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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
What Japanese Gardens Teach Us About Depth—And Life
Japanese gardens are more than just beautifully arranged plants, stones, and water features. They’re spaces that invite you to pause,...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Jan 24 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Nov 9, 20243 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
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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Apr 28, 20196 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
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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20194 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20194 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20197 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
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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 13, 20195 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 13, 20193 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 13, 201911 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...
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 12, 20193 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
Mar 12, 20194 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
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