Kenroku-en: Fall Light-Up

We previously showed you some pictures of a light-up of Kenroku-en, the local major garden. Apparently, they do one of these in each season, and the past two weekends were the fall light-up. We were able to go one evening to see the garden in all its autumn glory, lit up at night. This is a very nice event because it's free, it's beautiful, and it's rather romantic to walk through a softly-lit garden at night, even if your significant other isn't interested in holding hands in public.  (Ed. Note: It was pretty freaking romantical to begin with, no need to get crazy with it, especially in Japan)

We managed to go on a not-so-perfect evening; it was a bit chilly and there was a constant rainy mist. Not bad enough to use umbrellas while in the park itself, just constant moisture.  Some of the views are quite dramatic lit up, and the whole place feels smaller and more private at night, even with all the people around.

We ran into another teacher we work with who had come to see the park, and we stuck together for the walk.

A classical string band was playing on the porch of one of the shops at the edge of the pond, so most of the park could hear them play, which further contributed to the pleasant ambiance.

After satisfying our need to witness the spectacle of illuminated vegetation, hamburgers were in order, so we took the bus down to Freshness Burger and got our American food fix.


Full, mostly not great pictures available on Flikr.