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!)
This trip I went to Shinjuku Gyoen
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?
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.
Giant spiders live in the bushes. Look at that web!
It captured a bird, too! Not sure if Spidey knows it's an origami. :P
June is the season for hydrangeas
This color ♥
There are three different gardens inside Shinjuku Gyoen. This is the Japanese Garden
with ponds and bridges and perfectly manicured shrubs
In the Japanese Garden stands the Taiwan Pavilion which was built for the wedding of
the Showa Emperor. And what a picturesque sight!
I spotted a man sitting across the pavilion, trying to capture it on paper
There is also the more elaborate French Garden with rose bushes
Rows and rows of sycamore trees
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.
But gardens are not for lovers in Tokyo, Japan
I guess the Japanese are more conservative and reserved
I was at the park for a good 2 hours and this was the sweetest couple I saw. Awww… :)
In Tokyo, gardens are for families
Where mommies play with babies while daddies sleep under the trees
Sometimes naughty birds will try to steal your picnic food
So many people eating! I'm hungry now!
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