Monday, January 14, 2008

Japanese Tea Garden, Part 2

I forgot to add this photo to yesterday's post, but it shows the steps on the Moon Bridge. Pretty steep and scary.


This is the Main Gate entrance. Too bad it was such a cloudy day in the City.


This is the tea room where visitors can drink tea, have cookies, and look out onto the zen garden.


From what I read, this is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States. A few scenes from the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha" were filmed here. Here is some additional history of this garden written by the original creator's great-great grandson if you want to read up on it.

- AV

17 comments:

Dana a/k/a Sunshine said...

Wow, those are steep. More like a ladder than stairs. Cool to see that view! I would be scared to cross it, I must admit!

Memoirs of a Geisha..I saw that!

AVCr8teur said...

I've only seen bits and pieces of Memoirs of a Geisha. I guess next time I see it, I'll look for some scenes from the the garden. I guess they should put a soft pad at the bottom. During the height of the tourist season, the bridge is packed with climbers.

Andrea said...

Wow, the steps are steep. Looks like a challenge. These pictures are all beautiful. This is an interesting post on the history of this garden.

dot said...

What funny looking steps. I'd probably fall off. lol. The bridge fascinates me tho.

sabriena said...

I think I would be a little nervous going across that bridge with how steep it is! Very nice pictures though..so beautiful.

AVCr8teur said...

Thanks Andrea. I never knew about the history until I started doing some research. Glad you found it interesting.

AVCr8teur said...

Dot, those steps are funny. Not sure if they were trying to make the climb discouraging or challenging.

AVCr8teur said...

Sabriena, Thanks for visiting my blog. Thank goodness for those railings on the side otherwise I think it would be quite dangerous.

Lilli & Nevada said...

Oh i have always wanted to go see the Gardens in Portland but have never made it yet, these are really nice.
Just trying to check in while i have a bit of a connection with friends puter

NYCindividual said...

Wow! I can't wait to go there! I went last Sunday, and it was beautiful out, but it was crowded so I turned around and went home. I may go again sometime soon if the weather cooperates. It's been nice out lately.

AVCr8teur said...

Lilli & Nevada, I hope you're having a great time on your road trip. I've been to the garden in Portland it's very similar. Hope you'll stop there some time.

AVCr8teur said...

NYCIndividual, I took these photos in Dec. It's usually foggy in the City so when it's a beautiful day, everyone will come out. I was at Alcatraz last weekend. It was beautiful there.

Fénix - Bostonscapes said...

Oh my goodness! These pix are delightful! What a gem this place is. I will never forget the amazing giant peonies I saw there!

lina said...

wow! I'd be scared climbing it. Not to be ventured while wearing a short skirt, definitely

lina said...

wow! I'd be scared climbing it. Not to be ventured while wearing a short skirt, definitely

AVCr8teur said...

Thank you Fenix! So you've been here. I'm sure it's lovelier in March/April during Cherry Blossom time.

AVCr8teur said...

Haha, Lina. Definitely not to be climbed in short skirt, high heels, sandals, or barefoot.