Core design concepts utilized in the garden include
Wabi-sabi, (beauty in age/simplicity),
Shakkei, (borrowed view), and
Miegakure, (hide and reveal).
Water, (and in the case of a
karesansui, its simulated form in sand), comprise some of the major features of Nikka Yuko, as in most Japanese landscape gardens. Trees used are primarily conifers, with a barrier of evergreens to break the wind and create a perceived separation from the outside world. Many of the plants are pruned in the
Niwaki style, exposing the branch structure and emulating trees found in extreme conditions, or ones later in their life cycle.
Stones and
rocks are used liberally, either in representation of their natural form, or symbolically to suggest other aspects of a setting such as mountains, waterfalls or islands set in seas or oceans. Man-made structures such as the
Pavilion and
Bell Tower also play a significant part in the garden's design, as man made objects are meant to contrast the garden's landscape. Structures including the bridges, gates, pavilion, and shelter were built in Japan, then shipped to the garden and reassembled on site.
Structures •
Wishing well, symbolic of freshwater wells used to collect water for
Tea ceremonies. • Pavilion,
Sukiya-zukuri style, constructed entirely from
Taiwanese Hinoki wood, as opposed to
Japanese Hinoki. •
Chashitsu, or "tea room" with a tatami mat floor, used for Tea Ceremony presentations. •
Mizuya, or "water room" used for storing utensils required for the Tea Ceremony. •
Dry-rock garden, inspired by the dry-rock garden at
Ryōan-ji temple in Kyoto. •
Azumaya •
Stone lanterns, purely decorative structures, introduced to Japanese Gardens to provide light for Tea ceremonies held at night. •
Wooden bridges •
Bell Tower •
Bonshō Style Bell, created as a symbol of friendship between Japan and Canada. •
Moon bridge Landscaping • Mountain • Waterfall • Streams • Ponds • Islands • Flat "
Prairie Garden", with peony wall. ==Governance==