Thursday, April 30, 2015

Japanese Public Gardens

We return to the regularly scheduled travelogue with our visit to two public gardens in Tokyo.

Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Garden is one of the oldest Daimyo gardens dating back to the beginning of the Edo era. (1603-1868) A green oasis surrounded by tall building, this beautiful garden features the typical elements of a Japanese landscape garden, including a pond and man-made hills, symbolizing the ocean, lakes and mountains of the real world, and circular walking trails to enjoy the garden from various perspectives.

During the Edo Period, the garden was built on land reclaimed from Tokyo Bay, and served as the residence of various feudal lords and government officials. In 1875, after the fall of the feudal government, it was turned into the Shiba Detached Imperial Villa, however, all the buildings were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.


We happened upon a couple having wedding photos taken and asked if we could take their picture in their traditional clothing. They consented and then asked that we join them in a picture for their album.



Noble and I like the juxtaposition of ancient and modern.


Our hosts told us that there are over 100 varieties of cherry trees in Japan. Many were still in bloom.





Including this one with green blossoms. Incredible!


We met lots of friendly fish in the pond too.



An interesting bamboo fence.



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