How can a flat Japanese garden represent a valley or moor?

In the tradition of Japanese garden design, gardens are broadly classified by their terrain as either tsuki-yama (artificial hills) or hira-niwa (level ground).12

A hira-niwa, or flat garden, is specifically designed to represent a valley or a moor. Because these gardens lack the physical elevation of hill-based designs, they rely on the strategic arrangement of natural elements—such as rocks, sand, and gravel—to evoke the spirit and essence of a landscape rather than its literal features.12

By using these materials to create symbolic compositions, designers can suggest vast expanses or specific topographical features within a confined, flat space. This approach emphasizes the use of association and symbolism, allowing the viewer to perceive a valley or moor through the subtle, minimalist placement of garden elements rather than through large-scale construction.12