A Stairway

The walk that we did to lunch through the garden at the Chinzanso Hotel was down hill. We started at the top and followed our guide down the path. That meant that the walk back to our bus at the top was up-hill, including this stairway.

We needed the walk back as lunch was delicious and very filling. Japanese BBQ including onions, carrots, okra, sweet potato, red capsicum and thin morsels of meat all cooked on a flat topped BBQ in the center of our table. The staff cooked for us this time, and all was served with steamed rice.

A Pagoda

This pagoda in the garden of the Chinzanso Hotel, Tokyo, is a three story one. Known as "Entsukaku", the pagoda is registered as a "tangible cultural property" of Japan. Originally located in Chikurinji Temple, Hiroshima Prefecture, the pagoda was relocated to the Chinzanzo Hotel Garden in 1925. it is believed to be one of the oldest pagodas in Japan, estimated to being built around the 1100's. 

Another Bridge

Still another bridge to cross on our way to lunch, walking through the garden of the Chinzanso Hotel in Tokyo. This was a little curved stone bridge, complete with signs. No doubt the bridge came from somewhere else before hand, the signs would have told us where. Unfirtunately I didn't get a pic of the signns or I could have told you all.

Garden Art Pt 3

This is the Koshin Stone Monument, and according to the sign beside it, is believed to have been made in 1659.

The garden of the Chinzanso Hotel is full of historical artifacts from all over Japan.

Garden Art Pt 2

A close up of one of the stone statues in the garden of the Chinzanso Hotel. There were twenty of them all scattered around the garden.

Garden Art

Part of the "Stone Statues of Rakan", these little fellows were found in the garden as we walked through the grounds of the Chinzanso Hotel for lunch. There are 20 of them in all, created by Jakuchu Ito in the 1600's. Originally they were in Seikhoji Temple in Kyoto, and were deliverd to this location in Tokyo in 1925.

A Red Bridge

That little splash of red turned out to be a red bridge going across a little creek, though we couldn't see any water below, it was way to overgrown. We had to cross this little red bridge to get to lunch.

A Walk Through The Garden

We were dropped off at the entrance to the Chinzanso Hotel and had to walk through the grounds, down the hill to the restaurant where we were to have lunch. As we walked down the path. this was the first view of the garden we had. I just loved that little spalsh of red in amongst all the green.

The Tour Continues

Our Dynamic Tour of Tokyo continues. So far today we have visited Tokyo Tower, the teahouse garden, and experienced a tea ceremony. Our next stop was the Chinzanso Hotel for lunch and a walk through the garden of this hotel.

A Pathway Down

We had walked up to the shine of yesterday's post to have a closer look, and this was a view of the pathway back down. I am assuming that the light at the bottom is to mark the junction of the pathways. The pathway at the bottom was the pathway to the tea house itself.

Another Shrine

Tucked away in a corner of the garden was a shrine. it was even complete with a Tori gate. If we look close we can even see the two protectors either side of the shrine.

A Pathway

Another stone pathway and still more garden lights. Just another section of this stunning garden in the center of Tokyo.

An Umbrella

I saw this umbrella in the garden of the tea house and wondered what it was for. In the photo there is a little plaque on the post but I missed this on the day. There is a rock that is flat enough to sit on, but the umbrella does not quite cover it and I think that the sitter would get wet in any rain. The umbrella isn't even high enough to stand under in any weather. I am sure it has a purpose, but I am baffled to see it. Maybe it is only there for decoration. We do have umbrellas in the gardens in Australia, but they are quite large and usually over seating areas for shade reasons. I have yet to see on purely for decoration

Check out the stone pathway! Is that not inspiration for some kind stitching?

A Little Bridge

A View from the top now, back down the hill to the little bridge that crosses the exit to the lake.

A Stairway

Still in the garden of the tea house, a set of stairs leading up and around the garden to view the lake from the other side.

A Lake View

A view out over the lake now with another of those gorgeous garden lights. This would be so pretty at night with the light all on. A little tranquillity in the heart of Tokyo.

Supported Trees

Still in the grounds of the tea house, I found these trees nearly toppled into the lake. Of any of the lakes & waterways in Australia that  have see, these trees would definitely been no more. But here in Japan I have seen a lot of trees supported with bamboo. There are tree quite large supports here, helping to hold the trees in place. I wonder how many little children want to climb out on them and swing there legs out over the water?

The path in the garden continued around the lake to the left, and if we look closely we can just see another bridge in the center of the photo.

Tea House

A view of the tea house it'self now from the garden. Set in the back corner of the garden, the roof is tiled and parts of it are heavily covered in moss. When we did finally get inside, we were to be careful not to touch the walls as they were paper. Apparently the structure is quite old.

Tea House Garden Pt 7

Check out this version of a lake house. Built on rocks and extending out over the lake, this lake house has a thatched roof and great clear views into the lake of the tea house garden to see the resident fish.

Tea House Garden Pt 6

Another view of the lake edge with another of those gorgeous garden lights. It would have been so pretty to see this garden at night with these light all lit up.