Rikugien Garden in Komagome is a fine place to relax in Tokyo
Rikugien Garden in Komagome is a fine place to relax
Lee Jay Walker
Modern Tokyo Times
Komagome - Modern Tokyo Times image
Irrespective if you are a local person or tourist, it is clear that the quietness of Komagome is refreshing. It is hard to imagine that Komagome is so close to Ikebukuro and Ueno which are always bustling with shoppers and commuters. Therefore, if you have a day to relax or if you are a tourist on a short stay, then Komagome is an ideal place to stay.
The gardens in Komagome are very beautiful and Rikugien garden is one of my favourite places to relax. I often take a book to read and have a traditional drink of Japanese tea while being surrounded by beautiful nature.
At all times this garden is beautifully maintained and during your visit you will always see workers who care deeply about their job. Also, in this garden you can walk around the main area where you will see many visitors on a busy day or a little quiet during the early morning; however, the great thing about Rikugien Garden is that you can wonder around quiet areas and cut yourself off from all the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Komagome is also a treasure in itself and if you like folk art stores, traditional Japanese sweets, Japanese dyed garments, and ceramics, then this part of Tokyo is for you. In truth, even if you prefer the nightlife scene or bustling places like Shibuya it is clear that we all need to refresh ourselves and escape the stress of daily life and Komagome is an ideal place to relax and see the other side of Tokyo.
Another beautiful garden in Komagome is Kyu-Furukawa Gardens and this garden is a nice contrast to Rikugien Garden because the style is different and the smoothness of Rikugien Garden is missing but it is still beautiful and well kept.
Within Kyu-Furukawa Gardens you have a Western-style residence and garden and this was designed by Josiah Condor (1852-1920). This fine building blends in within the mixture of English and Japanese themes and both mix well together and this residence adds to the ambience of Kyu-Furukawa Gardens.
Also, if you visit both gardens then you can have a nice quiet drink of coffee or eat Japanese food or explore the quaint shops near Komagome train station, while you take a rest between visiting both gardens.
Therefore, if you are a local or a tourist it is clear that Komagome provides a place to rest and relax. Next time you feel the pressure of Tokyo life or if you are visiting the beautiful city of Tokyo for the first time; then Komagome offers you a quiet place to walk and relax around beautiful gardens and to feel another side of Tokyo.
leejay@moderntokyotimes.com (I am the writer of this article)
http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/index.html
http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/kyu-furukawa/
Please visit the above links for more information about both gardens
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Please send an email to leejay@moderntokyotimes.com and give me more details.
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