A Japanese garden embodies a philosophy, at the heart of which is fulfillment found in harmony and tranquility of body, mind, and spirit. The roots of Japanese gardens are found in early Zen and Buddhism and beyond that in the first man-made landscapes in early imperial China, where landowners sought to preserve the natural beauty of their properties.

Nestled behind Watson Hall, Carleton's Japanese garden was designed and constructed by David Slawson between 1974 and 1976. Slawson studied for two years in Kyoto with Kinsaku Nakane, one of Japan's foremost garden designers. After reviewing the plans for the Carleton garden, Nakane wrote to Slawson: "You have completely grasped the beauty of a Japanese garden..."