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There are two types of Japanese Gardens, namely Hira-niwa and Tsuki-vama. Hira-niwa includes plains or moorland scenery while Tsuki-vama has three main modified parts. They are as follows:
(a) Kare-sansui: A dry garden without trees.
(b) Sen-tei: A natural water garden.
(c) Rin-sen: A natural forest garden.
Though Japanese miniature gardens are designed in agreement with the long-established and significant conventions, there are still a number of variations with regards to the elaborations, individual artistry and size. Japanese gardens present an ideal example of balance, symmetry and an underlying spirit. The dish garden is a very popular garden style that includes a mountain, a tree, a guardian stone and a lake. However, according to the principle, these features need to be placed in a recognized position. There are five conventional mountains, namely, Tai-San, Oko Yama, Ko Yama, Ko San and Tomo Yama.
In Japanese gardens, water is generally in a lake, most often, in a triangular shape, rimmed with sandy beaches and intermingled with small inlets made by projecting spits and promontories that are sometimes formed with rock slabs. The water outlet is represented in the traditional watercourse following the sun. The cascades could be of several types. They could be to the left or right, wide, thread-like or even stepped. The water source is hidden and the cascade has its own collection of stones and trees. Islands are also included in an elaborate style and when used. They are named Mater's Isle, Mountain Island, Field Island, Forest Island, Cloud Island or Guest Island.
The most common bridges used are made up of logs crossed on two poles. Generally, stone bridges are made with rock slabs and are sometimes set at parallel angles. Though they are usually painted in shades of brown, when painted red they offer sacred significance. The Moon Bridge has a high arc, like that of a half moon and is considered to be the most popular of all bridges.
Stones hold a very significant place in Japanese gardens and every stone has a specific name, position and importance. The Shiyu-go-Seki, or the guardian stone, is considered to be the most important stone. It needs to be selected very carefully for a tall, sentinel-like look. The Taki-ishi Cliff Stone is placed at the cascade head, partly hanging over the fall. Other two stones are placed at the edge of the water below the Cliff Stone. The Hai-Seki Worship Stone is placed in the foreground or on an island near the shore.
The Stone Lantern is a popular feature in Japanese gardens. The main rule suggests that the general design and appearance of lanterns should be in accordance with other building features in the Japanese garden. The Tukimo Doro Snow Scene Lantern is unique and decorative with a large roof. It is supposed to keep off the snow. Like lanterns, water basins are also designed. The two types are the Tsuku Bai and the Chozo Bachi.