A small miniature rock garden, which in Japan is referred to as kare-sansui, i.e. ‘dried out mountains and rivers’, is oftentimes also called a Zen garden. They are typically intended to be seen from a single viewpoint outside the garden and a distinctive feature is the use of white sand or gravel, which symbolizes purity.

The sand or gravel is often raked to represent ripples in water, thus creating a river of white gravel or sand that represents a metaphorical journey through life. Here decorated with some kokeshi dolls (fig.).