Japanese Garden History Part 3 – Edo to Heisei Period（日本庭園歴史 江戸時代- 平成時代）
Experience how Japan’s changing society shaped strolling and natural gardens
To fully understand Japanese gardens, it helps to follow their evolution alongside Japan’s political and social changes. From the Edo (1603–1868) to the Heisei period (1989–2019), Japan experienced peace, modernization, war, and recovery—each leaving its mark on garden design.
In the Edo period, daimyo lords built vast strolling gardens (kaiyu-shiki teien) filled with artificial hills, lakes, and scenic viewpoints. These gardens were spaces for power, display, and leisure. As Japan opened to the West in the Meiji (1868–1912) and Taisho (1912–1926) periods, new influences entered the garden world—blending tradition with imported styles.
By the Showa (1926–1989) and Heisei periods, gardens increasingly reflected individual expression and ecological awareness. Designers focused on integrating natural elements, resulting in modern naturalistic gardens that still drew from classical forms.
This third part of our series traces how Japanese gardens transformed across five pivotal periods. As Japan’s society changed, its gardens evolved—balancing tradition with innovation.
Read more in our eBook!
No Comments on “Japanese Garden History Part 3 – Edo to Heisei Period（日本庭園歴史 江戸時代- 平成時代）”
The comment section is closed.