According to ancient tradition, Spring in Japan begins at the start of February.
We had seen people with their cameras, eagerly snapping pictures of early narcissi, but this did not stop the snow from tumbling down. The snow was still on the ground when we visited the Shinjuku National Garden the next day. But this did not diminish its beauty.
The trees at Shinjuku National Garden are almost bare at this time of year
A Traditional Japanese Garden
This is a garden laid out on classical lines. We strolled through the “English Landscaped Garden” – mostly trees and wide lawns – where early spring violas peeked through the ground. Then into the “French Formal Garden” with its symmetrical hedges and flower beds.
But it was the Traditional Japanese Garden that we had come to see. It was everything that I had expected: little bridges crossing a lake brimming with golden carp, trees and bushes laid out in perfect harmony. Even the snow seemed carefully placed to blend in with the landscape.
The Japanese Formal Garden is laid out along classical lines
The snow seems to blend in with the harmony of the garden
Unfortunately the Japanese Tea Room was closed: a pity as a hot cup of tea would have been ideal for fending off the biting cold wind. We walked around the lake instead, noting the reflection of Tokyo’s high rise towers in the water, a reminder that ancient and modern sit side by side here.
The Japanese Tea Room
A tall tower is reflected in the lake
The Greenhouses of Shinjuku National Garden
The greenhouses are full of tropical and semitropical flowers
Cherry blossom – a welcome sign of spring!
My novel “Shadow of the Dome”
Beautiful pictures, great at capturing the beautiful of the garden any time of the year. Love the look of Cherry Blossoms can't wait to see spring here.
Great photos. You must be having a great time. I have never experienced spring as I am from Africa. Hope to visit Japan one day though.
Thanks, Heather and Billy. Now back in the UK watching the first signs of Spring arrive here.
This garden is absolutely stunning. I love your photos!
Thanks Sophie!
This gardens are absolutely gorgeous! This reminds me a lot of the cherry blossoms in Korea when I lived there teaching English.
Korea must have been fascinating, Samuel. I always imagine it as a bit like Japan in some ways, but very different in others.
I'm in Tokyo right now and hope to follow your footsteps Karen! The weather is horrible, though!
Hope you enjoy it – and I hope the weather improves for you!