28 Japanese Garden Design Ideas to Style up Your Backyard

There is something innately profound and inherently calming about Asian design with Oriental overtones in large and Japanese design and architecture in particular. Maybe it is the influence of the regions philosophical outlook towards life that has shaped its style and design principles for several centuries or it could be a combination of their lifestyle that is deeply connected with nature and the topography of the region that offers them a unique insight into every aspect of life.

Extravagant and exquisite Japanese garden design with a touch of flair (MARPA Design Studio)

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Either way, an amalgamation of all these factors has shaped Japanese culture and lifestyle into a beautifully aesthetic and naturally relaxing form and the west has borrowed generously from them in the last century or so. Japanese gardens are another amazing gift from the Far East, which have given many modern homes a soothing and serene ambiance.

Beautiful and balanced garden adds to the look of the home

Here are a few inspirations that will hopefully help add a compact, yet vibrant Japanese garden to your very own home. Each design has unique blend of elements that have their distinct significance. Enjoy the tranquil visual treat-

A beautiful garden showcasing the wide variety of plants one can use — A gorgeous Japanese garden showcasing the wide variety of plants one can use

Fiery Japanese Maple in the garden offer a tasteful and colorful contrast to the green monotony

by Richard Kramer

Give your garden a Oriental entrance with style galore

Gorgeous Japanese garden encased in a fence of Bamboo goodness! — Serene and private Japanese garden encased in a fence of Bamboo goodness!

by Jesse

Japanese Blood Grass and pond with lovely waterfalls stand out in this home garden — Japanese Blood Grass and a pond with lovely waterfalls stand out in this home garden

by Gaile Guevara

Miniature Landscapes with Grand Tradition

Stylish Japanese garden taking shape in the heart of Manhattan

by New Eco: Urban Landscape Design

While Japanese gardens initially started off by borrowing largely from the Chinese model, over several hundred years they evolved their own inimitable flavor and distinct features that are identified as intrinsic and essential components of the set up. These gardens are basically miniature versions of bigger and grander landscapes and they are a pleasing and idealized view of nature at its nourishing best.

Japanese Garden design blended with a western touch and sporting a Buddha at its heart

by Grace Design Associates

No one will understand a Japanese garden until you’ve walked through one, and you hear the crunch underfoot, and you smell it, and you experience it over time. Now there’s no perfect photograph or movie that can give you the complete experience since it is more than just visual brilliance.

Stunning Japanese garden exudes a soothing vibe perfect for finding inner peace

by Debra Prinzing

Use of colored carp and gold fish in the koi ponds along with stone lantern

Refreshing little garden borrowing heavily from the Japanese motif

by Angelien Landscape

Small and compact Japanese corner garden offers an exquisite and polished appearance

by SRM Architecture and Interiors

Simple garden space with a fine balance of rock, stone and a touch of Japanese maple — Simple garden space with a fine balance of rock, water and a touch of Japanese maple

by Charles McClure

Aesthetic Artistry at its Natural Best

Lovely use of stone and still water in this home Japanese garden

Balance, poise and a sense of natural beauty that is neither forced nor contrived is the essence of a Japanese garden design. While placing them at the heart of your home as a vibrant and energizing hub will give your open interiors a whole new meaning, one in the backyard will allow you to stroll through captivating elegance while collecting your thoughts. One of the important things to remember is that Japanese gardens are asymmetric by nature and it is one of the carefully planned features that give them their special appeal.

Natural bamboo fence adds an element of inimitable style to this garden

by Kikuchi & Associates

Japanese gardens derive their beauty from a mixing and blending of different elements in a symbolic and natural manner to create an ambient atmosphere. Rocks, sand, water, bamboo, trees, flowers and even bridges are placed with precision to create an exceptional sense of organic asymmetry.

Picture perfect Japanese garden with stone pathway

Daft and compact Japanese garden with Shoji Screens perfect for the contemporary home

by Garden Mentors

Daft deck space and a Japanese garden give this backyard a unique presence — Compact deck space and a Japanese garden give this backyard a unique presence

by Garden Architecture

Japanese zen garden perfect for the modern minimalistic home

A Balance of Symbolic Elements

Japanese Garden Bridge adds a unique element to your backyard — Japanese Garden Bridge is an interesting and aesthetic addition for your backyard

by Eco Minded Solutions

The most alluring aspect of trying to design a Japanese garden for your home is the elements that can go into its making and what each of them signifies. Water is one of the basic components and from still ponds to flowing streams and even small cascades; you can incorporate any feature that you feel is best for your garden. Water and stone are the ying-yang and hence the balance each other and their placement must be done accordingly. For those not keen on fresh water usage, sand is a suitable substitute as it represents both water and clouds in the context of Japanese gardens.

Natural looking archway brings home the Japanese garden atmosphere with ease

by HartmanBaldwin Design

Rocks are another essential feature and their meaning depends on both their composition and placement. It could vary anywhere between a towering mountain to rocky shores eroded by constant corrosion caused by waves. Koi Ponds, stone lanterns, garden bridges and wash basins all add up to painting the perfect scenery.

Minimal Japanese Garden with elegant use of rock and sand

Flowing waterfalls perfect for a vibrant Japanese Garden — Striking waterfalls perfect for a vibrant Japanese Garden

At the end of the day, conjuring up and creating a perfect Japanese garden is a task for both a creative home owner and an expert who specializes in the craft. With right imagination and technique, one can truly create a piece of heaven in your backyard that is draped in greenery.