For the Japanese, gardens are a significant part of the country’s culture and they have been for centuries. In Japan, there are three main types of nihon teien, or gardens: Tsukiyama Gardens (hill gardens), Karesansui Gardens (dry or rock gardens) and Chaniwa Gardens (tea gardens). They can be found everywhere from Buddhist temples, to public parks and private homes. And it is something not just limited to Japan. There are impressive examples of Japanese gardens all over the world, including a good number in the United States alone, often found in the same places as botanical gardens. Check out the ones in your area for some inspiration to bring home. Though your own backyard may not be quite as elaborate as the gardens on display, the addition of few touches, like a simple Japanese garden bench for example, gives an exotic look and a subtle nod to the Orient.

To the Japanese people, a garden represents a microcosm of nature as a whole. They are tranquil and beautiful places created with an artistic sensibility in mind where one can spend hours relaxing and contemplating the finer things in life. Traditionally, these gardens have held a religious significance and can find their foundations based in Shinto, Buddhist and Taoist ideology. Today, while the overt religious meaning is not so prevalent, there is still a spirituality and reverence one naturally feels when entering these peaceful spots. Plus, it’s as much an art putting together a Japanese garden as other fine arts, like calligraphy and flower arranging.
Besides that, gardens are just a nice break from the hectic pace of life. When spending so much time there, a garden bench is a welcome respite.

Japanese garden benches can actually be made to look many different ways. The traditional ones are made from stone, usually with room for one to two persons. They are left unpainted, and with simple carved designs along the base and armrests. However, in reality you can make a Japanese garden bench from the same materials out of which you’d build any bench. Wood, concrete, resin and more work just as well, especially when the ambience of the garden matches. The main point about these benches is not so much how they look as their purpose and surroundings. The purpose? Contemplation, though in Western terms this might equate to something more like "Stop and smell the roses." As for the surroundings, a tranquil garden filled with flowers and foliage lends itself to this state of mind. It might also be a nice touch to add indigenous Asian plants to complete the effect, such as Japanese Maple trees or Bonsais.

In addition to an authentic garden bench, other things you would find in a traditional Japanese style garden include bamboo fencing, ponds, lanterns, fountains, pavilions, bridges and more. The nice thing is, you don’t necessarily have to stick to one theme. Your garden is your sanctuary; decorate it as you like. Whichever styles you choose, a garden bench of any sort is a nice fixture to be able to immerse yourself in the fauna and admire all of your hard work.