Japanese+Architecture+Kanshoh+Gardens

Japanese Gardens: The purposes of Japanese gardens are to represent nature in the mast realistic way possible. They have a serene environment that is home to positive and negative energies. Shinto, Taoist, and Buddhist beliefs and philosophies inspired the original Japanese gardens. The gardens are to provide a serene environment in which people can calmly walk through and meditate. This was influenced by Buddhist beliefs. Japanese Gardens are located all around the world. Some people believe that they follow specific rules in order to be considered a Japanese garden, but this is not true. Most gardens are similar for the sole reason that they represent nature in a realistic matter. The gardening and making of Japanese gardens used to be passed down from teacher to student in a very ceremonial matter. The "sensei” and the apprentice would spend time one on one. Now, the Japanese Gardening traditions are passed down in trade schools known as Senmo Gakkoh. Japanese gardens can be found all over the world. There are five main types of Japanese gardens. These categories are defined by where they are viewed as well as what their content is.      Kanshoh gardens are gardens that are viewed from a home. These are usually smaller than the other types of gardens only because they are located in a limited area. This type of garden is not considered a “style” because the style of the garden itself can be one of the five other types. The first main type of garden is the Flat Garden. This is a very simple garden with white sand and rocks. These are usually viewed by strolling through the garden by foot. The shapes of the rocks as well as their position are very symbolical to the Japanese community. The round stones represent happiness, and the “islands” of rock in the white sand are supposed to leave anyone who passes the gardens in a cheerful mood.
 * Types of Gardens **

 The second type of garden is the strolling pond garden. This is known as the Chisen Kaiyo Skiki Garden in Japan. This type of garden can be viewed from a boat. Usually, pond gardens are two ponds connected with a wooden bridge above where the ponds connect. There are two heavy rocks, both located in the southernmost pond. These rocks are a representation of a crane and tortoise, which are believed to be signs of good health and long lives.

The third type of garden is the Tea Garden. Tea gardens are also known as  Rojiniwa gardens. These gardens have a very heavy representation of Buddhist beliefs. The gardens lead into a ceremonial house, where the stepping-stones, moss, lanterns, and water gourds are all placed very carefully due to their religious meaning. This is the most symbolic of the gardens, only because everything is meant to represent the peace and harmony that can be found in the Buddhist religion.

The fourth type of garden is the natural garden, or the Shukeiyen garden. These gardens are made of waterfalls and ponds. They are viewed from a porch, also known as an Azumaya. These types of gardens are classified from where they can be viewed.  The fifth and final type of garden is the Seki Tei garden. This is known as a Sand and Stone garden, and has a large wall surrounding the outside. They are very representative of Buddhist beliefs, as the placement of the stones is very significant to their beliefs.

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By Camila