TRAFFIC by Alma Reyes
Tranquility in a Winter Garden
Despite Tokyo’s reputation as a megalopolis of crowds, frenzy and chaos, it boasts of many beautiful parks and gardens worth visiting. In Hiroo, right in the city center, the Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park, just a few minutes walk from Hiroo subway station, spreads over 67,000 square meters of terrain slopes, a mountain stream, waterfall, pond, stone bridges, and a forest of flora and trees that flourish in the changing seasons. In spring, you can enjoy the plum and cherry blossoms, and dogwoods; in summer, the irises and hydrangeas; and in fall, the bright red maples and yellow ginkgo leaves. In winter, the foliage may appear bit dry and colorless, but there are a few remaining maple leaves that glitter behind the pond. You can hear the gentle stream that evokes a tranquil and spiritual calmness in the cold season. A stroll along the slopes takes you to varied elevations that reveal breathtaking panoramic views from different directions. The historical park was, in fact, occupied by the feudal lord Minonokami Nambu during the Edo era
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until it was developed into the residence for the Imperial Prince Tanehito (1887-1908), son of Imperial Prince Arisugawa-no-miya Takehito (1862-1913). The land was eventually donated to the Tokyo Metropolitan and converted into a public park in 1934. Such a refreshing site of nature with a significant historical background that is carefully preserved and impressively maintained should be your next destination for a moment of breadth and solace.
Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park 5 Chome-7-29 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo Hiroo station, Hibiya Line, 3-minute walk
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2021
