Thank you for joining the Ueno Park tour on May 1. We welcomed 4 people from Switzerland, Hong Kong and America. The weather was a little rainy and chilly. Nevertheless, we hope you enjoyed walking with us at the park. As promised, photos are posted as a memory.
After cherry blossoms have fallen at Ueno Park, the peony flowers are now in full bloom at Ueno Toshogu Garden. The garden is one of the best peony gardens in Tokyo.
Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden was opened in 1980 to commemorate the friendship between Japan and China. The peony which originates from China is called King of the hundred flowers, Goddess of Flowers or the noble and wealthy flower due to its gorgeous appearance. The peony has breathtaking large petals (10-20 centimeters), so it is compared to a beautiful woman. The flower comes in a variety of colors including white, peach, crimson, vermilion, yellow and so on.
It was during the Nara period(710-794) when the peony was introduced to Japan from China as medical plants. After that, the peony was cultivated as ornamental plants, then many types were created. Consequently, the gardening culture became familiar among the ordinary people in the Edo period. Since then, the peony has been loved by the Japanese people.
These flowers bloom twice a year in winter and spring. 500 peonies of 110 varieties are cultivated in spring and 160 of 40 varieties are cultivated in winter. Currently, the spring peonies are beautifully blossoming. It is famous that the peonies here are cultivated with extra care and attention. Other than the ponies, you can admire other beautiful flowers and plants at the garden.
In autumn, the garden will be open to the public in September to October when dahlias, another gorgeous flowers, blossom. The beautiful flowers are displayed during the three seasons.
Inside the garden, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period while admiring the beautiful scenery of the five-storied pagoda, lanterns and Japanese umbrellas.
No matter where you take it, anywhere in the garden would make a splendid picture. The spring peony festival is underway until May 8 from 9am to 5pm. The garden is conveniently located around the entrance of Ueno Toshogu Shrine at Ueno Park. Admission fee is 1,000 yen. It’s worth the price.
Once again thank you for your participation and we look forward to seeing you at other occasions.
(Yoshi)