A Mother's Fear: Girl Crosses Pond on Stepping Stones as Mother Watches Anxiously
If you're in the Hyogo area, particularly if you're visiting Himeji Castle姫路城, Koko-en is definitely worth a visit for its unique design, historical context, and the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful, traditional Japanese garden experience.
Garden Design: Koko-en consists of nine separate gardens, each with its own theme and reflecting Edo period (1603-1868) gardening principles. These include gardens for different seasons, tea ceremonies, and even a "lord's residence garden," providing a diverse and beautiful experience.
Historical Significance: Built in 1992 on the site of former samurai residences, Koko-en was constructed to commemorate Himeji City's 100th anniversary. It's not just a garden but a piece of history, offering insights into the lifestyle and culture of the Edo period.
Cultural Experience: The garden includes a tea house where visitors can participate in or observe a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, enhancing your cultural experience.
Aesthetic Appeal: The garden is praised for its meticulous maintenance, with various water features, koi ponds, and beautifully landscaped areas. It's particularly noted for its tranquility and the variety of photo opportunities it presents.
A Blaze of Color: Koko-en in Autumn (1/2; YouTube link)
Photo Gallery
Koko-en ⭐好古園 was one of my favorite locations for autumn color viewing during my latest autumn trip to Japan. It was also a surprise to me, as I didn't expect it to be so beautiful, with beautifully landscaped areas and various water features, including koi ponds.
A Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933 In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast. Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange. Read more: Prints in Collection—Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934) Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat (YouTube link ) Photo Gallery The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa , frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bij...
Hagi City , Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime and historical significance, particularly from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration . This coastal town captivates with its well-preserved samurai districts, pine-lined roads, clear waterways, and serene ambiance, evoking a nostalgic journey back in time. Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy. Cycling, boat trips, temple visits, and local specialties like summer tangerines and Hagi ware highlight Hagi’s charm. Hidden gems like Tokoji Temple make it a must-visit for an authentic, enriching experience. Japan’s Timeless Beauty – 2 Days in Hagi, a World Heritage Town (YouTube link ) Things to Do Boat Trip: A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour provides a unique perspective of Hagi, with reflections on the town’s historical significance during the ride. Bicycle Rental: You can rent a bike at the station, which is a recommended way to explore Hagi. C...
Koyasan (高野山), a popular pilgrimage destination for centuries, has been connected to the outside world by a network of pilgrimage trails. While most visitors enter the mountain by cable car nowadays, many of the pilgrimage trails still remain in use. Koyasan Travel—Temple Lodging (Shukubo; YouTube link ) Part of the pilgrimage trails, the Fudozaka Trail (不動坂; click the map to enlarge), leads to Koyasan from Gokurakubashi Station, the lower station of the Koyasan Cablecar. The steep, paved trail is 2.5 kilometers long and takes about an hour to ascend and less time to descend. The trail ends at the Nyonindo temple (女人堂). [1] On 11/27/2016, I have decided to descend from Fudozaka Trail instead of riding the cable car. I was the only person on the trail at beginning. However, in the middle of the trail, another young blonde girl passed me by swiftly with a big smile on her face. I was really surprised to see another soul on that rainy day. Althoug...
