It’s mid winter here in Tokyo and the days of late have been sun-less, rainy and dreary. Some people thrive in cold weather. The idea of cozy fireplaces, Ugg boots, snow angels and mulled wine sounds like the perfect dream. But in reality it’s more like struggling to get out of bed when it’s so cold you can see your breath, finishing work when it’s already dark out, and trying not to get sick as you go between overheated rooms and freezing outside temps all day. Yeah, I think it’s safe to say winter isn’t my favourite season!
This week’s photo challenge, Vibrant, came at a great time. I miss the colours of spring, summer and, more recently, autumn. In December, I went to Koishikawa Korakuen to catch the autumn foliage at their peak. I wanted to post about this city garden last month, but didn’t get the chance – so I’m hitting two birds with one stone today:)
Koishikawa Korakuen was created over 380 years ago, making it one of the oldest gardens in Tokyo. It’s one of 7 places in the country to have been designated both a ‘special place of scenic beauty’ and a ‘special historic site’, and is famous for its sakura in spring and momiji in autumn, as well as its bridges and water features. I’ve been at least half a dozen times since I moved to Tokyo, but nothing prepared me for the brilliance I saw this time!
Vibrant というのは 色が明るくて、鮮やかと いう意味もあり、秋の紅葉は まさに そうですね。
アルバムの写真は どれもこれも 鮮烈な印象を伝えてくれて、すばらしいです。
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ありがとうございます!今週のテーマを読んだ時に小石川後楽園の紅葉をすぐ考えさせられました。ホントウに素晴らしかったです。
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Those are really beautiful photographs! I’ve been to Tokyo in spring when the cherry blossoms were at their peak. It’s safe to say that now I want to visit during autumn! Very nice post for the challenge.
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Thank you so much, Sukanya! You were lucky to see the sakura at their peak! I love spring but after seeing so many fantastic momiji-viewing spots in Japan, I have to admit I like autumn more. :)
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I put it in my wish list, definitely, those old maples are stunning. Thank you for posting such beautiful pictures… they do fight the cold!
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Yes, they warm the heart at least! Thank you, and I hope you can check it off your list one day!
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Thank you! I have to convince myself that I’ll be able to go to Japan more than once, or I’ll keep on delaying my first visit… there’s too much to visit! ;-D
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Definitely! I’ve lived here for 5 years and there is still so much I want to see and experience!!
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These are truly beautiful 😊
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Thanks Jacqueline – these pics don’t do it justice, it was amazing to stroll around this gorgeous corner of Tokyo :)
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The photos hardly ever do.
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Hi Celia,
Beautiful shots and looking at the Autumn colours is something I never tire of, even out of season. Watch those temperature changes and stay well.
John
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Same here, John! I’m already dreaming of next autumn, haha.
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They are very striking pictures, and the theme of vibrant is very, very well represented here. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Anthony! These were some of the most vibrant autumn colours I’d ever seen – it was almost hard to believe it was real!
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The colors are amazing!!! So beautiful.
Great post!
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Thanks Noortje! It was so beautiful:)
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What a gorgeous garden – the colors are spectacular!
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Thanks Eliza! It definitely deserves the titles it’s been awarded.
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Can’t believe I missed this post, Celia. The trees look so beautiful. We were lucky to visit Kyoto & Nara during Koyo in 2012. Thanks for refreshing our memories!:)
Cheryl
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I think I visited Kyoto for koyo in 2012, too! Or maybe it was 2011. But yes, those momiji are unbelievably beautiful!!
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