taikoen

Thursday, I got to spend the day with Kazumi. We went to Taikoen, along with Kazumi's neighbor, Mrs Takahashi and her sister-in-law, Eiko.

I have actually visited Taikoen pre-blog with my host-mom for lunch. This huge and beautiful property (5.71 acres) is located in the midst of skyscrapers and condos, when you are on the property it feels like you are in another world because it is so quiet and there are many trees and plants.

It is owned by the family of Denzaburo Fujita, a successful businessman. The property is now used for weddings, tea ceremonies, as well, as for special occasions.

Lunch was a kaiseki meal at Yodogawa-tei, which was originally the residence of Denzaburo Fujita. Kaiseki is a multi-course meal that focuses on seasonal ingredients.

There were many different items to try and everything was delicious.

It was a very leisurely lunch (2 hours!) good company and great conversation. (Thank you Eiko!)

After lunch we went across the street to the Fujita museum and browsed their collection. One of Eiko's classmates is Denzaburo Fujita's great-great grand-daughter, whom we got a chance to meet at the museum. (They have a larger museum in Okayama prefecture)

Then we went back across the street to Taikoen and had tea in their lounge. Eiko and I got "splashed" with a glass of water as the waitress was serving us and boy, let me tell you, they REALLY apologized.

They brought out towels, and bowed profusely, the manager came out and presented his meishi (business card) and to make amends they treated us to some cake.

All in all, it was a great day, thanks for inviting me Kazumi!

Taikoen & Fujita museum
9-10 Amijima-cho
Miyakojima, Osaka
Phone: 06.6356.1110