Other aspects of Japanese zen gardens include incorporating natural features, such as a distant mountain, into the landscape plan by using trees or archways to frame a noticeable natural element.
The sweeping arch reflects the European practice of using large archways at the entrance of train stations.
The alcoves were white, seemingly of stone or plaster; but the archways were covered with blue varnish or blue tiles, with beautiful inscriptions in white and gold.
Doorways were usually square, but corbelled archways and gateways surmounted with sculptures were not uncommon.
The streets are narrow, and the houses are mostly picturesque old structures, built of wood, with many quaint gables and dark archways.