好古園 Koko-en Gardens by the Himeji Castle

The Garden of the Lord's residence

Japanese garden “Koko-en” was opened in 1992 to celebrate 100th year anniversary of Himeji City

 at the exact site of Nishi-Oyashiki (Lord’s West Residence) with Himeji Castle.

The archaeologically excavated site of samurai houses and roads was utilized

 and the gardening techniques of the Edo period (1603-1868) was used. 

The 3.5 hectare garden is composed of nine separate walled gardens designed in different style.
This post covers some of them.

The comfortable sound of water leads visitors to the Garden of the Lord's Residence,
which is the biggest garden in Koko-en.
There are about 250 colorful Koi carp in the large pond.

Seasonal flowers bloom one after another.

During the hanami season when I visited Himeji Castle

(White Egret in the Sea of Sakura)

cherry blossoms were the most eye-catching,

giving grace and beauty to the Flatly Landscaped Garden.

The photo below; Japanese Quince

One month later in May, dominant colors are refreshing shades of green.

Bamboo fences separate the garden from the outside and are decorative.

Bamboo is strong, yet flexible, which allows for a great variety of designs.

 When it is exposed to sun and rain, it is relatively short-lived weathering sooner, 

but it ages gracefully. 

These bamboo fences below subdivide the gardens.

In the Tea Ceremony Garden, inside and outside of the architecture becomes one

with big windows wide open.

I like this integration of interiors and exteriors.

At the authentic sukiya style teashouse, Souju-an, Green powdered tea is served.

Drinking a cup of rich frothy green tea;

a moment of pause and reflection,

to finish the gardens tour or to have a rest in between.

Linked to Our World Tuesday

White Egret in the sea of Sakura

The severity of winter doesn’t affect the blooming time of Sakura (Cherry blossoms).  

The buds of Sakura get into sleep in summer right after birth, get awake 

by the chill air of winter and wait for warm air over 15 degrees C to open.  

This season, too early visit of winter and the sudden warming up from the bitter cold

 followed by the unseasonable warm days made Sakura bloom much earlier than usual.

When Somei-yoshino, the most widely planted flowering cherry trees in Japan, were in full bloom,

I enjoyed "hanami" (cherry blossom viewing) stroll at Himeji Castle, aka White Egret Castle.

The Castle looked like floating over the pink clouds like a white egret with spreading wings.

National Treasure, UNESCO World Heritage site
Current structure from the 17th century

Sangoku-bori Moat

 Himeji Castle is a massively but gracefully fortified castle which was never attacked. 

From the Hishi Gate to the main keep, the labyrinth-like approach leads through multiple gates, 

walled paths, and baileys, with the purpose to slow down and expose attacking forces. 

At the heart of the complex stands the main keep, a six story wooden structure plastered white. 

It is one of only a handful of castle keeps in Japan featuring wing buildings, 
adding both beauty and complexity to its appearance.

Looking up the main Keep from the Hon-maru Bailey (1^st Bailey)

The view from the Nishino-maru Garden

Kesho-yagura Tower and a part of Long Connecting Corridor

Soft breeze stirs pale-pink snow of petals from the branches.

Sakura has the most beautiful way of saying farewell.

The northern part surrounding the castle is covered with virgin forests

and people are sparse in the quieter atmosphere unlike the southern side with the Otemon gate.

Camellias and Sakura

Sakura with the backdrop of Camellia

Himeji Shrine

A moat runs into the neighboring zoo on the eastern grounds.

The view of the main keep seen from one place of the zoo

"Hanami" boat on the outer moat

Somei-yoshino Sakura was too fleeting this year due to the consecutive sunny and warm days.
In my neighborhood, the blossoms are almost over and the fresh leaves have appeared.
Somei-yoshino Sakura front is going north, dying Japanese archipelago pink.

More about Himeji Castle; A White Egret standing in the Himeji plain.

Linked to Weekend Reflections
Mosaic Monday