Hinoki cypress is an evergreen, but can get very tall.

Mume is Japanese flowering apricot. http://ediblelandscaping.com/products/trees/Apricots/images/site/apricot%20ume%202011_DSC0383.jpg

There are some cultivars of mume that produce fruits good for culinary uses in Japanese cuisine, but it can be impossible to find these edible cultivars in America. They are kind of like an underripe apricot, but with more flavor.

Japanese elm. These are reminiscent of American elm trees, but are smaller and have a lot of disease resistance.

There are some impressive Camphor trees growing in Japan, but those can get to be quite big. very aromatic smelling leaves

see here for more suggestions: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/evergreen-trees-japanese-garden-46296.html

Cornus kousa is an excellent choice. I would also include Stewartia pseudocamellia, Styrax japonicum, various magnolias, various maples other than Acer palmatum, and Chionanthus retusa. And although it is most often considered a shrub rather than a tree per se but with a very tree-like habit, Hamamelis japonica or one of its more common hybrids, Hamamelis x intermedia.

Although it's been mentioned many, many times on these forums, trees don't automatically stop growing once they reach some predetermined height. So while there's no guarantee that these trees will 'magically' stop growing once they reach your desired size, most will remain within those bounds for many, many years :-)

I really like the cornus kousa suggestions, I really like cornus kousa 'wolf eyes'. Why must it originate from japan? I also likecornus controversa, I think it is of asian origin.

parker25mv, I actually have a prunus mume in my yard right now. If you look at my previous threads you'll see a pic of it. But they don't live longer than 20 years, one of the reasons why I don't consider planting another prunus mume. And I heard the Japanese zelcova can get to 80 ft tall.. which will be too tall. If only there was a prunus mume that lives for more than 70+ years I would definitely be considering that though..

I also considered magnolia stellatas but I heard they only live for 20 years. I'll take a look at the other list of trees you all mentioned. thanks

I also like the idea of cornus dogwoods but they are way too common landscape trees... I see them everywhere. I really really want a prunus mume for this candidate but because I heard they are so short lived I'm reconsidering. Or do you guys know if there are any types of prunus mume that lives 70+ years?

And logan, because I'm Japanese and I'm trying to create a Japanese garden. Not specifically zen though

Ok, the dogwood I suggested isn't the common kousa. It is a dwarf with variegated leaves, in fact I am looking for one myself. I like japanese gardens, when done properly. What about acer palamtum 'waterfall'?

I actually looked up the cornus controversa and I really like the looks, especially the blooms and the shape of the tree. I'll definitely consider that on my list. Lol I actually have an acer palmatum waterfall in my backyard now. I recently planted it 2 months ago. But I'm not thinking about that because its a Japanese maple and I'm not really looking for a Japanese maple.

In fact, I;m asking for a tree in this thread for my future home. When I get a future home, I am thinking of what tree to plant. I already have a red Japanese maple, a green one, and a cherry tree on my list and just looking for one more which is what I'm asking in this thread.

Another tree would be lagerstromeia indica (crepe myrtle) which is also of asian origin. I like 'Natchez', 'Miami', 'Best Red', 'Catawba', and 'Tonto' the best. One for every use.

Oh this one looks nice. Almost like a shrubby form though. I guess you can train it to become a tree. Another one in my list! I also like the Japanese witch hazel you mentioned, gardengal48

Here's something different:

Hamamelis japonica 'Shibamichi Red' syn 'Tsukubana kurreani' (Witch Hazel)

Never mind. I see gardengal already mentioned it.

Dax

Lindera obtusiloba from Woodlanders

Clethera barbinervis for sale at (3) Nurseries

Dax