【英文版】
|
A gateway of World Natural Heritage “Shirakami-Sanchi,” Hirosaki City is located 60 km from Lake Towada and the Oirase Gorge. It is not far away from Mt. Iwaki.
The Shirakami-Sanchi is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. With one of the largest virgin beech forests in the world, the mountainous Shirakami-Sanchi area offers the most exquisite view. It became Japan’s first World Heritage Site in December of 1993. The natural ecosystem is well-preserved, and a great variety of wild animals and exotic plants can be found here.
The Hirosaki Castle was renovating its stonewall when I was visiting there. Its construction is set to complete in the year of 2021.
This castle is the oldest citadel remains of Japan, with triple moats, three turrets and five gates are considered as a symbol of the city. It still retains an air of old history and culture from the Edo Period. It has Japan’s northernmost five-tier pagoda and Samurai houses.
The original construction of Hirosaki Castle began in 1603. The current three-story structure was rebuilt in 1811, and is open to the public as the Hirosaki Castle Museum. I enjoyed browsing through the amazing museum.
The gorgeous Seibien Garden was completed in 1911. Both Seibien Garden and Seitoshi Shoin Garden are Japanese government designated viewing spots for Scenic Beauty in Hirosaki.
At the heart of Hirosaki Botanic Garden is its mesmerizing collection of cherry blossom trees. I was fortunate to visit this magical garden during the annual cherry blossom festival. I got to get a close-up look at the interesting profusion of pink and white cherry blossoms.
My amazing trip to the thriving Hirosaki Botanic Garden was relaxing and inspiring. It helped me to realize the importance of simply slowing down and taking time to reconnect with nature. This extraordinary garden offered me a chance to delight in the natural beauty.
In the past, I always thought that being a green thumb takes a special talent. After a trip to Hirosaki Botanic Garden, I now understand that beautiful gardens are the result of not only talent, but also tireless research, years of experience, and a whole lot of patience.
As I exited the garden, I felt like I walked away with new found interest having to do with developing a green thumb. I would like to plant some colorful flowers around my yard when I arrived home.
My ability in speaking and understanding the Japanese language is very limited. I wish I had learned more useful Japanese words before I visited Japan. But I was glad that my enthusiastic tour guide was able to communicate valuable information to me in English. I was able to discern much of the history and culture of Japan. That made my trip to the exquisite city of Hirosaki, Japan, even more enjoyable.
回上一頁