How do Japanese gardens express the idea that humans are part of nature?

Japanese gardens express the connection between humans and nature by serving as microcosms that invite reflection, spiritual recreation, and a sense of unity with the universe. Rather than merely arranging plants, designers employ various techniques to bridge the gap between the human experience and the natural world:1

• Symbolism and Miniature Landscapes: Designers often represent vast landscapes in miniature, using rocks, sand, and water to suggest expansive vistas. This allows individuals to contemplate their relationship to the larger environment within a secluded, manageable space.12
• Integration with Architecture: Elements such as stone lanterns, basins, and strategically placed fences harmonize the garden with the home, blurring the boundary between indoor living spaces and the natural outdoors.1
• Spiritual Engagement: Through the tea ceremony and Zen-influenced design, gardens are crafted to evoke specific moods—such as a secluded mountain shrine—that encourage humility and a meditative state.12
• Subtle Discovery: By using techniques like obstructing views to create "unexpected glimpses" of nature, designers force individuals to recognize their place within the broader cosmos, such as connecting a single basin of water to the vastness of the sea.1