Rain

In Japan we have a rainy season between spring and summer and in Tokyo it usually begins in early June and lasts until the end of July. During a rainy season dark gray sky and humidity may annoy you almost every day… But does rain depress you?

Rain grows hedges.

  

Rain washes away dirt and refreshes green.

Rain creates illusions.  

     

Rain inspired Hiroshige Utagawa (1797-1858), one of the ukiyo-e (color woodblock print) masters of the late Edo period (mid-19^th century), to create a masterpiece “Shower on Ohashi Bridge at Atake” which surprised people: Oh, rain is depict-able!

  

Rain relayed inspiration to Vincent van Gogh to make a copy.  

Rain still falls on the bridge of today which is now called Shin Ohashi Bridge and spans the Sumida-gawa River viewing toward the opposite bank of Fukagawa area of Koto City once called “Atake”.

Rain comforts sorrow and reminds us of gratitude for sunshine.

And now the rainy season is over and shiny summer has just begun.    by A.M. 

Hot and humid summer has come in Japan.

Would you like to visit koto city and enjoy sightseeing during summer vacation? 

If so, please join our free walking tours!

Summer party at Kiyosumi Garden

Ryotei at Kiyosumi Garden 

Kiyosumi Garden park is one of the most famous scenic spots in Tokyo.

It is said that this garden is used to be a property of famous merchant, Kinokuniya Bunzaemon , then later become a residence area of feudal lord in 1878. In 19^th century, the founder of Mitsubishi　zaibatsu, one of the greatest financial conglomerates, Iwasaki Yataro bought this property for providing to his employees as one of welfare purpose or treat the important guests. After the time of re-design and construction, the garden opened to the public and named Fukagawa Shinbokuen.

A view from terrace of Ryotei

 In 1979, this garden is designated as the famous sightseeing spot by Tokyo government, as a Kiyosumi garden.

This garden is famous for its design, strolling style tree filled design. As many typical strolling style garden, Kiyosumi garden feature a central pond with rocks and trees arranged around it. 

A view from terrace of Ryotei

Some strolling style gardens have a rest house for relaxing, having tea break, enjoying a cool breeze or moon-viewing. 

A view of Mt. Fuji

A view from terrace of Ryotei

Preparation for party

At Kiyosumi garden, the house “Ryotei” was originally built in purpose for rest house, though it is opened to public to promote peoples communication chance, such as meeting, gathering or party.

From the terrace of Ryotei, you can overlook 360 degree of Kiyosumi garden.

For our party, we brought our own foods and drinks. Once entering Ryotei, we started setting the tables, zabuton (Japanese cushion) for relaxing, eating and chatting.

The room is large enough for 23 of us.

At the end of party, we took our pictures as a good memory in summer vacation.

by A.C

It’s hot and humid at middle summer in Japan.

Would you like to visit koto city and enjoy cool breezing at Kiyosumi Garden ? 

If so, please join our free walking tours!