What is the primary feature of a Japanese garden?

A Japanese garden is characterized by several primary features, with a significant emphasis on balance, harmony, and a connection to nature. Rock gardens, or "dry gardens," are indeed a prominent aspect of many traditional Japanese gardens, designed to evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation. These gardens typically use rocks, gravel, and minimal plant life to create a serene landscape that encourages meditation.

While water elements and ponds are also essential in some styles of Japanese gardens, particularly those that emphasize natural landscapes, the core essence revolves around simplicity, natural beauty, and the use of stones to reflect deeper philosophical meanings. The use of rocks in a Japanese garden serves not just an aesthetic purpose but often symbolizes mountains or islands in a larger context.

The other features, such as simplistic design or complex plant varieties, may be present in various garden styles but do not define the primary essence of a traditional Japanese garden as effectively as the focus on rocks and the contemplative qualities they embody.