Japanese Garden Ornaments

Adding garden ornaments is the finishing touch that a truly Japanese aesthetic to the garden.

Many Japanese garden ornaments have been in use in Japan for centuries and have spiritual meaning in the garden, whether to bring good luck or good health, or to ward off evil spirits.

They add serenity and harmony to an already beautiful sanctuary.

Types of Japanese Garden Ornaments

Statues are the most popular ornament found in a Japanese garden. The most familiar is the Japanese Buddha. The Buddha will keep away evil spirits and invite good spirits into the garden.

The statue is usually found near water features like ponds or fountains, or near a small walking bridge.

A five-tiered pagoda honors the teachings of the Buddha. It represents the five natural elements – earth, air, water, fire and metal. This is seen in many traditional Japanese gardens.

Fountains made of bamboo were developed in Japan to keep deer and boars out of the crops.

The sound of water spilling over a fountain onto rocks or into a small pool of water creates a beautiful, calming sound.

Temple Bells and majestic wind chimes are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and create a soothing sound.

It is believed that they bring prosperity and good luck to the home and are a very popular feature in Japanese gardens.

Water basins made of granite are a common feature of Japanese gardens. They are often used as cleansing basins in tea ceremonies. They are thought to bring a sense of balance of mind and spirit.

Rain chains are typically found in Japanese gardens and are a functional addition as well.

Copper chains are used to direct rainwater runoff from a roof into a collection tub. The most common design is a tulip shape, but other styles and various sizes are available.

Stone lanterns are a beautiful addition, adding a layer of lighting to the garden. Three basic styles exist, each with a different purpose.

Stone based lanterns are more formal, lanterns with based sunk in the ground are less formal, and a lantern on short legs is least formal.

Folding screen and fences, typically made of bamboo, can be used to separate areas of the garden and provide private areas for meditation and relaxation.

Gongs, granite stepping stones, cranes and other animal statues are other decorative elements popular in Japanese gardens.

The variety of Japanese garden ornaments is so extensive that there is something for every Japanese garden.

Select items that are in scale to your garden and reflect the level of formality that your garden reflects and you will have a place of serenity and peace to enjoy.

More Garden Ornaments