On June 7th & 8th, Ikeda's Suigetsu Park had their annual hanashobu matsuri(iris festival) . We've never been to the festival so we thought it was a great chance to see what it was about.Suigetsu Park has two areas, the upper level has the hanashobu (iris) and ume (plum), a man-made lake and the Chinese pagoda.
The lower level has a big area for gateball, playing catch or just sitting on benches to "talk story" with others.
Satoshi and I usually hang out on the top level because there usually isn't a lot of people and it is quite peaceful.
On Sunday though, there were lots of people. On the top level there was an area sectioned off for tea ceremony. For 300 yen (about US$3), you could enjoy a cup of matcha (green tea) "whipped up" and served with some Japanese sweets while enjoying the beautiful iris.
The bottom area was filled with many children and adults. There was a mini SL (steam locomotive) which you could ride for a fee--many children ("big" ones too) enjoyed themselves on this.
There was also a big Super Mario jumpy thing in the middle.
Since there isn't parking at this park, many people came by bicycle. Which is good, but look at the amount of bicycles! They needed parking attendants for them (the people with the green hats). And you thought trying to find your car in the shopping mall parking lot was a task!Satoshi and I ate our sweets from Kamuro and took in all the sights. It was a nice way to spend Sunday.
What a great Sunday...flowers and sweets. By the way, I love warabi mochi!
ReplyDeleteHow's the weather in Japan nowdays?
The weather is really humid and gross, Lori :( I think Japanese summer is here...
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat
Only 2nd to your foodie finds, your public garden posts are so enjoyable. I was wondering though, is there an admission charge to these places? To visit the villa gardens in Como most charge a 5 euro fee. Fortunately the dogs get in for free. ;-)
ReplyDeleteRowena,
ReplyDeleteMost of these parks do not charge a fee, which is pretty nice considering Japan usually charges $$ for everything--like parking at the shopping center. I notice that the botanical gardens do charge a fee for admission though.
5 euros is pretty expensive, especially with our weak yen :(
Take care.
Kat
Loved the picture of the train ride with the "big" kid!
ReplyDeleteAnd...somehow I can picture rowena with doggies under her arms riding too! Heh heh!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to see the "big kid" on the SL, Nate. Yeah, I can picture Rowena with her doggies on the SL too :)
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat