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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.
The Japanese Design Secret That Works for Gardens, Homes, and Even Your Mind
Discover how one ancient principle can transform your space from chaotic to peaceful—and why this isn't just about having less stuff Have...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jul 226 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Sep 3, 20223 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jun 27, 20197 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....
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20192 min read
Farmhouse Porches and Japanese Engawa Verandas
Farmhouse porches and Japanese engawa verandas have many similar characteristics. Both stem from a common cultural trait of enjoying life...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20194 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20196 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 13, 20196 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 13, 20199 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 12, 20197 min read
What Flowers are Used in a Japanese Garden?
A Modern Japanese Garden with Many Flowers This is a very common question I get asked when talking about or designing a Japanese garden,...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 11, 20195 min read
What Flowers are Used in a Japanese Garden?
This is a very common question I get asked when talking about or designing a Japanese garden, but not one that is easily answered....
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 3, 20195 min read
Designing Your Wabi-Sabi Home and Garden
Wabi-sabi is a part of Japanese Aesthetics and philosophy that focuses on the appreciation of imperfection and impermanence. Although...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Feb 17, 201913 min read
Japanese Garden Design: A Helpful Illustrated Guide
As human beings we all have the desire to bring nature into our busy lives. The Japanese garden serves as a space that allows us to...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Feb 13, 201915 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Feb 12, 20194 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Feb 11, 20195 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Feb 10, 20194 min read
Japanese Garden in Shitennoji Temple – Gokuraku-Jodo Garden
I encourage everyone to take the time to visit this hidden away Japanese garden in the center of Osaka City. It really is a quiet...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Feb 8, 20193 min read
Residential Japanese Gardens: Ideas From Japan
Having spent many years in Japan I have begun to understand some important landscape design principles for designing a residential...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Feb 7, 201911 min read
Japanese Rock Garden: Fudaraku Garden in Osaka
One of Japan’s oldest temple’s in Osaka houses a unique Japanese rock garden, or karesansui, in Shitennoji. The “Fudaraku Garden” in...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Feb 6, 20193 min read
Daisen Park – Osaka’s Hidden Japanese Strolling Garden
Daisen Park Japanese Garden (大仙公園 日本庭園) is located in Southern Osaka in the city of Sakai. This not-so-well-known beautiful Japanese...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Feb 5, 20195 min read
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