Traffic / Alma Reyes

by Alma Reyes

TRAFFIC

Chinzanso’s Magical Aurora

As we enter into the New Year of the Tiger that ushers vivacity, dynamism and strong willpower, and yet continue to swim in the sea of this incessant pandemic, we are surely in dire need of hope and positivity. Sometimes, all we can do is dream and escape through the towering heights of trees and mountains, or gush of rivers and seas in search of calmness and healing beauty.

If you are such a dreamer, you can still catch the Forest Aurora event going on at the Hotel Chinzanso garden until March 18th. In celebration of the hotel’s 70th anniversary this year, the scenic attraction is a special recreation of the northern lights using stereophonic soundscape combined with advanced light projection technology and mist of artificial clouds. The dynamic color gradation projects an aurora borealis that passes through the walkway along the Yusuichi Pond and forest trees. The light projection filters different densities from six directions. It runs approximately every thirty minutes and lasts for five minutes, transfiguring the entire garden scenery into a surreal atmosphere.

Chinzanso is one of Tokyo’s oldest hotels and garden aging from the 14th century when it was recognized as a haven of wild camellias that people called it "Tsubakiyama" or camellia mountain. The garden boasts 2,300 camellia trees from 100 different species. In 1878, former Prime Minister Yamagata tool possession of the property and built a large mansion on it with gardens that became known as Chinzanso. The garden landscaping was supervised by Katsugoro Iwamoto who was Tokyo's leading gardener. Chinzanso is blessed with splendid seasonal flowers and trees, historical monuments and statues, the red Benkei bridge with its summer fireflies, and the Gojo Waterfall. Climbing to the top of the mountain will take you to the Entsukaku Three-storey Pagoda relocated here in 1925 from a Hiroshima temple.

Perhaps, it is not a bad preoccupation to dream amid these confusing times.The Chinzanso Forest Aurora may even open windows of revelations that have been waiting for you to see.

Chinzanso Tokyo:

About 10 minutes by foot from Edogawabashi Station on the Yurakucho Line https://www.hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.com/

©Alma Reyes

Chinzanso

Alma Reyes

Alma Reyes

Jeepney Press