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.

Meeting Norakuro

Next to Kiyosumi Garden is Kiyosumi Park. It's a place with lawns for kids to play and such. They have this interesting wooden clock tower. 

Walking back towards Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station, I saw this open gate. Buddhist Temple? Of course I had to take a look.

Really interesting chozubachi in the shape of a dragon. Impressive beast.

Kannon statue standing on a lotus holding the pearl of wisdom and what looks like a bag.

This was Honseiji Buddhist Temple in Kiyosumi. The buildings were mostly concrete so I did not take photos of them.

Leaving the temple I decided to walk past the train station and see the river.

It's the Onagigawa in case anyone was wondering. The bridge I was on has a simple name, High Bridge.

Just beyond the river I noticed a shopping street, a shotengai. Shopping streets are a more traditional place for communities to buy from. There are less these days, but some places still have strong support for their local stores.

Takahashi no Raku Road is located in Takahashi and they have adopted a manga character as their mascot.

It's a cute puppy called Norakuro. Norakuro dates back to 1931. The manga continued to 1981 and there were also anime films and a series.

There were also interesting pavers in the sidewalk. These are common in various parts of Japan. This one however had abacuses and what looked like eels. I wish they were clearer in the photo.

Back over the river, looking in the other direction. 

Irises and Tea

What I had hoped to see at Kiyosumi Garden was beyond where the pond was. At first it didn't look like much.

But when I zoomed in with my camera...

I could see irises that looked like colorful birds or butterflies.

I am afraid the distance and the low lighting from the cloudy sky did not help with taking photos. But I still want to share these.

There were hydrangea also starting to bloom there.

And other wild flowers.

A few last looks of the pond and the grounds and buildings around it.

As for the Taisho Kinenkan, it was open this day. Inside they were serving various food items like soba. I opted for oolong tea with a piece of strawberry and blue berry chocolate cake and a really nice window seat. Outside Asian swallowtail butterflies were enjoying the azaleas.

Unfortunately I was not able to get a photo of one on this bank of pink blooms.

One final look at all the green. Really beautiful trees at Kiyosumi Garden. I'm glad I spent time there.