Plants (Most common)
Bamboo (Take)
Found in groves across Japan, particularly in Kyoto.
Japanese Maple (Momiji)
Known for its vibrant autumn foliage.
Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)
Iconic flowering tree, celebrated during spring hanami festivals.
Japanese Cedar (Sugi)
The national tree of Japan, often planted in forests and around temples.
Flowers
Chrysanthemum (Kiku)
Symbol of the emperor and imperial family.
Iris (Ayame)
Associated with purifying evil spirits.
Camellia (Tsubaki)
A traditional ornamental flower, especially in tea gardens.
Morning Glory (Asagao)
Popular in Japanese summer gardens.
Lotus (Hasu)
Common in ponds, symbolizing purity in Buddhism.
Weeds
Japanese Knotweed (Itadori)
An invasive species that thrives in urban and rural areas.
Crabgrass (Shibafu)
A common lawn and roadside weed.
Dandelion (Tanpopo)
Both native and introduced varieties are widespread.
Common Purslane (Pōto)
Found in gardens and roadsides.
Poisonous Plants
Japanese Yew (Ichii)
Highly toxic; every part except the flesh of the berry is poisonous.
Giant Butterbur (Fuki)
Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids; toxic if not prepared correctly.
Oleander (Kiyu)
Extremely poisonous, found in gardens and parks.
Monkshood (Torikabuto)
A deadly plant traditionally used in poisons.
Herbs
Shiso (Perilla)
Used in cooking for garnishes and pickling.
Wasabi
Grown in mountain streams, used for its pungent rhizome.
Mitsuba
A parsley-like herb used in soups and salads.
Yomogi (Japanese Mugwort)
Used in traditional sweets (e.g., yomogi mochi) and as herbal medicine.
Ginger (Shōga)
Common in Japanese cuisine and remedies.
Japanese gardens often include herbs that reflect the country’s culinary, medicinal, and cultural traditions. Many of these herbs have been cultivated for centuries, while others have become popular in modern times. Here's a list of common herbs grown in Japanese gardens:
Ancient Times
These herbs were commonly used in traditional medicine, tea ceremonies, or culinary practices in ancient Japan:
Shiso (Perilla)
Uses: Culinary seasoning, pickling, tea, and medicinal purposes.
Notes: Red or green leaves, often used in sushi or as garnishes.
Mugwort (Yomogi)
Uses: Medicinal herb, mochi flavoring (yomogi mochi), and teas.
Notes: Symbolic of health and purification.
Japanese Parsley (Mitsuba)
Uses: Fresh garnish in soups and dishes.
Notes: A versatile herb with a mild flavor.
Ginger (Shoga)
Uses: Culinary seasoning and medicinal applications.
Notes: Often pickled as a condiment for sushi.
Wasabi (Wasabia japonica)
Uses: Traditional accompaniment to sushi and sashimi.
Notes: Grown in shaded, flowing water conditions.
Kudzu (Kuzu)
Uses: Starch for cooking and traditional medicine.
Notes: Revered for its root starch and medicinal properties.
Licorice (Kanzo)
Uses: Traditional medicine and sweetener.
Notes: Common in kampo (Japanese traditional medicine).
Sencha Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Uses: Tea production.
Notes: Integral to Japanese tea culture.
Sansho (Japanese Pepper)
Uses: Spice from ground seeds or leaves (kinome).
Notes: Adds a citrusy, peppery kick to dishes.
Angelica (Ashitaba)
Uses: Medicinal tea and edible stalks.
Notes: Known as a "longevity herb."
Modern Times
In addition to traditional herbs, modern Japanese gardens often feature international herbs and hybrids that complement Japanese flavors and aesthetics:
Chives (Nira)
Uses: Common in gyoza (dumpling) filling and soups.
Notes: Easy to grow and widely used.
Lemongrass
Uses: Herbal teas and aromatics.
Notes: Adds a citrusy flavor and is now more popular for teas.
Mint (Hakuhakka)
Uses: Teas, desserts, and aromatherapy.
Notes: Popular in both traditional and modern uses.
Rosemary
Uses: Culinary and decorative.
Notes: Grown for its fragrance and resilience.
Basil (Shiso Basil Hybrids)
Uses: Culinary herb for fusion dishes.
Notes: Gained popularity with Western influences.
Oregano
Uses: Culinary and medicinal.
Notes: Often paired with Japanese-inspired fusion dishes.
Thyme
Uses: Culinary herb.
Notes: Grown for its compact form and fragrance.
Yuzu (Citrus Junos)
Uses: Culinary zest and juice, tea infusions.
Notes: Technically a fruit, its leaves are sometimes used for flavor.
Japanese Horseradish
Uses: An alternative to wasabi in some modern gardens.
Notes: Easier to cultivate than wasabi.
Coriander (Cilantro)
Uses: Culinary herb in modern fusion cuisine.
Notes: Popularized with international cuisine trends.
Combination of Old and New
Modern Japanese gardens often blend traditional and modern herbs to suit both aesthetics and practicality. Herbs like shiso, ginger, and mitsuba coexist with rosemary, basil, and mint, creating gardens that honor Japan's heritage while embracing global influences.
Sumi-e, the Japanese art of ink painting, is deeply intertwined with Zen, yoga, meditation, calmness, and peacefulness because they all emphasize simplicity, mindfulness, and a connection to the present moment. Here's how they relate:
