A stroll through a garden may feel refreshing, but new research suggests that not all gardens are created equal—especially when it comes to calming the body and mind. In a series of recent studies, researchers discovered that traditional Japanese gardens, with their meticulous design and natural balance, can do more than just offer scenic beauty. They may actually slow the heart rate, lift mood, and promote deep relaxation.
More Than Just Pretty Scenery: How Japanese Gardens Affect the Body
Scientists have long known that spending time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety. But now, a study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience reveals that Japanese gardens may offer unique benefits not seen in other outdoor spaces. Participants who viewed a carefully maintained Japanese garden showed measurable signs of reduced physiological stress—including lower heart rates and improved mood—compared to those who viewed a less structured green space.
Eye movement played a key role. Researchers found that participants’ eyes naturally moved more frequently and covered a broader horizontal range when viewing the Japanese garden, a pattern that correlated with increased parasympathetic activity—the part of the nervous system responsible for rest and recovery.
Designed to Be Watched, Not Walked Through
Unlike Western gardens, which often invite walking and physical interaction, traditional Japanese observation gardens are designed to be viewed from a single, seated perspective. This encourages quiet contemplation and allows the eye to gently wander across the scene.
In one experiment, participants viewed two real gardens in Kyoto: the highly curated Murin-an garden and a more ordinary university courtyard. Both featured typical garden elements—water, stones, trees, and a bridge—but only the Murin-an garden prompted slower heart rates and more dynamic eye movements. Despite their similar components, the Murin-an garden’s thoughtful spatial composition created a more calming effect.
Lead researcher Seiko Goto, a professor at Nagasaki University, emphasized in a statement to The Epoch Times that it’s not just what’s in the garden that matters—it’s how those elements are arranged. “The key is not the elements but the quality of spatial composition and maintenance,” she said.
The Importance of Balance, Space, and Care
What exactly makes a Japanese garden so visually and emotionally soothing? According to the researchers, it’s a combination of balance, openness, and attention to detail. In the Murin-an garden, focal elements were spread out horizontally across the space, prompting the viewer to scan the scene more fully. In contrast, the university garden concentrated its features in the center, drawing the eye inward and limiting exploration.
Another difference: maintenance. The Murin-an garden was neatly pruned, allowing clear sightlines and an open feel. In the university garden, overgrown trees and scattered debris obstructed the view, resulting in less eye movement and a weaker calming effect.
The findings suggest that good design and upkeep aren’t just aesthetic choices—they’re integral to a garden’s therapeutic value.
Japanese vs. Western Gardens: A Matter of Focus
In a related study published in the Journal of Eye Movement Research, the same team compared gaze patterns in Japanese gardens to those in more geometric, Western-style gardens. While Western gardens tend to draw the eye directly to a central feature—such as a fountain or sculpture—Japanese gardens use layered elements, asymmetry, and natural materials to slow the viewer’s gaze and invite imaginative reflection.
“Japanese gardens are designed to evoke a sense of a larger natural world,” said senior author Karl Herrup, a neurobiologist at the University of Pittsburgh. “They engage the viewer not just visually, but emotionally and cognitively.”
The slower, more deliberate gaze behavior observed in Japanese gardens was linked to greater relaxation in both Japanese and Western participants, underscoring the garden’s universal appeal.
Healing Effects Extend to Dementia Care
Beyond stress relief, Japanese gardens may also offer therapeutic benefits for those with cognitive impairments. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that people with advanced dementia showed improved memory recall and verbal expression after spending time observing a Japanese garden.
The researchers suggest that the layered sensory experience—visual harmony, natural sounds, and calming spatial layout—can support neurological engagement in ways traditional therapies may not.
How to Bring Japanese Garden Principles to Your Backyard
You don’t need a mansion or a full-time gardener to enjoy the calming effects of a Japanese-style garden at home. The key lies in intention, simplicity, and natural flow.
Seiko Goto recommends focusing on three essential design qualities: tranquility, purity, and abstraction. This last concept—abstraction—is about arranging garden features in a way that allows the viewer to imagine broader landscapes, like a mountain peak emerging from fog or islands scattered across a quiet sea.
Andrew Griffith, a horticulturalist and founder of Garden Furniture, offers practical advice for beginners looking to create a peaceful garden space:
- Use a restrained color palette. Stick to shades of green, soft browns, and off-whites. Avoid bright, distracting florals.
- Incorporate structure and symbolism. A raked gravel bed, a single stone lantern, or a bamboo water feature can speak volumes in a minimalist space.
- Add layers and flow. Asymmetrically placed rocks or trees with carefully pruned branches can create depth and movement.
- Respect negative space. Empty areas are just as important as filled ones—they provide visual balance and room for the mind to wander.
“Japanese gardens aren’t about decoration,” Griffith noted. “They’re about intention and feeling. They encourage stillness, reflection, and connection to nature.”
A Timeless Prescription for a Modern World
In a world where digital screens dominate and daily life feels increasingly rushed, Japanese gardens offer something rare: a quiet invitation to slow down. Backed by science and rooted in centuries-old tradition, these gardens speak not only to the eyes but to the soul.
As our understanding of mental health grows, incorporating natural, non-invasive tools like Japanese garden viewing could become part of a more holistic approach to wellness—one that respects both modern science and timeless values.
