Peace
16mm, ISO 100, f/2, 1/100
In my first catch-up post (of likely a few to come from November), I went on a mini-tour of the Sankeien Garden located in the southern outskirts of Yokohama in early November. My base’s Liberty Center is experimenting with cheap afternoon/morning tours to local hotspots lately, and I am glad to participate in as many as possible for some easy ways to get more photographs and explore my cozy little corner of Japan.
For just a little bit of history of the location and why this place exists in the first place (straight from the English pamphlet):
“Sankeien Garden is a spacious Japanese garden created by Sankei Hara, a successful Yokohama businessman who had built a fortune through his silk business. The garden is approximately 175,000 m² in space and is located on land facing Tokyo Bay…Being in perfect harmony with the 17 historic architectural properties gathered from areas such as Kyoto and Kamakura, the garden provides delightful scenery that changes according to the season.”
Now, in this visit’s particular case, early November is a time of transition in my region of Japan. The leaves had not yet began to change color, and most flowers already died off. However, trees and lawns generally held on to most of their lush green color, and the sky could still often give deep blues (combined with nice warm rays from a sun lower in the sky). It is perhaps not the “best” time of the year to visit, per-se, but the warm temperatures and relatively small crowds still made for an enjoyable experience.
Right outside the south entrance, a water lily pond houses a couple buildings to walk around and see.
South Entrance Water Patio
105mm, ISO 100, T3.2, 1/1000
South Entrance Building
105mm, ISO 100, T3.2, 1/1000
And of course it’s always fun to run into some tiny bees buzzing around right past the entrance point.
Buzz Buzz
105mm, ISO 100, T5.6, 1/1250
A quick, steep walk to the top of one of the few hills takes visitors to another intricate pagoda.
Backlit
105mm, ISO 100, T3.2, 1/60
3-Story Pagoda (Oldest in Kanto Region)
16mm, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/200
Following another steep descent, I came to the garden’s main pond and saw the massive Kakushokaku building slightly hidden behind a footpath and water lily pond.
Kakushokaku (Sankei’s old home) and Wisteria Trellis
105mm, ISO 100, T3.2, 1/250
Kakushokaku Bokeh
105mm, ISO 800, T8, 1/320
Scattered around the main pond are yet more historical buildings and sights.
Main Hall of Old Tomyoji
16mm, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/160
Dark Stream
16mm, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/50
Former Yanohara Family House
16mm, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/50
Yokobuean (Country-style tea hut)
16mm, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/25
Garyobai Grove (Dragon Branches)
16mm, ISO 1600, f/5.6, 1/500 (in-camera panorama)
Eventually I came around to an arbor area containing about a dozen booths of flower artists selling very, very carefully put together flower arrangements, some more ready than others in full bloom.
Hearts (and lens flare!)
16mm, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/100
Perfect Domes
16mm, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/50
As time ticked away, I stopped by the inner garden area to check out the Edo Period buildings and landscapes as quickly as I could.
Gomon Gate
16mm, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/100
Gomon Pathway
16mm, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/100
Looking Up…
16mm, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/10
…Looking Back
16mm, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/50
Before I knew it, the sun had all but set, and it was already time to head back to the bus, concluding the only 1.5-hour tour!
South Entrance Pond
16mm, ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/250
Despite my time restrictions (and the seasonal limitations), I ended up seeing about 80% of the garden in decent detail. I may decide to head back around springtime to check out the inner garden a bit more, as well as the guaranteed Sakura and other flora. At only 500¥ for admission to the massive garden, I really have no reason not to!
That’s all for this garden-filled post, guys and gals. Thanks for dropping by! I’ve still got a good amount of photos from November to sift through, and the good news is that they start to contain a nice smattering of fall foliage in the visits I made around the Kanagawa Prefecture. As always, thanks for dropping by!
Matthew Durr Photography 