December 18, 2007

Hibiya Park

Hibiya Park, near Ginza is a popular place for workers to relax during their lunch break. Up until the Edo period it was the placae site of the feudal lord, Matusdaira Bizennokami.
The park hosts a variety of Japanese and International festivals almost every weekend. There is an ampitheatre for small live concerts.
How to get there
The park is a 2-minute walk from Kasumigaseki station or an 8-minute walk from Yurakucho station.

June 28, 2007

Parks and Gardens in Tokyo - Shinjuku Park

There are two basic types of Japanese garden. These are "Tsukiyama" and "Karesansui". In Tsukiyama, small hills and stones represent mountains and the pond represents the sea. In "Karesansui" white sand symbolises the sea, and the stones represent hills.

Shinjuku Gyoen is regarded as being one of the most important gardens in Japan. Established on the site of an old Edo Era mansion house in 1906 (Meiji Era), it incorporates examples of Japanese, French and English landscaping. From the French garden there’s a virtually uninterrupted view of Tokyo Tower. In the Japanese garden you can take part in the tea ceremony.