Japanese Garden

I have an area in my front yard that is approx 5 1/2 ft by 11 1/2 ft that I would like to turn into a Japanese style garden. I live in Jackson, California (northern cal) and would like to know what my options are for flowers/plants. I don't want shrubbery and would like to keep the garden under 3 ft in height. The area gets 6 hours give or take of morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Please help! I like Japanese tree peonies and azaleas but need to build on that! Thank you!