Following the natural rhythm
First of all, we would have to learn about Japanese concept of nature to grasp to successfully get at the spirit of the Japanese garden design, cause the essence of Japanese garden philosophy is just the concept of bringing nature and the four seasons close to them.
Nature has always been a familiar and friendly blessing to the Japanese, not a cruel foe, and this concept of nature is readily understandable in view of the Japanese island’ temperate climate and abundant rainfall.To the gathering and fishing peoples of the Joumon period (c.8,000 to c.300 BC) and the rice-cultivating farmers who followed, this environment was not only mild and non-threating but the source of all growth and fertility.
The life cycles of the agricultural people of old Japan so closely followed the natural rhythm of the land that they were as one with nature, their very souls a part of the spirit of nature. This sense of oneness with nature underlies the Japanese ethos, its philosophy, thought, and religion, and it is part of the Japanese sensitivity to and enjoyment of nature.