Japanese Zen gardens, also known as 'Karesansui,' are traditional Japanese gardens that emphasize harmony, simplicity, and the natural elements. They typically feature rock formations, gravel, moss, and often a small pond or waterfall. Appreciating these gardens involves understanding their design principles, such as the use of negative space, repetition, and the inclusion of natural materials. The gardens are meant to evoke a sense of tranquility and to be a reflection of the natural world in a simplified and symbolic form.