The second part of the “Japanese garden aesthetic principles” series of articles

Another beauty “trick” used by the Japanese garden designers was to create the landscape so that it would be impossible for the visitor to see all the elements at a glance. Instead, the visitor uncovers the garden step by step, while strolling through the alleys.

Called miegakure, this “hide and reveal” technique hides important landscape features behind hills, trees or buildings, so that by following the path the visitor will be delighted to continuously discover new attractions.

Miegakure can be enjoyed in the garden of Kodaiji, Kyoto: from this point you will admire the bridge architecture, but you will be completely unaware that a very beautiful pond is hidden behind the hill…

Kodaiji Temple Garden, Higashiyama, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese Edo village