The Borrowed Landscape in Japan

In the article The Borrowed Landscape in Japan, landscape architect Megumi Andrade shares how mountains merge and integrate with the surrounding landscape thanks to the mastery of garden design in the country.

Japanese gardens are world-renowned for their unique design and the harmonious use of various elements. On this occasion, we will discuss the strategy they use to create these majestic places, including elements such as mountains.

A prominent example is the Adachi Art Museum (or Adachi Garden), which has been ranked number one in the rankings of Japanese gardens for 22 consecutive years according to the American magazine Sukiya Living Magazine: The Journal of Japanese Gardening. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that, when walking and contemplating it from different angles, it is difficult to perceive the boundaries of the space due to the masterful design of the garden blending with the mountain in the background, creating a sense of vastness. This is called borrowed landscape, or shakkei.

Museo de arte Adachi / Adachi Art Museum
Fotografía / Photography: Megumi Andrade

The pines in this garden are strategically positioned to create visual continuity and an auditory barrier, without revealing that just beyond the boundary lies a road, followed by farmland, and in the distance, approximately 2 km away, rises the mountain. It is worth noting that an adjustment was made to replicate a waterfall that evokes the famous Nachi Falls, located at Kumano Nachi Taisha in Nara. This waterfall is not only one of the tallest in the country but also holds deep religious and cultural significance, making it an important symbol.

This approach to landscaping emphasizes the importance of a deep connection with the environment. In Japan, the concept of the “genius of the place” —that intimate relationship with the space— is essential for determining how to intervene in the landscape. Although various techniques exist, it is through meticulous design that layers of visual depth are created: the foreground, middle ground, and background, where the borrowed landscape, in this case, the mountain, is incorporated. This strategic organization allows the garden to blend with the natural surroundings, thus reflecting mastery in design.

Museo de arte Adachi / Adachi Art Museum
Fotografía / Photography: Megumi Andrade

The maintenance of gardens is another priority in Japan. For example, at the Adachi Garden, there is a nursery nearby to immediately replace any tree or species that may die. The same approach is taken with the moss: when a section no longer looks as vibrant, it is replaced with a new patch of moss to ensure it always appears flawless. Additionally, every morning, the sand is swept to keep it looking magnificent for visitors; this practice is known as “awakening the sand.”

A similar example can be found at Ritsurin Park in Kagawa or at the Okochi Sanso Garden in Kyoto. If it weren’t for the enormous mountains that are part of the garden’s landscape, its beauty would not be the same. The management of the landscape, integrating pre-existing natural elements, is a technique that allows the gardens to blend in and become part of the natural surroundings, rather than competing with it. Once again, using the technique of borrowed landscape.

If it weren’t for the borrowed landscape technique and the enormous mountains that are part of the garden’s landscape, its beauty would not be the same.

Jardín Okochi Sanso / Okochi Sanso garden
Fotografía / Photography: Megumi Andrade

In general, Japan has a great vision and planning when it comes to landscaping. Many of its gardens are considered national and world heritage sites by UNESCO, honoring nature as well as architecture, museums, shrines, and temples. The country holds a deep respect for its environment and is dedicated to protecting it. Mountains, considered sacred in Shintoism (the indigenous religion of Japan that venerates nature spirits), receive even more special care.

In Shintoism, there is a deep respect for natural elements. Similar to pre-Hispanic cultures that had gods of water and rain, Japan also venerates the elements of nature as gods. Mountains, in particular, are revered for their connection to the divine, and many shrines are located on them. Throughout history, sacred elements have been found in the mountains, which reinforces the need to care for and protect them.

Mountains, in particular, are revered for their connection to the divine, and many shrines are located on them.

Tenryu-ji
Fotografía / Photography: Megumi Andrade

Similarly, there is a strong nationalist sentiment, and they take pride in using their own native species in the gardens. This helps preserve local biodiversity and also reinforces their cultural identity, making the best use of what Japanese nature has to offer.

Finally, this culture is characterized by a deep respect and protection of natural environments, which is immediately reflected in the cleanliness and order throughout the country. This commitment to the environment demonstrates the harmony between humans and nature, a central principle of their philosophy and tradition.

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