Walk with me: Kiyosumi Shirakawa By Lala Lopez de Leon
autumn would have it, and best of all, there was no crowd at the garden that would have otherwise made us nervous. Heaven blessed us! “If a picture paints a thousand words…” I’m just mesmerized by the serene beauty of it all. November 23, 2021. Labor Thanksgiving Day.
Kiyosumi Gardens is known to be one of the best
Everyone of us claims this day as all our own, a full day to unwind and put work out of our minds…at least until the day is over. So, off I went to meet up with dear old friends, who share the same passion for walking - particularly, exploring the least “touristy” spots about town. That passion also means love for all things beautiful, everything that stimulates the five senses...everything that tastes good! All this we savored at our walking tour of Kiyosumi Gardens and the town of Kiyosumi Shirakawa! That day couldn’t have been more perfect! The sun was up, the air cool and crisp as
examples of a Meiji Period “Teien” with elements of the classic style of the Edo Period garden for a Daimyo – basically, a strolling garden centered around a large pond abound with trees. To me, what makes this garden even more enticing is its hosting a boulder inscribed with the most famous “Haiku” poem of Matsuo Basho (1644-1694). 「古池や蛙飛びこむ水の 音」＝Furu ike ya, Kawazu Tobikomu, Mizu no Oto. My own literal translation would be: Unto an old pond, a frog leaps in...the sound of water.
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I wish I were more articulate to convey the exact emotions of the
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2021
