Water, bridges, rocks and stones, lots of greenery, and an occasional splash of color. These are characteristics that come to mind when I think of Japanese gardens. And, let’s not forget someplace built for watching the moon!

Most of the images in this gallery are Autumn scenes inspired by gardens around Kyoto and Nara Japan. And you might think you’re seeing double, if you aren’t looking closely, because some images are of the same scene, but rendered in contrasting styles: impressionist and woodblock. Choosing to simulate a woodblock style was an obvious choice, given how this style of imagery has flourished in Japan since at least the 17^th century. But the choice of impressionist style was, frankly, done just for fun!

The origins of the Japanese Garden can be traced back to around 500 to 700 and the style during that period was greatly influenced by Chinese garden design. During the 12^th century, the growing popularity of Zen Buddhism left its mark on this artform. Later on, from the 17^th to the mid-19^th century, the garden became a symbol of wealth power of the ruling samurai class. And finally, with the start of the Meiji Restoration (mid-19^th century) gardens began incorporating elements of Western design.