keys to japanese garden composition | hira-niwa or "flat gardens"
Shizen Style Blog
Joshua Smith's Shizen Style Blog has foundations in Japanese aesthetics and culture, with topics surrounding Japanese gardens, photography, flow state and creativity, Ikigai (life purpose), as well as product reviews that help us figure out what's worth our time, attention, and money.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_c1ef124af91640b38e651b6505cfb15e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_c1ef124af91640b38e651b6505cfb15e~mv2.jpg)
![keys to japanese garden composition | hira-niwa or "flat gardens"](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_c1ef124af91640b38e651b6505cfb15e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_c1ef124af91640b38e651b6505cfb15e~mv2.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_85557111e422456583518dedc86b9a59~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_85557111e422456583518dedc86b9a59~mv2.jpg)
![Front Yard Japanese Garden Landscaping](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_85557111e422456583518dedc86b9a59~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_85557111e422456583518dedc86b9a59~mv2.jpg)
- Jun 27, 2019
- 7 min
Front Yard Japanese Garden Landscaping
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_5012f10ba320499fab54cca1377a1f60~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_5012f10ba320499fab54cca1377a1f60~mv2.jpg)
![How to Add Japanese Garden Design Principles Into Your Garden](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_5012f10ba320499fab54cca1377a1f60~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_480,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_5012f10ba320499fab54cca1377a1f60~mv2.jpg)
- Mar 14, 2019
- 2 min
How to Add Japanese Garden Design Principles Into Your Garden
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_7b049c110144409dac2291d6fe4a4930~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_7b049c110144409dac2291d6fe4a4930~mv2.jpg)
![Farmhouse Porches and Japanese Engawa Verandas](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_7b049c110144409dac2291d6fe4a4930~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_7b049c110144409dac2291d6fe4a4930~mv2.jpg)
- Mar 14, 2019
- 4 min
Farmhouse Porches and Japanese Engawa Verandas
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_2af1c9c350294b9ab9fd6b49352f3821~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_2af1c9c350294b9ab9fd6b49352f3821~mv2.jpg)
![What is a Modern Rustic Garden?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_2af1c9c350294b9ab9fd6b49352f3821~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_360,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_2af1c9c350294b9ab9fd6b49352f3821~mv2.jpg)
- Mar 14, 2019
- 6 min
What is a Modern Rustic Garden?
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_1b55f0572346418db26e9aa44d28a7bf~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_1b55f0572346418db26e9aa44d28a7bf~mv2.jpg)
![What kinds of rocks are used in Japanese gardens?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_1b55f0572346418db26e9aa44d28a7bf~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_480,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_1b55f0572346418db26e9aa44d28a7bf~mv2.jpg)
- Mar 13, 2019
- 5 min
What kinds of rocks are used in Japanese gardens?
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_6de6729d42df4e058940ebfbc285dc47~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_6de6729d42df4e058940ebfbc285dc47~mv2.jpg)
![The Complete Guide to Small Japanese Gardens](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_6de6729d42df4e058940ebfbc285dc47~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_6de6729d42df4e058940ebfbc285dc47~mv2.jpg)
- Mar 13, 2019
- 9 min
The Complete Guide to Small Japanese Gardens
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_08a9266aa8554685bcc4d98b8a7da33d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_08a9266aa8554685bcc4d98b8a7da33d~mv2.jpg)
![The Main Differences Between Chinese and Japanese Gardens](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_08a9266aa8554685bcc4d98b8a7da33d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_08a9266aa8554685bcc4d98b8a7da33d~mv2.jpg)
- Mar 12, 2019
- 7 min
The Main Differences Between Chinese and Japanese Gardens
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_d94758089acc46c3ab372a027ed4675a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_d94758089acc46c3ab372a027ed4675a~mv2.jpg)
![What Flowers are Used in a Japanese Garden?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_d94758089acc46c3ab372a027ed4675a~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_d94758089acc46c3ab372a027ed4675a~mv2.jpg)
- Mar 11, 2019
- 5 min
What Flowers are Used in a Japanese Garden?
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_f7540ad3da604ca5a9d55825918cfb4b~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_f7540ad3da604ca5a9d55825918cfb4b~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
![What Flowers are Used in a Japanese Garden?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_f7540ad3da604ca5a9d55825918cfb4b~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_f7540ad3da604ca5a9d55825918cfb4b~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
- Mar 3, 2019
- 5 min
What Flowers are Used in a Japanese Garden?
