The famous Japanese garden built in the Edo period (1603-1868)

Today's blog is about the famous Japanese garden built in the Edo period (1603-1868). 

I went to Genkyu-en, the daimyo garden of the Ii family, the lords of Hikone domain, located right next to Hikone Castle. This is the Chisen Kaiyu style garden (a style of Japanese garden with a path around a central pond and spring) that embodies the greatest extravagance of Edo period (1603-1868) culture.  

This is a garden with a bridge over a large pond, where you can enjoy seasonal scenery such as autumn leaves and fresh greenery, as well as a beautiful view of Hikone Castle's castle tower. 

At the teahouse on the hill, you can also enjoy matcha（green tea for ceremonies） and famous sweets.

Genkyu-en Garden is lit up several times a year at night. In particular, ''Moon Viewing Evening'' is held on Saturdays and Sundays from September to October. There are koto（Japanese harp）and gagaku（old Japanese court music) performances and you can hear the dignified and elegant performance accompanied by the chirping of bell insects.　I heard about this from a friend of mine. She herself  also played her koto on the day.

And also you can view the castle tower, a national treasure, from Genkyu-en and admire the harvest moon just like a feudal lord.

Hikone Castle's Castle Tower, the National Treasure 

The castle tower viewed from Genkyu-en

A resting place on the hill in the garden.

The big red umbrella is called "Nodate" umbrella. This umbrella is used at Nodate, a tea ceremony where tea or matcha is enjoyed outdoors.

This is the Japanese style room inside the wooden architecture above.

We can enjoy Matcha and sweets here. Also koto（Japanese harp）and gagaku（old Japanese court music) performances will be held on the special days.