I have been interested in Japanese culture, since being introduced to the films of Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli), by my grandfather. I have grown up with these stunning animated stories, produced with the most beautiful drawings. At the same time, the films have a serious underlying message and recognise traditional Japanese beliefs such as Kami; the spirits living in nature. I hope to visit Japan at some point in the future and took the opportunity to research Japanese garden design as part of an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) leading to the design of a contemporary Japanese Garden. As part of my research I was fortunate to visit the Japanese Garden at Tatton Park, Cheshire and include a montage of the photographs from my visit which I hope give a sense of the Autumnal beauty and tranquility of this garden.