This morning we spent visiting the Kenroku-en garden, one of the top 3 traditional gardens in Japan. We were stunned by the trouble the people go too to keep trees from falling over or branches from breaking off. The area has heavy snow falls in winter and no doubt this takes it's toll on the trees, the weight of the snow on the branches. Nevetheless, one would think nature must take it's course. We then went to the Nagamachi Samurai House district with it's walled streets (a strange thing in Japan). Some of these houses are known for their quality woodwork, costly windowpanes (paper) and serene gardens.
... read more