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Reporter:
Fukuoka has a number of places where citizens can enjoy
a relaxing time. Today, we will show you two Japanese gardens
where you can immerse yourself in the ever-changing scenery
of seasonal colors.
Reporter:
The first place we are visiting is Yusentei Park, in Jonan
ward, Fukuoka City.
Reporter:
The light falling through the new green leaves is beautiful.
The tender breeze is so refreshing; it's the best time of
the year!
Reporter:
Yusentei Park covers approximately 9,900 square meters.
You can enjoy peaceful walks along the paths surrounding
a large pond.
Reporter:
Take a look at this! So many trunks are growing from the
ground. This is a fragrant olive (orange osmanthus) that
is nearly 300 years old. It's so big!
Reporter:
Other old trees in the garden, creating a tranquil atmosphere,
include camphor, podocarpus, and camellia, to name just
a few.
Reporter:
When was this garden built?
Reporter:
During the mid-Edo period about 250 years ago. It was originally
a villa owned by Tsugitaka Kuroda, the sixth lord (a 6th-generation
member) of the Kuroda clan. In 1981, Fukuoka City made it
into a park.
Narration:After
a stroll in the park, you can enjoy matcha tea in an historical
building constructed during the early Showa period.
Reporter:
Ummm, it's delicious! Having tea in such a beautiful setting...,
what more could I ask for?
Narration:Yusentei
Park with its historic, artful Japanese garden has been
recognized by Fukuoka City as a ‘Place of Scenic Beauty’.
Narration:
Next, we'll visit Rakusuien, an urban oasis set deep within
the buildings.
Reporter:
This garden was built by Shimozawa-Zenemon-Chikamasa, a
Hakata merchant of the Meiji period. Since the garden includes
a tea room, it has many sophisticated features related to
the tea ceremony.
Reporter:
I find this wall rather unique.
Mr.
Tada: Interesting, isn't it? It's
called Hakata-bei (meaning Hakata wall), and is a well-known
feature of Rakusuien. When Toyotomi Hideyoshi reconstructed
the merchant town of Hakata after the war, broken pieces
of roof tiles and burnt stones were arranged in patterns
and plastered into the wall.
Mr.
Tada: This is Suikinkutsu (literally
"water koto cave"), a garden ornament and musical
device. A Karatsuware pot has been set into the ground upside
down. Can you hear the dripping sound of the water? It's
rather faint.
Reporter:
Yes, you’re right! I hear a high-pitched sound from the
ground.
Mr.
Tada: So this is Suikinkutsu.
Narration:
Let's take a look at the tea room.
Reporter:
In this room people are studying tanka poems. Over here,
they are enjoying the tea ceremony.
Narration:
At Yusentei and Rakusuien, you can use the tea rooms by
making reservations in advance.
Reporter:
Why are you drawn to Japanese gardens?
Visitor
A: I think it's the peaceful tranquility.
Visitor
B: I'm usually swamped with household
chores, and there are others here who are busy with work.
But visiting this garden allows us to regain our sense of
selves.
Reporter:
Yusentei created by the head of the Kuroda clan, and Rakusuien
built by a Hakata merchant, have different attractions.
But both are calming sanctuaries welcoming visitors throughout
the seasons.
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