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The pond garden at Tenryu-ji, a Zen temple in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Many Japanese gardens feature landscapes that incorporate water elements such as ponds, springs, and waterfalls. We spoke with Professor NAKA Takahiro of Kyoto University of the Arts, who specializes in the history of Japanese gardens, about why water plays such an essential role.

When did Japanese gardens begin to include water? NAKA explains the historical background: “Excavations have uncovered early examples—dating back roughly 6,000 to 10,000 years ago (though views vary)—of garden-like spaces where stones were arranged around natural springs near villages. The Jonokoshi archaeological site,¹ built around the late 4th century, is considered one of the original forms of the Japanese garden and has been designated as a cultural property,” he says.

“The garden at the Asukakyo archaeological site,² made in the mid to late 7th century, shows influences from China and the Korean Peninsula and was part of a palace complex. It even featured a stage over the water and was likely used for international banquets. Up to this period, many pond gardens were designed to represent the world of immortals—legendary sages³ believed to live forever.”

From the 8th century onward, having a garden with a pond became a symbol of status. The courts, nobles, and samurai residences began competing to build impressive pond gardens. “At that time, many pond gardens were inspired by the beautiful coastal landscapes found throughout the Japanese archipelago, featuring islands, white sand, and pine trees. Gardens were also used as stages for music performances, poetry readings, and boat outings, making them places for cultural and artistic activities,” NAKA explains.

Later, around the 17th century, daimyo (feudal lord) gardens became settings for the tea ceremony (chanoyu),⁴ and the kaiyu-shiki,⁵ or strolling gardens—where walking along paths around a pond would reveal a series of scenic views modeled after famous locations across Japan—became popular. Having a pond garden was not only a symbol of authority but also served important urban functions. Daimyo gardens helped protect water sources and acted as infrastructure to prevent flooding during typhoons. As Japan entered the modern period, a trend emerged toward naturalistic garden design, expressing various forms of water such as bubbling springs, cascading waterfalls, and clear ponds—an approach that continues to this day.

Two special water features often seen in Japanese gardens are the shishi-odoshi⁶ and the suikinkutsu.⁷ The shishi-odoshi originated as a device to scare away wild animals by making sound, keeping homes safe. The suikinkutsu developed in tea ceremony gardens. “Before entering a tearoom, guests cleanse their hands and rinse their mouths at a stone basin called a chozubachi. The water from this basin falls into a buried jar, producing a clear, echoing sound,” says NAKA.

“The occasional clacking of the shishi-odoshi and the calm, soothing sounds of the suikinkutsu in the quiet temple grounds add a poetic charm, making the gardens even more enjoyable.”

Japanese gardens have always incorporated water as a key element. When visiting Japan, why not explore some of the famous gardens known for their beautiful water features?

• 1. The remains of a flowing water garden located in present-day Mie Prefecture that uses three natural springs. Small stones line the pond’s edges, and larger stones are placed in the center. It is believed that ancient people used this site for rituals.
• 2. The remains of a garden associated with Asuka, the capital said to have existed in present-day Nara Prefecture from the early to late 7th century. It covers an area approximately 100m east to west and 280m north to south, with two ponds—south and north. The southern pond has a stone fountain, and an island was also constructed. This is the oldest known example that connects to later Japanese gardens.
• 3. The ideal human figure in Chinese immortal philosophy and Taoism. These beings live apart from the human world in the mountains, mastering the arts of immortality and gaining supernatural powers. The ideal world where such beings live is called shinsen sekai (‘immortal world’).
• 4. The ritual of serving tea to guests, also known as sado.
• 5. A garden style from around the 17th century featuring a path around a pond, designed for strolling and enjoying the scenery.
• 6. A device made from bamboo: a tube is mounted near its center on a pivot so that one end touches the ground. Water flows into the open end which is cut at an angle. When the tube fills, it tips, spills the water, then swings back and strikes a rock with a clacking sound. This repeating motion produces a rhythmic clack every few minutes.
• 7. A feature in Japanese gardens where water trickles into an upside-down jar buried underground. As the drops fall in, they create faint, koto-like sounds that softly echo from below.

By TANAKA Nozomi
Photo: NAKA Takahiro; TAKAHASI Chinatsu; PIXTA

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