Modern Japanese gardens, known as 'Nohin' in Japanese, are a blend of traditional and contemporary design principles. They emphasize simplicity, harmony, and the natural beauty of the elements such as rocks, water, and plants. These gardens often incorporate elements like stepping stones, wooden bridges, and strategically placed trees or shrubs to create a serene and meditative environment. Appreciating them involves understanding the use of negative space, the significance of certain plants like bamboo and cherry blossoms, and the art of karesansui (dry landscape gardening).