Koishikawa Korakuen Garden - Early Spring

The plum orchard was very bare and a bit sad when we last went to this garden late in autumn.  Now though it is absolutely glorious with the blossom in full bloom.  Luckily we went to the garden quite early in the morning as it gets mobbed later on.  Lots of keen photographers!  Viewing the plum is quite a popular pastime in Japan, though not as much as the famous cherry blossom.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden - Summer

In summer this garden is beautifully lush and green, full of delicious fragrances and vibrant butterflies.  There is a rice field in this garden and it is interesting to see the rice developing.

If anyone knows what the plant with the big leaves is, please let us know:  contact us!

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden - Autumn

This garden is only ten minutes walk away from our apartment but was one of the last gardens that I discovered.  It is by far one of the most beautiful, especially with the vibrant autumn colours contrasting with an almost otherwordly atmosphere.

The garden was begun in 1629 and took 30 years to complete.  It was originally about 4 times it's current size but has been squeezed by the inevitable Tokyo urban expansion.  In style it is a traditional Japanese stroll garden, while being greatly influenced by Chinese poetry and landscape.

The name Koraku-en means 'garden of pleasure last' and is taken from the Chinese poem Yueyang Castle by Fan Zhongyan -"Be the first to take the world's trouble to heart, be the last to enjoy the world's pleasure'.  I am greedy though, and while appreciating the sentiments of the poem, intend to savour the pleasures of this garden often!