Kairakuen

Located in Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture the Kairakuen is rated as one of the top three public gardens in Japan.

Built originally by a Tokugawa noble it  is famous for its thousands of plum trees that blossom in the spring before the cherry blossoms and rival them in diversity and beauty.

Also in middle of the park perched on a hill is the fabulous Kobuntei which was used as a sort pleasure house/ home away from home by the Tokugawa lord. It then it was also used as a samurai school.

 It has been stunningly restored and houses the most beautuful series of rooms and screens overlooking the park.The wonderful and careful use of all the tradional materials is a joy to see.

Oshibana

We went to the Ofuna Botanic Gardens South of Tokyo. It's a lovely area and all the Spring flowers were in full flight.




The highlight was an exhibition of Oshibana, pressed flowers, it was very different from the usual types you see.






These were actually quite marvellous artworks. Not craft, but obviously art.














Even fruit. No idea how they managed to do this :

Incredibly lifelike with the colours and structures wonderfully preserved.






Amazing care had been taken with the arranging and choice of backgrounds to stunning effect.