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Published on July 20, 2007

Stones, waterfalls and trees clipped and trimmed in decorative topiary style are the main features that create the peace and tranquillity of a Japanese garden. It is said such a garden can contribute to one's powers of concentration.

One example par excellence surrounds and adds enchantment to Tokyo's Shiba Toufuya Ukai Restaurant.

The restaurant's private rooms seem almost to be part of the garden, with wide windows offering diners the peace and order of the outdoor setting.

The garden has been designed to surround the building, occupying small pockets of space in some places and featuring waterfalls into ponds full of fancy carp. The carefully maintained topiary trees give some views of the garden the aspect of an oil painting.

The building is linked to the garden by walkways through large stone features. Small wooden bridges span the ponds and watercourses, and bamboo is used regularly as a decorative material.

The garden is visually so overwhelming that the individual rooms of the Japanese restaurant can afford to be decorated with customary simplicity. The floors are covered with traditional matting. There is one picture and one flower vase, both in Japanese style. The inner simplicity draws attention to the garden outside, and if visitors wish, they can slide the glass doors of their rooms open and step into the peace of the garden.

A special area in the garden is provided for the relaxation of guests. It is decorated in red, contrasting sharply with the rest of the garden, but the effect does not jar.

If you choose to decorate your home garden in Japanese style, you will first have to select trees that suit the appearance of a Japanese garden but can thrive in Thailand's tropical climate. You will also need sufficient space to set up the decorative features of the garden. A spacious feeling is an essential element of a Japanese garden, along with stone, trees and water, altogether creating a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.

Somluck Srimalee

The Nation

Tokyo