Hamarikyu - We Begin our 3rd Day in Japan

Day 3 - Our original plan was to take the Toei Subway Mita line to Otemachi Station and tour Asakusa. However, Dean had a surprise prepared for us instead. We walked a little less than a mile from our hotel to Hamarikyu Gardens which is a beautiful park located at the mouth of the Sumida river.

Touring the garden was a nice change of pace from our prior days activities. The garden seemed to have a calming effect on all of us as we wandered leisurely amongst the beautiful greenery. My friend Kurt exclaimed that he could spend all day there, relaxing and taking in the beauty of the garden.

The history of Hamarikyu Gardens go back to the 17th century when it was originally a mansion and hunting ground for the Tokugawa Shogunate. It later became a detached palace of the Emperor after the Meiji Restoration. In 1945 the ownership of the garden was passed on to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and has been open to the public ever since. I am told that the word "rikyu" in Hamarikyu means "detached palace" and is of Meiji origin.

The above picture really captured the essence of what Tokyo often felt like as we traveled the city. The new and the old, side by side. When you were in the park facing a certain direction, all you saw was this picturesque Japanese garden that looked ancient and unchanged. Look behind you and you were surrounded by the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo. Respect for the old while moving forward with the new. When you think of Japan do you imagine a city of neon signs, commuter trains and black suited business men or do you think of a place of ancient shrines, centuries old traditions and women who still wear Kimono around the city?

Another group picture before we leave the park. I didn't see a weight restriction posted for the bridge, but this picture sure makes you wonder if they should have one.