Kihara Landscapes

Business Details

20 Years

experience

Award-Winning Japanese Garden Design & Landscaping in Melbourne

Founded in Melbourne with deep roots in Japan, Kihara Landscapes has been crafting authentic Japanese gardens since 2006. Our approach combines three generations of Japanese landscaping expertise with a profound understanding of Australian flora, climate, and geology. We collaborate with local and international suppliers to integrate traditional Japanese principles into modern Australian outdoor spaces. Recognized with the 2012 Landscape Victoria Award for Residential Landscape Construction, we specialise in creating unique, balanced gardens that reflect each client's vision. Our process begins with a detailed consultation, followed by site analysis, concept development, and meticulous execution.

We prioritise quality materials sourced from Japan and Australia, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of craftsmanship. Our team of qualified artisans, led by founder Motoyoshi Kihara, delivers tailored solutions for residential and commercial properties across Melbourne's South Eastern suburbs. We offer comprehensive maintenance services to preserve the beauty of completed projects. Our philosophy centres on harmony, simplicity, and seasonal adaptability, creating spaces that invite reflection and tranquillity. With a commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, we transform gardens into enduring works of art.

Services

Japanese Garden Design Paving & Concrete Works Wood Decking Retaining Walls Water Features Planting & Soft Landscaping Project Maintenance

Details

Year established: 2006

Highlights and features

We bring three generations of Japanese landscaping expertise to every project
Our team includes certified artisans with specialist knowledge of Japanese techniques
We use premium materials sourced from both Japan and Australia
Award-winning designs that combine functionality with aesthetic beauty
Comprehensive maintenance services ensure lasting garden perfection

Associations and certifications

Landscape Victoria

What people say

Tranquil and beautiful garden High level of workmanship Unique and thoughtful design Exceeds initial expectations Beautiful landscape transformation

Website

Update Listing

Services

Japanese Garden Design

Specialist Japanese garden design blending traditional techniques with Australian landscapes. Our process includes site analysis, concept development, and 3D renderings to create unique spaces that balance nature and craftsmanship. Services include stone placement, water features, and plant selection.

Water Features

Custom water feature installation including ponds, irrigation systems, and decorative water elements. We integrate traditional Japanese water design principles with modern Australian requirements to create tranquil, functional features that enhance garden aesthetics.

Paving & Concrete Works

Precision paving and concrete work using premium materials. Our team creates durable, aesthetically pleasing surfaces that complement Japanese garden designs, including pathways, patios, and decorative concrete elements that withstand Melbourne's climate.

Planting & Soft Landscaping

Expert selection and installation of plants that thrive in Melbourne's climate while maintaining Japanese garden aesthetics. Services include seasonal planting, hedge shaping, and maintenance of traditional Japanese plant species in both residential and commercial settings.

Project Maintenance

Ongoing maintenance services to preserve garden beauty and functionality. Includes seasonal adjustments, plant pruning, water feature maintenance, and repairs. Our team ensures gardens maintain their intended design integrity and continue evolving according to traditional Japanese principles.

People

Motoyoshi Kihara

Founder & Lead Designer

Third-generation Japanese gardener with 15+ years' experience in Australia. Trained at Toukaen Company, Kanagawa, and member of Landscape Victoria since 2006. Combines traditional Japanese techniques with Australian landscape knowledge to create award-winning gardens.

Questions

What types of Japanese gardens do you specialise in?

We create traditional Japanese gardens, modern interpretations, and hybrid designs that incorporate Japanese elements into Australian landscapes. Our expertise includes dry gardens, pond gardens, and tea gardens for residential and commercial properties.

What areas of Melbourne do you service?

We primarily work in Melbourne's South Eastern suburbs and Inner Suburbs, covering areas from Glen Iris to Oakleigh South. Our team can travel to discuss projects across these regions.

What is included in your design process?

Our process includes initial consultation, site analysis, concept development with 3D renderings, refined design with cost breakdowns, and construction execution. We maintain client involvement throughout each project phase.

Do you use authentic Japanese materials?

We source high-quality materials from both Japan and Australia to ensure authenticity while meeting local requirements. This includes traditional stones, bamboo, and plant species adapted to Melbourne's climate.

What maintenance services do you offer?

We provide comprehensive maintenance including seasonal adjustments, plant pruning, water feature upkeep, and repairs. Our services ensure gardens maintain their intended design integrity over time.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

Levo

Jan 04, 2021 Report

We engaged Kihara Landscapes to landscape our new house in a Japanese inspired native garden with a private Zen garden for our bedroom courtyard. We are absolute delighted with the result. Moto, Bridget and their team are easy to deal with, responsive to our needs, punctual, efficient, creative and respectful. The experience was most enjoyable and Moto is always happy to discuss our requirements and expectations. We highly recommend Kihara to any prospective clients.

Greek Trojan Food Truck

Sep 05, 2020 Report

Positive:Professionalism
Absolute fantastic experience from start to finish, very professional, very creative. Highly recommend like no other. We are finally enjoying our little peace of paradise.

Angus Kao

Aug 23, 2020 Report

Absolute fantastic experience from start to finish, very professional, considering, and practical. I've always wanted a traditional Japanese garden and Kihara did an amazing job to make my dreams come true. Now I can enjoy the autumn maples at home instead of flying to Kyoto! Thank you Moto, Bridget and Kihara team, you guys are the best!

Tommy Tse

Oct 05, 2019 Report

Team at Kihara are truly fantastic. From the design to the workmanship, absolutely nothing to complain about. Now my backyard has transformed to a small modern Japanese garden which we really love. Highly recommend Moto and his boys skills, Hiroshis design and Bridgets communication. If you want a refine, mixture of modern and traditional garden, please give these guys a call. You will be amazed
Ps. The boys always clean up after themselves.

David Stanton

Aug 23, 2019 Report

We engaged Kihara Landscapes though word of mouth and the lovely work they had achieved with our friends. We have always loved the tranquility associated with Japanese gardens and Kihara Landscapes hit the mark. They make it look simple, less is more approach, and they do it very well. We are very happy with how they work and what they achieved. The low maintenance gardens we were exactly what we were looking for.

Dani Aisen

Aug 06, 2019 Report

I just want to thank Moto, Hiroshi and everyone associated with Kihara Landscapes. I moved into my new apartment and they turned my muddy garden into an oasis of tranquility and peace. I can be proud to have people over or just look outside and feel like I'm on a permanent holiday. Nothing was too much, communication was constant and total trust was there in what was told to me. I would highly recommend Kihara Landscapes.