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0995e5b287284dde85a299575f74a2fe.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/0995e5b287284dde85a299575f74a2fe.jpg)
![Designing Your Wabi-Sabi Home and Garden](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0995e5b287284dde85a299575f74a2fe.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/0995e5b287284dde85a299575f74a2fe.jpg)
- Feb 17, 2019
- 13 min
Designing Your Wabi-Sabi Home and Garden
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_39c2025593844876a480912bf290e492~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_39c2025593844876a480912bf290e492~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
![Japanese Garden Design: A Helpful Illustrated Guide](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_39c2025593844876a480912bf290e492~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_39c2025593844876a480912bf290e492~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
- Feb 13, 2019
- 15 min
Japanese Garden Design: A Helpful Illustrated Guide
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_80631aaadbb3494187a9e89c254323f9~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_80631aaadbb3494187a9e89c254323f9~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
![The Impressive Japanese Gardens of Nijo Castle](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_80631aaadbb3494187a9e89c254323f9~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_80631aaadbb3494187a9e89c254323f9~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
- Feb 12, 2019
- 4 min
The Impressive Japanese Gardens of Nijo Castle
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_c249c13503834e99acc3465f73ef525e~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_c249c13503834e99acc3465f73ef525e~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
![What is the main purpose of Japanese gardens?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_c249c13503834e99acc3465f73ef525e~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_c249c13503834e99acc3465f73ef525e~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
- Feb 11, 2019
- 5 min
What is the main purpose of Japanese gardens?
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_bafd5bfbd81d46f1a7ef4e3e89384a45~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_bafd5bfbd81d46f1a7ef4e3e89384a45~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
![A Unique Japanese Garden in Yoshino: Chikurin-in, Gunpoen](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_bafd5bfbd81d46f1a7ef4e3e89384a45~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_bafd5bfbd81d46f1a7ef4e3e89384a45~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
- Feb 10, 2019
- 4 min
A Unique Japanese Garden in Yoshino: Chikurin-in, Gunpoen
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_38171a8954224cdb9f86b265e575d68c~mv2_d_2736_3648_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_38171a8954224cdb9f86b265e575d68c~mv2_d_2736_3648_s_4_2.jpg)
![Japanese Garden in Shitennoji Temple – Gokuraku-Jodo Garden](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_38171a8954224cdb9f86b265e575d68c~mv2_d_2736_3648_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_38171a8954224cdb9f86b265e575d68c~mv2_d_2736_3648_s_4_2.jpg)
- Feb 8, 2019
- 3 min
Japanese Garden in Shitennoji Temple – Gokuraku-Jodo Garden
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_80e24fc12223401aa446ecc10bfb26cb~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_80e24fc12223401aa446ecc10bfb26cb~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
![Residential Japanese Gardens: Ideas From Japan](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_80e24fc12223401aa446ecc10bfb26cb~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_80e24fc12223401aa446ecc10bfb26cb~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
- Feb 7, 2019
- 11 min
Residential Japanese Gardens: Ideas From Japan
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_8521226d1bbc46c58b13b31f1b16dec9~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_8521226d1bbc46c58b13b31f1b16dec9~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
![Japanese Rock Garden: Fudaraku Garden in Osaka](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_8521226d1bbc46c58b13b31f1b16dec9~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_8521226d1bbc46c58b13b31f1b16dec9~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
- Feb 6, 2019
- 3 min
Japanese Rock Garden: Fudaraku Garden in Osaka
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_4c04161d014548789f062659e3f3e202~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_4c04161d014548789f062659e3f3e202~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
![Daisen Park – Osaka’s Hidden Japanese Strolling Garden](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_4c04161d014548789f062659e3f3e202~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_4c04161d014548789f062659e3f3e202~mv2_d_3648_2736_s_4_2.jpg)
- Feb 5, 2019
- 5 min
Daisen Park – Osaka’s Hidden Japanese Strolling Garden
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_94578b1d976c496f83111cac21b3ef49~mv2_d_2292_1472_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/2fa434_94578b1d976c496f83111cac21b3ef49~mv2_d_2292_1472_s_2.jpg)
![The Complete Guide to Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2fa434_94578b1d976c496f83111cac21b3ef49~mv2_d_2292_1472_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/2fa434_94578b1d976c496f83111cac21b3ef49~mv2_d_2292_1472_s_2.jpg)
- Feb 3, 2019
- 10 min
The Complete Guide to Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban)