Tokyo, Japan--Garden Walks, Tower Views, and Brew Reviews
A walk through Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, then a ride to view Tokyo City from the top of Tokyo Tower. Two beer reviews, too.
After a busy overland to Kyoto and Nara, we opted for an easy day on the Mariner’s final day in Tokyo and booked the 4.5-hour, Regent-included GARDENS AND TOKYO TOWER.
The HIGHLIGHTS included:
Walk the paths of Koishikawa Korakuen, a premier urban garden created in the Edo Period.
Visit Tokyo Tower, a soaring telecommunication tower and a city icon symbolizing Tokyo’s rebirth after World War II.
Enjoy sweeping views of Tokyo from atop the tower’s observation platform.
Designated as an “important historical asset” and a “site of special historical significance,“ Koishikawa Korakuen is one of the few gardens in Japan to have this double designation. The gardens were initially constructed in 1629 as part of Tokugawa Mitsukuni’s private residence during the Edo period. They’ve been around nearly 400 years, and they’re an urban oasis in the midst of the busy city.
The garden was designed in the kaiju style—a circuit style—with a central pond, paths, and smaller ponds radiating from it. The pond is a beauty, offering shimmering reflections of the garden features even in cloudy weather.
Mitsukuni was deeply influenced by Chinese texts and consulted Chinese experts from the Ming dynasty for advice on design elements. Therefore, there are many Chinese elements in this classical Japanese garden.
The central lake, Dai-sensui, was fashioned after Lake Bawa near Kyoto. In the early years of the garden’s existence, small boats plied these waters. The only things we saw plying the lake were a small turtle and a few ducks.
Japanese maples, in full leaf, hang over many of the paths. We missed the cherry blossom season, but the garden’s varied greens were still lovely.
This is a rustic, Chinese-styled stone sidewalk, a winding pathway with cut blocks of stone and natural rocks. It’s pretty, but not the easiest surface to walk on.
How is it that the supports for the aged tree only make it look more beautiful, almost like a natural sculpture?
When we visited, Japanese iris fields were in bloom. The park is small, and the urban cityscape is always in the background.
A rustic pathway through the iris. As was common practice, no nails were used to construct the wooden path.
We drove through the heart of the city, passing skyscrapers of unusual and interesting design. Our guide explained that all downtown buildings must be zoned for multiple uses—stores or offices on lower floors, underground parking, and residences or hotels on the upper floors. This way, the city is never “dead at night.” People live and work downtown, and it is “always open, always alive.”
This colossal communication tower, Tokyo Tower, was erected in 1958 to symbolize Japan’s rebirth after WW2 and defines Tokyo’s skyline.
We rode the elevator to the tower’s nearly 500-foot-high Grand Observation Platform. It was clear enough that we could see the city unfold in every direction.
The Great Shinto Shrine of the Tower was erected in 1977 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Nippon Denpato, the company of the Tokyo Tower’s owners. Its mission was to pray for the company’s continued prosperity and the welfare of all visitors. It was renovated in 2008 on the tower’s 50th anniversary. It claims to be the “highest elevation shrine located within a building in Tokyo.” That’s a lot of qualifiers!
I got another goshuin stamp for my book. By the time we leave Japan, my book might be full! What a lovely moment that will be of our days in Japan.
This was the view through the heavy glass panel embedded in the floor of the Tokyo Tower.
Bob and Bart tested the strength of the glass floor panel. Nothing gave way under their combined weights—all is well!
It was clear enough that we could see the city unfold in every direction.
After the tour, we returned to the ship for a quick lunch and planned to take the shuttle bus back into the city center. Unfortunately, we misread the shuttle schedule, and the bus service was only available yesterday. When we discovered this, we felt we didn’t have enough time to hire a taxi, enjoy our time in the city, and then return to the ship by the time of departure.
We made the best of a disappointing situation and walked around the cruise terminal instead. It offered decent views of the city shoreline.
Nest Beer Pale Ale and Hitachino Nest White Ale. Both beers were brewed at Kiuchi Brewery, which has its primary location in Naka, Japan, and a second brewery at Beer Labs in Tokyo.
Nest Beer Pale Ale. ABV of 5.5%. Sherpa’s take: “The IPA is a light golden color. The IPA is a low-impact IPA. The hops and bitter notes are light and subdued. It has a modest carbonation and a soft mouthfeel. The aftertaste is very lightly bitter.” 6/10.
Hitachino Nest White Ale. 5.5% ABV. Sherpa’s take: “Pale shade of gold. The White Ale is a soft Whit Beer with fruity notes softened by the wheat base. It has a nicely balanced taste, low carbonation, and a silky mouthfeel. The aftertaste is smooth and slightly sweet.” 6.5/10.
Both beers were very pleasant and enjoyable. Thanks, Trish, for sharing these Tokyo beers.
Here’s a view of the Seven Seas Mariner from the balcony of the Tokyo Cruise terminal. Goodbye, Tokyo. Can’t wait until we visit again!
Next port of call: Hitachinaka, Japan.
Beautiful. I'm loving the crooked path in particular and the 'no nails' there's something poetic just in that for me. How much longer to do you have on your journey? Salud to Sherpa, his beers and the revies!
Having only ever seen Japanese inspired gardens here in the US, I loved seeing the pictures you posted! Those maple leaves in Japanese irises are gorgeous! Undoubtedly a welcome sight after so many urban adventures!