Jeepney Press / Lala Lopez De Leon

Walk With Me By Lala Lopez de Leon

November 23, 2021. Labor Thanksgiving Day.

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.

Kiyosumi Gardens

Photo by Lala Lopez de Leon

So, o 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 ve 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 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.

Kiyosumi Gardens

Photo by Lala Lopez de Leon

Kiyosumi Gardens is known to be one of the best 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.

Kiyosumi Gardens

Photo by Lala Lopez de Leon

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.

I wish I were more articulate to convey the exact emotions of the

Kiyosumi Gardens

Photo by Lala Lopez de Leon

moment spent amidst this beauty! I do think Kiyosumi Gardens is an idyllic setting for love and romance, too. I wonder if any man had used this as a backdrop to get down on one knee and propose to his lady love?

Lala & friends

Photo by Lala Lopez de Leon

No chance for romance that lovely day, we took one last group sel e, and ventured out onto the neighborhood of Kiyosumi Shirakawa. I wonder how the garden looks in winter, and in spring? Hasta la vista!

Kiyosumi Gardens

Photo by Lala Lopez de Leon

Lala & friends