history. Acer landscapes will lead you the story of Japanese gardens and show the future of Japanese gardens.

平安時代, Heian Period( 794~1192), Jodo-Style

Gardens were made for Emperors and nobilities. They wish to go to heaven (Jodo) after they die. The gardens resemble Jodo in Buddhism thinking, and people enjoyed boating at the ponds.

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鎌倉時代, Kamakura period(1192～1333), Zen-Style

Kamakura Shogunate supported Zen Buddhism, especially Jodo-shin sect. Zen keeps yourself in nature, reflect,s and gets enlightened. Monks who had trained in China created Zen gardens in this period. The gardens are the place for training.

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南北朝時代, Nanbokucyou period (1333～1392), Zen-Style

After Kamakura period, the capital had moved back to Kyoto again. Shogun ordered monks to make Japanese gardens in this period.

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室町時代, Muromachi period (1392～1573), Zen-Style

After Kamakura period, capital had moved back to Kyoto again. Shogun ordered monks to make Japanese gardens in this period. The gardens are designed to be seen from buildings.

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安土桃山時代, Azuchimomoyama period (1573～1603), Roji,

In this period, the manner and mind of the Japanese tea ceremony were established and people made Japanese gardens for tea ceremonies (Roji).

It is designed to be a pathway from a gate to a tea ceremony room.

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江戸時代, Edo period (1603～1867), Daimyo-Style

Edo period was really peaceful, and feudal lords, Daimyo, gained power. They created gardens to show their power to the public. The gardens are based on the thought of Roji-style, however, the size is larger and it is designed to stroll and explore.

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明治時代, Meiji period (1868～1912)
大正時代, Taisho period (1912～1926)
Japanese and Western mix style

After Meiji Period, Japan started to get westernize. The feudal system has demolished and many Daimyo gardens had destroyed. Conglomerate companies, Zaibatsu, bought gardens and they created Japanese and Western mixed culture style.

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昭和・平成時代, Showa & Heisei period (1926～2019)
Modern Japanese style

From Showa period, Japanese gardens have been harmonized with Modern western culture and evolved into modern Japanese style.

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令和時代, Reiwa period (2020~)
Modern Japanese style in the global society

From Meiji period, Japanese gardens have been created all over the world and they are evolving by adopting global cultures. We, Acer Landscapes make Japanese gardens at Melbourne, Australia. We keep Zen in the garden with adapting unique Australian climate.