Sankeien Garden

(Sankeien G)arden was built by Hara Sankei and opened to the public in 1904. Among the historic buildings exhibited in the park are an elegant daimyo (feudal lord) residence, several tea houses and the main hall and three storied pagoda of Kyoto's old Tomyoji Temple.

 - from Japan Travel Guide

Yesterday I wrote about Carol, Gina and my adventure on the 'Ptomaine' Expressway.  I had promised pictures of Sankeien Garden (Sankei-en Garden), a silk merchant's home and garden, our first, and most direct stop of our "day off".

This is the oldest pagoda in the Kanto Region.  It was moved to the garden from Kyoto

The turtles would pile up like... puppies...

Come on Yurtle!  You can make it!  Stretch that neck a bit farther...

Ume in bloom...

The blossom's were beautiful against the pine trees...

The Camellia's were in bloom...

 

Beautiful to see the trees in bloom against the textures of the tiles and wood

 

Many of the buildings are National Cultural Property (think Historical Registry...) were moved here from elsewhere in Japan.  Tea House, a Hida House (traditional home from the mountainous region, roof shaped like praying hands...), a Pagoda, statuary, coffins... (OK, so I have pics of these two years ago - missed them this time around).

The landscaping is beautiful, attracting many that come to the garden to paint...

for a stroll...

a break...

snacking on Dango (grilled mocha balls - this one has black sesame on it)...

photo ops...

PHOTO OPS...

Many soon-to-be brides and grooms come to get their engagement photos taken...

 

And some just come for personal betterment...