How are maples and other decididuous trees used in Japanese gardens?

In Japanese gardens, the design aesthetic prioritizes simplicity, restraint, and consistency, which leads to a preference for evergreens over the more variable, seasonal nature of deciduous trees. While evergreens are more popular, maples and a few other deciduous species are still utilized within these landscapes.1

When deciduous trees like maples are included, they are carefully distributed to harmonize with their natural origins and growth habits. The Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), in particular, has been developed through centuries of breeding to provide a wide variety of leaf shapes and colors, making many of its cultivated varieties highly suitable for smaller garden spaces.12

Designers integrate these trees to maintain a minimalist, natural setting intended to inspire reflection and meditation. By selecting and placing trees thoughtfully, gardeners aim to bring humanity closer to nature, often using them to create the illusion of a landscape that extends beyond the garden's immediate boundaries.1