Appreciation of Japanese Sunken Garden

Quick answer：

Japanese sunken gardens, also known as 'kare-sansui' or 'rock gardens,' are a traditional form of Japanese garden design that emphasizes the beauty of rocks, sand, and sometimes plants, arranged to evoke a natural landscape. These gardens typically have a shallow pond, or 'ike,' which is lower than the surrounding ground level, creating a sense of depth and tranquility. Features often include carefully placed rocks, raked sand patterns, and sometimes stepping stones or small bridges. The appreciation of such gardens involves observing the harmony and simplicity of the natural elements, the use of negative space, and the principles of wabi-sabi, which emphasizes the beauty of imperfection and the transience of life.