Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden ♥ ♥ ♥

 

I learn many things about myself when I travel.

One of the things I learned is that I like gardens and parks. Trees, grass, flowers, bees, also the food vendors.

I make sure to visit a park whenever I travel.

Last Tokyo trip it was Yoyogi Park. Ohmygod, I LOVE YOYOGI PARK! (See the craziness here!)

 

 

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This trip I went to Shinjuku Gyoen

 

 

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Can you believe this 58.3-hectare place of zen is right smack at the center of one of the
busiest cities in the world? 

 

 

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The National Garden was the residence of feudal lord Naito during the Edo Period. It was 
converted into a botanical garden later on, and then transferred to the Imperial Family in 1903.
The park was destroyed completely during World War II and was eventually rebuilt and 
became a public park in 1949. 

 

 

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Giant spiders live in the bushes. Look at that web!

 

 

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It captured a bird, too! Not sure if Spidey knows it's an origami. :P

 

 

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June is the season for hydrangeas

 

 

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This color ♥ 

 

 

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There are three different gardens inside Shinjuku Gyoen. This is the Japanese Garden
with ponds and bridges and perfectly manicured shrubs 

 

 

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In the Japanese Garden stands the Taiwan Pavilion which was built for the wedding of
the Showa Emperor. And what a picturesque sight!

 

 

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I spotted a man sitting across the pavilion, trying to capture it on paper

 

 

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There is also the more elaborate French Garden with rose bushes

 

 

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Rows and rows of sycamore trees

 

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And the English Garden with wide, open lawns

 

 

Another thing I love about gardens is the serenity and calmness and romance around it. 

I enjoy watching people hold hands, stare into each other's eyes, smile, kiss, laugh, hug, snuggle - like they do in Paris. (Also Luneta. Lol.) I took so many heartwarming photos that will make you go "aawwwww…" You must check them out here.

Gardens are for lovers.

 

 

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But gardens are not for lovers in Tokyo, Japan

 

 

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I guess the Japanese are more conservative and reserved

 

 

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 I was at the park for a good 2 hours and this was the sweetest couple I saw. Awww… :)

 

 

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In Tokyo, gardens are for families

 

 

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Where mommies play with babies while daddies sleep under the trees

 

 

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Sometimes naughty birds will try to steal your picnic food

 

 

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So many people eating! I'm hungry now!

 

 

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Done with my morning walking exercise. Time for lunch! :)

 

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
Tel: +81 3 3350-0151

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Website