top of page

Shizen Style Culture Blog

The 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.

Sensory Symphony: The Therapeutic Wonders of Japanese Gardens

Nov 93 min read

Sensory Symphony: The Therapeutic Wonders of Japanese Gardens

There’s something timeless about Japanese gardens—a sense of peace that seems to pull you from the noise of daily life into a world of...

91 views0 comments

keys to japanese garden composition | hira-niwa or "flat gardens"

Sep 3, 20223 min read

keys to japanese garden composition | hira-niwa or "flat gardens"

Today I’m going to talk about how we can gain some insight into balance and composition in Japanese gardens through looking at Hiran-Niwa...

2,238 views0 comments

Front Yard Japanese Garden Landscaping

Jun 27, 20197 min read

Front Yard Japanese Garden Landscaping

Front Yard Japanese Garden Many people are drawn to the Japanese garden for a variety of reasons. Some love the tranquility and serenity...

3,008 views0 comments

The Best Japanese Gardens in Osaka, Japan

Apr 28, 20196 min read

The Best Japanese Gardens in Osaka, Japan

Osaka is an often-overlooked area for Japanese gardens and traditional culture, but having lived there for so many years I thought it was...

6,010 views0 comments

How to Add Japanese Garden Design Principles Into Your Garden

Mar 14, 20192 min read

How to Add Japanese Garden Design Principles Into Your Garden

With a topic like how to add Japanese garden design principles into your garden you need to look for natural inspiration from somewhere....

709 views0 comments

The Top 5 Myths About Japanese Gardens

Mar 14, 20194 min read

The Top 5 Myths About Japanese Gardens

There are a few misconceptions that we have about Japanese gardens. Just like the many “sushi” restaurants that clutter suburban plazas...

222 views0 comments

An Introduction to Japanese Garden Design Principles

Mar 14, 20193 min read

An Introduction to Japanese Garden Design Principles

Kyoto Rock Garden If you are looking to do something a little different with your garden I recommend an introduction to Japanese garden...

5,415 views0 comments

What are the Basic Japanese Garden Structures?

Mar 14, 20197 min read

What are the Basic Japanese Garden Structures?

Mimurodo-ji Japanese Garden Pavillion Years ago when I first began studying Japanese garden design in Japan, I learned how Japanese...

1,198 views0 comments

Are Cherry Trees Used in Japanese Gardens?

Mar 14, 20197 min read

Are Cherry Trees Used in Japanese Gardens?

Cherry blossom trees, or sakura, are definitely a major symbol of Japan. But from having visited a countless number of Japanese gardens...

44 views0 comments

What is a Modern Rustic Garden?

Mar 14, 20196 min read

What is a Modern Rustic Garden?

modern rustic Japanese garden I have found that by adding modern and rustic elements into the garden we can balance a natural lifestyle...

136 views0 comments

What kinds of rocks are used in Japanese gardens?

Mar 13, 20195 min read

What kinds of rocks are used in Japanese gardens?

Japanese Stone Garden This is a question that often comes up when talking about Zen rock gardens and other types of Japanese gardens. I...

12,217 views0 comments

The Complete Guide to Small Japanese Gardens

Mar 13, 20199 min read

The Complete Guide to Small Japanese Gardens

Whether you are designing your own garden or looking for ways to better appreciate a garden, this complete guide to small Japanese...

2,337 views0 comments

Daisen Park – Osaka’s Hidden Japanese Strolling Garden

Mar 13, 20195 min read

Daisen Park – Osaka’s Hidden Japanese Strolling Garden

Daisen Japanese Garden in Autumn Daisen Park Japanese Garden (大仙公園　日本庭園) is located in Southern Osaka in the city of Sakai. This...

119 views0 comments

Japanese Rock Garden: Fudaraku Garden in Osaka

Mar 13, 20193 min read

Japanese Rock Garden: Fudaraku Garden in Osaka

“Fudaraku Garden” in Shitennoji Temple One of Japan’s oldest temple’s in Osaka houses a unique Japanese rock garden, or karesansui, in...

387 views0 comments

Residential Japanese Garden: Ideas From Japan

Mar 13, 201911 min read

Residential Japanese Garden: Ideas From Japan

Residential Japanese Gardens: Ideas From Japan Having spent many years in Japan I have begun to understand some important landscape...

41 views0 comments

Japanese Garden in Shitennoji Temple – Gokuraku-Jodo Garden

Mar 12, 20193 min read

Japanese Garden in Shitennoji Temple – Gokuraku-Jodo Garden

Japanese Garden at Shitennoji Temple I encourage everyone to take the time to visit this hidden away Japanese garden in the center of...

855 views0 comments

A Unique Japanese Garden in Yoshino: Chikurin-in, Gunpoen

Mar 12, 20194 min read

A Unique Japanese Garden in Yoshino: Chikurin-in, Gunpoen

The Yoshino area of Nara is famous for its beautiful mountains of cherry blossom trees. Contrary to popular belief, although a symbol of...

20 views0 comments

The Main Differences Between Chinese and Japanese Gardens

Mar 12, 20197 min read

The Main Differences Between Chinese and Japanese Gardens

Having lived in Japan for many years and visited a variety of Japanese gardens I often wondered how these types of gardens are different...

3,708 views0 comments

What is the main purpose of Japanese gardens?

Mar 12, 20196 min read

What is the main purpose of Japanese gardens?

The main purpose of a Japanese garden is to bring harmony between our busy daily lives and nature. It is a space that celebrates the...

16 views0 comments

The Impressive Japanese Gardens of Nijo Castle

Mar 11, 20194 min read

The Impressive Japanese Gardens of Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is home to a few impressive Japanese gardens; the Ninomaru Garden, the Honmaru Garden, and Seiryu-en Garden. I have visited...

154 views0 comments

bottom of page