• Ideas by Room
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Kitchens
    • Living Rooms
    • Dining Rooms
  • Décor Ideas
    • Design Inspiration
    • Fireplace
    • Wall Décor
  • Storage Ideas
  • Outdoor Space
    • Patio, Porches and Decks
    • Backyards
    • Swimming Pool
    • Landscaping and Garden
    • Fences
    • House Exterior
  • Other Spaces
    • Attic & Basement
    • Garage
    • Apartment
    • Home Office
    • Themed Rooms
  • Shopping
Upload
51 Japanese Garden Ideas for a Zen Backyard

51 Japanese Garden Ideas for a Zen Backyard

  • Trendey / Outdoor Space
  • by — Kendrick Hulse

Contemporary gardens are inspired by trends from all over the world. Many such origins are given right in the name, as is the case with English, Meditteranean, and Japanese gardens.

Japanese garden design takes inspiration from plants native to the islands, as well as Japanese art and culture as a whole.

You don’t need to live in Japan to use these elements in your own gardening ventures. But it’s extremely important to do your research on the history of Japanese gardens before you start.

Keep reading to learn about what differentiates these ornamental gardens from other landscape trends. Plus some of the top Japanese garden ideas you can incorporate in your own backyard.

Contents

1. Backyard

Japanese garden design is the perfect choice for those living in temperate climates who want something sustainable and low-maintenance.

Backyard Japanese Garden Ideas -beckisemb

Source: @beckisemb via Instagram

Backyard Japanese Garden Ideas -blueribbonlandscapes

Source: @blueribbonlandscapes via Instagram

Backyard Japanese Garden Ideas -fusiongardens

Source: @fusiongardens via Instagram

Backyard Japanese Garden Ideas -houseofjapandi

Source: @houseofjapandi via Instagram

Backyard Japanese Garden Ideas -iomesde

Source: @iomesde via Instagram

While you can include hardscaping elements like sculptures or walkways, all you really need are the right plants. Evergreen shrubs and trees work great in Japanese-style gardening and require minimal care. Fill in the rest of your backyard with greenery like ferns, moss, and native flowers.

You can also easily swap out traditional turf grass for gravel or sand — this isn’t a requirement, though. Natural rocks make excellent decor. Large boulders can even be used in place of patio furniture.

2. Bridge

Many traditional Japanese gardens are built around a natural stream or koi pond. If you choose to include a water feature in your own design, consider installing a bridge as well.

Bridge Japanese Garden Ideas -atsuyuki.nishida

Source: @atsuyuki.nishida via Instagram

Bridge Japanese Garden Ideas -jfgsandiego

Source: @jfgsandiego via Instagram

Bridge Japanese Garden Ideas -melissastravelsnearandfar

Source: @melissastravelsnearandfar via Instagram

Your bridge does not need to be large or ornate. Some of the most beautiful garden bridges are made with wood planks or stepping stones. Be sure to include a path leading to and from your bridge.

If you love the aesthetic or meaning of including a bridge in your Japanese garden but don’t have the means to install a pond, consider creating a dry river. This raked gravel element mimics the look of a real waterbed without any of the mess and maintenance.

3. Fountain

There’s more than one way to include water in your garden design. Fountains also offer the tranquil sound of running water. They’re also easy to install in almost any outdoor space.

Fountain Japanese Garden Ideas -andersonjapanesegardens

Source: @andersonjapanesegardens via Instagram

Fountain Japanese Garden Ideas -housesofkansascity

Source: @housesofkansascity via Instagram

Fountain Japanese Garden Ideas -jacobsickles

Source: @jacobsickles via Instagram

Fountain Japanese Garden Ideas -thewaterfallguy_

Source: @thewaterfallguy_ via Instagram

Fountain Japanese Garden Ideas -weirdsmile

Source: @weirdsmile via Instagram

Are you familiar with the faucet-shaped fountain called a Shishi-odoshi (or “deer scarer”)? This bamboo structure doesn’t just look nice. While the noise made by these fountains is pleasant to human ears, they also work to scare away deer and other garden intruders.

You can have your garden fountain feed into a stream or pond. Or you can set up a basin underneath to collect and recycle the water. If you choose the latter, look for a basin made of or resembling natural stone.

4. Large

Most private gardens take up just a few square yards — an acre at most. But Japanese-inspired garden design is suited to projects where covering lots of land is the main goal.

Large Japanese Garden Ideas -g_d_river

Source: @g_d_river via Instagram

The plants commonly used in Japanese gardens thrive with minimal maintenance. This includes irrigation, pruning, and other time-consuming tasks. You can even replace traditional grass with moss or another ground cover species to cut down on mowing.

Between plantings, you can cover plenty of land with dry garden elements like sand, gravel, or large rocks. Water features (with or without koi fish) are another excellent way to keep a large garden space from falling victim to monotony.

5. Modern

If you stop to compare modern architecture with common design elements of Japanese culture, it becomes instantly clear that the former draws inspiration from the latter.

Modern Japanese Garden Ideas -sampearsongardenprojects

Source: @sampearsongardenprojects via Instagram

Modern Japanese Garden Ideas -tania74wright

Source: @tania74wright via Instagram

Modern Japanese Garden Ideas -tomerbc

Source: @tomerbc via Instagram

Modern Japanese Garden Ideas -yusuke.pics

Source: @yusuke.pics via Instagram

Play against the organic elements of Japanese garden design with modern angles and geometric shapes. You can do this with circular ponds, rectangular stepping stones, or tiered garden beds.

Your garden decor should be minimal — even for a Japanese-inspired landscape. Instead, use natural boulders and unique shrubs or trees to add color, shape, and texture to the space.

6. Pagoda

Pagodas are towers seen throughout many parts of southern and eastern Asia, including Japan. These structures are recognizable by their tiered roofs and sloped eaves.

Pagoda Japanese Garden Ideas -gian_nico

Source: @gian_nico via Instagram

Pagoda Japanese Garden Ideas -goodywinks

Source: @goodywinks via Instagram

Pagoda Japanese Garden Ideas -iamanoldfart

Source: @iamanoldfart via Instagram

Pagoda Japanese Garden Ideas -silvertexasguy

Source: @silvertexasguy via Instagram

Pagoda Japanese Garden Ideas -sparkywilliams1985

Source: @sparkywilliams1985 via Instagram

Pagoda Japanese Garden Ideas -st_travels

Source: @st_travels via Instagram

Historically, the pagoda was most commonly seen in religious temples. While many pagodas contain altars or serve as tombs, others act as scenic outlooks.

You’ll often see pagoda-inspired structures in traditional Japanese garden design in the form of lanterns or statues. Some gardens even feature full-size pergolas with pagoda-style roofs.

7. Path

It’s common for Japanese gardens to have paths throughout the entire property. These paths don’t just lead guests through the garden. They also encourage a calm, meditative state because you don’t need to think about which direction to walk.

Path Japanese Garden Ideas -bettys_10000world

Source: @bettys_10000world via Instagram

Path Japanese Garden Ideas -christyecchayama

Source: @christyecchayama via Instagram

Path Japanese Garden Ideas -irwan.andriyanto.nugroho

Source: @irwan.andriyanto.nugroho via Instagram

Path Japanese Garden Ideas -nkarkas

Source: @nkarkas via Instagram

Path Japanese Garden Ideas -surikat2

Source: @surikat2 via Instagram

Path Japanese Garden Ideas -yana_owl3

Source: @yana_owl3 via Instagram

With a few adjustments, you can scale this popular design element down to fit into the small Japanese garden in your backyard. Build a weaving path from one end of your garden to the other. Or plan your garden out in a complete loop.

Use stone pavers, sand, gravel, or even poured cement for your strolling garden path. You can even incorporate stairs, benches, or a bridge in your walkway design.

Read more: Top Garden Path Ideas

8. Simple

Designing the spaces inside your home is hard enough. So it’s no surprise that so many homeowners choose to leave their landscape to its own devices.

Simple Japanese Garden Ideas -butterfliesinthegreenhouse

Source: @butterfliesinthegreenhouse via Instagram

Simple Japanese Garden Ideas -japonaisjardin

Source: @japonaisjardin via Instagram

Simple Japanese Garden Ideas -jasuarte

Source: @jasuarte via Instagram

Simple Japanese Garden Ideas -raika0u0

Source: @raika0u0 via Instagram

Simple Japanese Garden Ideas -studio40buildingdesign

Source: @studio40buildingdesign via Instagram

Simple Japanese Garden Ideas -stylish.gardeners

Source: @stylish.gardeners via Instagram

Simple Japanese Garden Ideas -surikat2

Source: @surikat2 via Instagram

If you’re looking for a simple, no-nonsense garden aesthetic, then Japanese design is perfect. Since Japanese gardens are built around minimalism, you can plant as much or as little as you want (or have time for!).

If caring for living plants isn’t in the cards right now, consider installing a Japanese rock garden. Combine hardscaping and greenery to create the perfect garden idea for your schedule and household needs.

Read more: Top Simple Landscaping Ideas 

9. Stream

Streams are a classic element of Japanese garden design. Chances are, though, you don’t have a natural stream running through your small backyard (or large, for that matter).

