Visit to Shinjuku Gyoen

Among others, Japan is known for its neat and wide parks across the nation. In Tokyo alone, you would find at least a small yet cozy park in almost every corner, where you can briefly take a rest from a long walk. And many, including myself, would (initially) wonder why this modern society takes a big step at keeping huge parks despite its nation's relatively small land area. I guess, one would have to personally experience the peace and calmness that these places give to their visitors, like us.

Last Monday, since it was a holiday (Health and Sports Day, Taikuu no Hi) and the weather was terrribly good, we booked ourselves to breathe through the greens and cool breeze in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, right at the heart of Tokyo. What more, a Jap friend of ours who works in the Garden, paid for our entrance fees. ;)

The place itself is wide and well-maintained, giving visitors the valued time to appreciate and commune with nature -- in the midst of the hustle-and bustle megacity of Tokyo. It is a classic example of a modern western landscape garden, and thus having the stature as one of the most important gardens of the Meiji era.

The large garden exhibits three distinct but blending styles of landscape:

English Landscape Garden: A wide lawn, dotted with zelvoka, tulip poplars and other large trees that create a sense of openness in this garden.

French Formal Garden: This beautifully symmetrical garden features central rose beds flanked on either side by rows of sycamore trees.

Japanese Traditional Garden: A stream winds its way through this circuit style garden. It also includes Kyu-Goryo-Tei (also known as the Taiwan Pavilion) and two teahouses known as the Shouten-tei and Rakuu-tei.

The Garden boasts of its luxurious sights throughout the year. It was all fresh green when we went there -- the awesome color of summer. At this time,

The trees turn a lustrous shade of green, and refreshingly cool breezes blow through the woods. The roses in the French Formal Garden and in front of the Greenhouse bloom in early summer, and the water lilies of the Middle Pond draw visitors with their white and pink flowers. In high summer, the songs of hte cicadas swell into a lively chorus, and dragonflies laze over the wide lawns.

Soon, the colorful autumn leaves will decorate the whole place. And yes, we'll visit this place again to witness the gold-yellow-orange-red colors of autumn, most especially the annual "Chrysanthemum Exhibition associated with the Imperial Household" slated on November 1-15.

Click here for more photos.

Enjoy nature at its best! ;)