Along the side of Tokyo Bay, amidst in the sky scrappers of Shiodome District in central Tokyo, there is a large traditionally landscaped Japanese garden called Hama Rikyu. The park is attractive in all seasons, especially in spring when the trees of plum, cherry, fields of peony and canola are fully blossom. The site also planted with many maples, ginkgo and other kinds of trees offering beautiful autumn colors in late November. Being an imperial gifted garden, Hama Rikyu is cherished by all Tokyo people at all times. It is a green lung in the most densely populated city of the world.
Hama Rikyu was originally the residence and duck hunting ground of a Japanese feudal lord during Edo period (1603-1867). It belonged to the family of Shogun Tolugawa, who built beautiful villa with walled and moated compound at site with huge duck pond. They hunted ducks in specially designed blinds and drank tea along the water.
Hama Rikyu was later served as a strolling garden and as an imperial detached palace. During World War II, the garden was badly damaged in air raids. It was given to the people of Tokyo and opened for public in year 1952.
Welcome to Nakajima Tea House to experience the 17th century life of Shogun Tolugawa.
Shiodome District's tall buildings automatically become an outstanding yet contrastive backdrop to this beautiful old garden.
Shioiri-ike is a seawater pond inside the garden. The water level changes with tides.
The Garden still contains the remnants of Tolugagwa-era, with beautiful villa and huge duck pond in natural sights.
Nakajima Teahouse was built at the edge of the duck pond, with building stretching into the water.
Holding the cup with two hands and elegantly drink the tea is the manner of Tea Ceremony. Use your thumb to wipe off the part of the cup where your mouth get in contact, turn it round and put back to the tray is the respect to the person who serve you. This is indeed a good place to show the cultures and a comfortable spot to gather with old friend, sharing and recalling those days in memories together.
Admire the gorgeous surrounding natural sights while enjoying your tea.
When there is no glorious spring flowers and brilliant foliage, the old and beautifully grown pine trees are most splendid. Some of them span more than hundreds of year.
A majestically grown pine tree, with beautifully stretched out branches.
We had a great lunch in this famous Sushi shop at Kawasaki Area.
Daiso is the popular 100 yen shop in Japan and noodles have become the fast food in this country.
Hama Rikyu Garden can be easily accessed from JR Shimbashi or Shiodome Station or by Water bus from Asakusa.
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