Koishikawa Korakuen

This day started with beautiful skies. Very warm weather but beautiful.

So I went to a place I had wanted to visit for a long time. Koishikawa Korakuen. 

And it was worth visiting.

This oasis in the heart of Tokyo is a lush green-scape that dates back to 1629. An oasis just a walk away from Tokyo Dome and everything around there.

Not just a beautiful place for people to escape to, but also as a safe place for wildlife.

Like this Eastern Great Egret.

Along with turtles and koi in the pond.

This traditional Japanese strolling garden also has a number of bridges crossing the ponds and waterways.

It's a popular place for taking photos, like it was for this couple dressed in traditional wedding clothing.

The garden is one of three daimyo gardens that still exist in Tokyo. This was originally the site of the residence of Tokugawa Yorifusa, the eleventh son of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the first Shogun.

Water for the ponds and waterways come from the Koshikawa, Little Stone River.

While the park isn't huge, it is easy to feel one has traveled a distance thanks to the different types of landscaping you find there.

Including Chinese aspects like this vermilion bridge.

Up on a hill that makes you think you were in a forest.

Or below where it seems like you are crossing a river coming out of a gorge.

There are still a few buildings in Koishikawa Korakuen. Gardens like this often have the personal shrines of those who once lived there.

This is Tokujin-do, built by the second daimyo of this Mito Domain, Tokugawa Mitusukuni. He had it built to house the wooden statues of Hakui and Shukusei Mitsukuni. These men were writers of Chinese stories that impressed the Confucianist Mitsukuni. The shrine is the oldest building, having survived WWII and various fires and earthquakes before that. 

The pond is called Osensui and was designed based on Lake Biwa.

Of course there is an island. Horaijima, which is viewable from all sides as you stroll around the pond.

Even though it is not accessible to the public, it does have features like bridges and stone lanterns. It must be nice to row a small boat out there to enjoy it's beauty.

And of course there are Grey Herons enjoying it also.

There is a small shrine to Benzaiten also on the island.

Lotus springing up from the waters.

Unfortunately I was too late to enjoy tea at Kantoku-tei. I guess that will make a good reason to come back to Koishikawa Korakuen. Another reason is in my next post.