Sunday, December 5th, let's escape the toxic concrete city to explore peaceful Ichikawa, "The Garden City" & enjoy wonderful Rosenheim Garden & the amazing, "Momiji Hiroba", which will be ablaze with beautiful fall colors!
First, we'll enjoy an amazing 360 degree panoramic view of the Tokyo-Chiba bay area from the spacious 45th floor observation deck of the Ichikawa I-Link Tower. (I think the view from here is much better than the view from Tokyo Sky Tree & it's FREE!)
https://www.kanpai-japan.com/chiba/i-link-tower-observatory
We'll walk along the wide, green Edogawa river to the heights of Konodai, where the ruins of old Satomi castle sleep beneath majestic trees & mossy stones!
There are many Ichou (Ginko) trees, Momiji (Maple) Oaks, Laurels, and other trees which are brilliantly colorful this time of year, especially in the Momiji hiroba, a spacious place which is an astonishing sight & paradise for photographers!
I visited 82 hectare Satomi Park last month & saw thousands of roses blooming in the European-style garden beside sparkling fountains, in great bushes & climbing high on graceful arbors! (The rose garden is named for one of Ichikawa's sister cities, Rosenheim, Germany)
The park is lush & green, with many trees & shrubs, the castle ruins, an ancient 4th Century Kofun tomb, play areas, plus a grassy, wooded lawn & park benches where we can relax & eat lunch together before going forward.
Artifacts of the old castle may still be seen! (There are three old (2nd-5th century) Zempokoenfun burial mounds nearby, where ancient armor, swords, jewels, & treasure were found!) ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kofun
History is deep and wide in Ichikawa!
We'll enjoy hiking through shady woods & nature areas to Junsai-ike, a shimmering *hyotan-shaped pond. * (Hyotan is a magical sake gourd!)
This lovely pond is also home to many turtles, koi & a few Sagi (heron).
The rippling water, trees & sky makes an ever-changing scene which I find a most beautiful & relaxing place!
https://www.travel.smileandhappiness.net/ichikawa-birdwatching-english.html
ICHIKAWA is conveniently close to Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa & Chiba
(of course!) Just 19 minutes by JR Sobu Rapid Train from Tokyo Station!
Discover fine gardens, quaint neighborhoods, lovely old homes, fountains, statues, shrines & temples, where ancient Jomon & Yayoi-era people lived, hunted, fished & where Samurai of the rival Satomi & Hojo clans battled in the 16th century, "Sengoku" era!
https://www.travel.smileandhappiness.net/satomipark-introduction-english.html#konodaibattle
On the way, we'll pay our respects at the Tenmangu shrine, where 4 large rice-straw "dragons" have been woven, blessed with rice-wine & placed in trees nearby to protect the area from disease & plagues, a local tradition for over 500 years!
Going back, we'll visit Guhoji-dera, Tekona Inari-jinja & the legendary "Tekona Love Temple", named after a famous Heian-period beauty, whose life story inspired many ancient poets, including Matsuo Basho and others. (Emma available here ensure success in love!)
Please bring food, your drink & wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking awhile. (You may buy lunch at a convenience store at the station, or along the way.)
This walk offers many photo-opportunities, takes about 4 hours (depending on our pace) and is about 6 kilometers long, but don't worry, we'll take many breaks!
NOTE: Coming late, being a "no-show" or changing your RSVP after the deadline is no good, so please be kind. Promote & support our group!
Precautions against Covid-19, like masks, hand-washing & reasonable distancing must be observed!
Japanese weather is changeable. A light jacket & folding umbrella may be helpful. (Probably no rain, however!)
Your comments or suggestions about meetups always welcome!
Thanks, your organizer,
Kerry D.