Stream Japanese Garden Ideas -cowrajapanesegarden

Source: @cowrajapanesegarden via Instagram

Stream Japanese Garden Ideas -kaynana

Source: @kaynana via Instagram

Stream Japanese Garden Ideas -noush.gohari

Source: @noush.gohari via Instagram

Dry streams are found throughout Japanese landscaping and are easy to DIY. But if your property is sloped, you can install your own running water feature with relative ease.

Once in place, your manmade stream will catch rainwater and carry it through your garden for visual and aural tranquility. Create a sustainable bog filter with aquatic plants and stone to forego the need for a noisy motor.

10. Traditional

Traditional Japanese gardens include several key elements: Water, rocks, hills, and plants. Gardens built for specific purposes (like performing a tea ceremony) may also feature stone lanterns, temples, and more.

Traditional Japanese Garden Ideas -atsuyuki.nishida

Source: @atsuyuki.nishida via Instagram

Traditional Japanese Garden Ideas -nutria515

Source: @nutria515 via Instagram

Traditional Japanese Garden Ideas -stroll.with.mel

Source: @stroll.with.mel via Instagram

Traditional Japanese Garden Ideas -tripadviser_fukui

Source: @tripadviser_fukui via Instagram

As with any garden, you need to work with what grows best in your region. Fortunately, the plants most often used in Japanese gardening are quite hardy.

Plant a Japanese maple or cherry tree as the focal point of your garden bed. There are countless cultivars to choose from, so there’s a good chance of finding one that suits your climate. Select a hardy evergreen shrub and moss to fill out the rest of your garden’s green space.

11. Zen

Japanese gardens are diverse. Some are rich with symbolism. Others are designed with appearance solely in mind. The zen garden is the perfect example of both factions colliding.

Zen Japanese Garden Ideas -chen_youyong

Source: @chen_youyong via Instagram

Zen Japanese Garden Ideas -flickrmosaicimages

Source: @flickrmosaicimages via Instagram

Zen Japanese Garden Ideas -mr.tsunekawa8402

Source: @mr.tsunekawa8402 via Instagram

Zen Japanese Garden Ideas -mum_modern_landscapes

Source: @mum_modern_landscapes via Instagram

Zen Japanese Garden Ideas -mylittlegarden3

Source: @mylittlegarden3 via Instagram

Zen Japanese Garden Ideas -porschekid

Source: @porschekid via Instagram

Zen Japanese Garden Ideas -yuki_yamada_jorgensen

Source: @yuki_yamada_jorgensen via Instagram

The zen garden was first created as a form of meditation outside of Zen Buddhist temples. These gardens were completely dry — white sand or gravel was used in place of water.

Contemporary zen gardens are often more about looks than meditation. But the same design principles still apply. On top of being aesthetically pleasing, a Japanese zen garden is a great choice anywhere water conservation is a major concern.

Browse by Topics:

Ceiling Ideas Closet Ideas Design Styles Flooring Ideas Lighting Ideas

More Must-Read Articles

  • Best Patio Umbrellas for Windy Conditions
    /Shopping
    Best Patio Umbrellas for Windy Conditions June 1, 2022
  • Best Storage Containers
    /Shopping
    Best Storage Containers June 1, 2022
  • Best Side Tables for Living Room
    /Shopping
    Best Side Tables for Living Room June 1, 2022
  • Best Fabric for Dining Room Chairs
    /Ideas by Room
    Best Fabric for Dining Room Chairs June 1, 2022

Popular Articles

  • The Top 48 Wood Stove Hearth Ideas
  • 64 Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Your Yard
  • 60 Walk-In Shower Ideas for Your Bathroom
  • 68 Stock Tank Pool Ideas
  • 76 Amazing DIY Indoor Herb Garden Ideas
  • 50 Inspiring Kids' Room Decor Ideas
  • 67 Pool House Design Ideas

Kendrick Hulse

Writer

Kendrick holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of Wisconsin. She has written professionally for five years and specializes in home and garden design, with past experience working in the residential gardening industry.

Kendrick holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of Wisconsin. She has written professionally for five years and specializes in home and garden design, with past experience working in the residential gardening industry.

More Must-Read Articles

  • Best Patio Umbrellas for Windy Conditions
    Best Patio Umbrellas for Windy Conditions June 1, 2022
  • Best Storage Containers
    Best Storage Containers June 1, 2022
  • Best Side Tables for Living Room
    Best Side Tables for Living Room June 1, 2022
  • Best Fabric for Dining Room Chairs
    Best Fabric for Dining Room Chairs June 1, 2022
  • Upload Your Image
  • FTC Disclosure
  • Our Authors
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

© COPYRIGHT 2022 Trendey ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

TRENDEY LLC IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. SOME LINKS MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS. WE MAY GET PAID IF YOU BUY SOMETHING OR TAKE AN ACTION AFTER CLICKING ONE OF THESE