A Japanese garden embodies a philosophy, at the heart of which is fulfillment found in harmony and tranquility of body, mind, and spirit. 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..."