Kihara Landscapes

Business Details

20 Years

experience

Award-Winning Japanese Garden Designers in Melbourne

Established in 2006, Kihara Landscapes is a Melbourne-based specialist in authentic Japanese garden design and construction. Our expertise combines three generations of Japanese landscaping heritage with deep knowledge of Australian environmental conditions. We integrate traditional Japanese principles with modern Australian aesthetics, using locally sourced and imported materials to create unique outdoor spaces. Our team of artisan specialists works closely with clients to understand their vision, delivering tailored solutions that balance functionality with artistic precision. With an award-winning portfolio spanning residential and commercial projects, we prioritise site-specific analysis to ensure every garden harmonises with its surroundings.

Our meticulous process includes concept development, material selection, and hands-on project execution led by founder Motoyoshi Kihara. We maintain ongoing maintenance services to preserve the longevity of each creation, adhering to strict quality standards throughout. Our commitment to craftsmanship has earned recognition through industry awards, including the 2012 Landscape Victoria Award for Residential Landscape Construction. Operating as a boutique firm, we maintain exclusivity by carefully selecting projects that align with our capabilities. Client collaboration remains central to our approach, ensuring every garden tells a unique story through its design elements and seasonal transformations.

Services

Japanese Garden Design Landscaping Water Features Paving & Concrete Decking Retaining Walls Irrigation Systems Planting Project Maintenance Bamboo Fencing

Details

Year established: 2006

Highlights and features

Third-generation Japanese landscaping expertise since 2006
Award-winning design combining tradition with modern functionality
Personalised approach with hands-on founder involvement
Specialists in integrating Japanese principles with Australian conditions
Comprehensive service from concept to ongoing maintenance

Associations and certifications

Landscape Victoria

What people say

Beautiful garden Tranquillity High workmanship Thoughtful design Unique space

Website

Update Listing

Services

Japanese Garden Design

Specialist Japanese garden design incorporating traditional principles with modern Australian requirements. Our process begins with detailed site analysis to create harmonious spaces that evolve with seasons. We use authentic materials sourced from Japan and Australia, ensuring each garden reflects its unique environment while maintaining cultural integrity through stone placement, water features, and plant selection.

Landscaping

Comprehensive landscaping services covering paving, decking, and retaining walls. We transform outdoor areas into functional yet aesthetically pleasing environments. Our expertise includes irrigation systems, turf installation, and soft landscaping that integrates with architectural elements. Every project receives tailored solutions balancing practicality with artistic expression through natural materials and precise construction techniques.

Water Features

Custom water feature design and installation enhancing garden tranquillity. We create ponds, waterfalls, and irrigation systems that complement overall garden design. Our approach considers water flow dynamics, ecological balance, and maintenance requirements while maintaining traditional Japanese aesthetics through stone arrangements and plant selection that accentuate water elements.

Paving & Concrete

Precision paving and concrete works forming structural foundations for gardens. We use quality materials to create durable pathways, courtyards, and terraces that enhance spatial flow. Our techniques ensure proper drainage while maintaining visual harmony with surrounding vegetation, employing traditional Japanese stonemasonry principles adapted for Australian conditions and modern construction standards.

Project Maintenance

Ongoing maintenance preserving garden integrity through seasonal pruning, water feature upkeep, and structural inspections. Our services ensure long-term beauty by maintaining plant health, checking irrigation systems, and preserving traditional design elements. We provide tailored maintenance schedules that respect garden ecology while ensuring continued functionality and aesthetic value over time.

People

Motoyoshi Kihara

Founder & Lead Designer

Third-generation Japanese gardener with 15+ years' experience in Australia. Trained at Toukaen Company, Kanagawa, bringing traditional techniques to Melbourne. Combines deep cultural knowledge with local environmental understanding to create authentic Japanese gardens that respect both heritage and site-specific conditions.

Questions

What areas do you service for Japanese garden projects?

We primarily work in Melbourne's South Eastern and Inner Suburbs, creating bespoke Japanese gardens tailored to local conditions while maintaining authentic design principles.

What's included in your initial design consultation?

The $250 + GST consultation includes site assessment, discussion of your vision, and preliminary design considerations. We evaluate existing conditions and provide professional recommendations for your garden transformation.

How do you maintain authenticity in Japanese garden design?

Our team applies three generations of Japanese horticultural knowledge, using traditional techniques and materials sourced from Japan and Australia to ensure cultural integrity in every project.

What project sizes do you handle?

We create gardens ranging from compact urban spaces starting at $25,000 to comprehensive residential projects from $80,000, always maintaining our signature attention to detail regardless of scale.

Can you incorporate modern elements with traditional design?

Yes, our expertise lies in blending traditional Japanese principles with contemporary Australian aesthetics, creating gardens that respect heritage while meeting modern lifestyle requirements.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

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.

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.

Fi Pian

Sep 04, 2018 Report

I highly recommend Moto and his crew at Kihara for their landscaping skills, their attention to detail, their work ethic and friendliness and for just just being really great guys. They are a joy to work with and will do their best to deliver great gardens. I have used Kihara for 3 different projects and will use them again without hesitation. They are skilled trades people and love their job and it shows in what they deliver.

Anthony Scott

Jul 27, 2018 Report

Best Japanese styled landscape designer in Australia. Can craft either modern or traditional Japanese designs. An artist.

Peter Ravesi

Jun 15, 2018 Report

Fantastic attention to detail and unique designs is what I have realised when I have visited Kihara's worksites. Dealing with Moto and his crew as a supplier is a pleasure as they receptive to my knowledge of my product.