There are many types of Japanese garden construction. The south is always considered the most suitable exposure for dwellings among Japanese, as the summer breeze generally prevails from this direction. This idea is so well observed in Japanese gardens construction that everyone adheres to the principle.

In general, the composition of Japanese gardens may be treated under two divisions: Flat Japanese Gardens (hiraniwa) and Hill Japanese Gardens (tsukiyama-niwa), both of which may be again subdivided into three different forms called, respectively, Finished, Intermediary and Rough.

Hill Garden - Finished Style

The Japanese garden above represents an ordinary Hill Garden of the finished style, and may be taken as the best form suitable to spacious land, located in front of the principal building. The positions of the principal hills, stones, trees, cascades, bridges, and isles are all arranged, as shown in the image.

Hills:

Hill 1, which forms the central feature in the Japanese Garden, represents a mountain of considerable size, and should have broad sweeping sides. Hill 2, always taken in connection with No.1, is to be placed close by the latter, but is somewhat lower and consequently is of secondary importance. Hill 3, placed on the opposite side of No.1, occupies a part of the foreground. It is intended to represent a lower hill or spur divided from the principal mountain by a lowland. The lowland is supposed to be occupied by a hamlet, road, or stream. It must be planted with a few trees or shrubs of thick foliage, so as to give an idea of a sheltered and inhabited dale. Hill 4 is a small eminence, generally disposed in the near foreground, which forms a part of the hillside. Hill 5 is placed in the farther end of the Japanese garden, in such manner that one can have a view of it between Hills 1 and 2. As this hill is intended to look like a distant peak, it must be executed so as to have a precipitous appearance, while its bottom must be covered perfectly to give only a suggestion of foreground.

Stones:

The illustration shows ten important types of rock-stones for the Japanese Garden. No. I, termed "Guardian Stone," is a high one and is placed in an upright position. It is situated in the center of the garden, and is called the dedication stone. No. 2, forming a balance with No. 1, is placed on the opposite side of the cascade. No. 3, large and flat, is termed "Worshipping Stone." It is placed generally in the foreground, or, sometimes, on the center of an island, or even on an open space, accessible by stepping-stones. In the illustration it is represented as located on an island. The combination of No. 1 and No. 3 can never be omitted from a Japanese garden. No. 4, termed "Perfect-View Stone," is placed in the "near foreground." It is equally good to have it on a side of the garden, if by the latter position it maintains a due prominence. Often two or more flat stones are used. No. 5, situated on the other side of the garden, and just in front of No. 4, should be so placed as to be in harmony with a flat one, termed "Water-Tray Stone." Both are situated on the shore of a lake, and are carefully arranged in connection with the high-water level. No. 6, called "Moon Shadow Stone," occupies an important position in the distance being placed in the valley between two principal hills, just in front of the peak (Hill No. 5). No. 7, called "Cave Stone," is upright and is very similar in use to the "Guardian Stone," for which it is often substituted. No. 8 generally goes by the name of "Seat-of-Honor Stone." It is broad and flat, and placed in a horizontal position, next to the "Worshipping Stone," it is an important feature. It answers to a small vertical of secondary importance. No. 9, called "Pedestal," or "Snail Stone," occupies the first rank among the stepping-stones, and is arranged in the foreground of the Japanese garden. It is somewhat higher than the others. No. 10, called "Idle Stone," consists of two broad, low, and somewhat round stones, should be placed in the shade along the water.

Trees:

Before giving a full account of the vegetation in Japanese gardens one must mention that a particularly noteworthy tree is always found among several others of less importance. No. 1, termed "Principal Tree" (Shojin-boku), is a pine or an oak well grown, accompanied by other trees with thick foliage. No. 2, called "Perfection Tree" (Keiyo-boku), is only second in importance to No. 1. Its trunk, branches, and foliage are objects of particular interest. No. 3, called "Tree of Solitude” (Sekizen-boku), may be either single or grouped, but must always have thick foliage. It is intended to give shade and to impart a very secluded aspect to the Japanese garden. No. 4, called "Cascade Circuit" (takigakoi), consists of a number of low trees or even bushes. They are planted around the waterfall in such a manner as to shelter the cascade from too much bold exposure to the eyes. No. 5, having the name of "Setting Sun" [Sekiyo-boku), is planted in the background of the Japanese garden. The tree is planted to turn westward, and is intended to screen the garden from the rays of the setting sun. The tree best adapted for the purpose is generally maple, or, if this cannot be obtained, at least another red foliage tree should be procured that would produce a striking effect under the evening sunshine. They are sometimes replaced by the cherry and plum tree. No. 6 is called the "Perspective Pine" [Mikosi-matsu); it is designed to give an effect of extended distance and naturally is placed behind a garden or in a place partly concealed. No. 7 goes by the name of the "Outstretching Pine" (Nagashi-matsu), suggesting branches overhanging a stream or a lake. This is generally a single evergreen tree in the foreground with branches outstretching over a stream.

Other Accessories:

A: a well, with a weeping willow.
B: a lantern, just close to the tree No. 2—the light from the lantern is thrown over the water.
C: the back-gate of the garden.
D: a bridge leading from the mainland to the lake islet; E- small pass-way on a plank.
F: an arched stone bridge with molded stone parapet.
G: a water basin with a sink and a pool.
H: a stone lantern behind the water-basin. The stepping-stones in the foreground guide the steps of a stroller from the garden to the veranda, while the entire ground is covered with well-prepared earth.