This past month I spent two weeks in Narita, Japan. I stayed in a budget, business hotel right next to the Keisei- Narita train station. This was my first time to Japan and it was an introduction to a country that I hope to visit many times again. It is a straight non-stop flight from Hawaii so I have deliberately gone for the longer trips up to now and left this easier flight for my old age. Ah yes! That time has arrived.
Although I did take the train one day into Tokyo, I spent most of my time exploring Narita and the smaller towns in the Chiba prefecture by train and bus. Narita has a lot going for it and there is an important temple complex which is approached through a long street filled with old heritage shops. The temple has an extensive garden park as well. I loved the rural views from trains of rice fields bordered by the houses on higher ground and up next to the islands of mature forest. I soon learned that often there was an old Shinto temple hidden away in the forest trees or bamboo. Even just walking around the urban areas was so interesting with a mix of modern and traditional style houses with their container gardens or beautiful Japanese style gardens. As usual, I enjoyed peeping over fences to see what was growing in their vegetable plots. It was autumn time so persimmon trees were covered with their golden fruit. The deciduous trees were just starting to change color so I missed out on seeing the full autumn show. Chrysanthemums were just starting to bloom.
Here are a few garden photos taken around Narita.....remember you can click on them for a better view.
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| Pine trees near entrance to Naritasan Shinshoji temple. |
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| A street intersection garden filled with Cosmos flowers which seemed popular in other towns too. The Yakushido Hall is the background. |
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| A view from a walkway in the temple park. |
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| I am not sure what this shrub is called but it was in flower everywhere...in gardens and containers. |
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| The garden center at the big Oeon Mall in Narita Lots of pansies for sale. |
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| Compact and private.... house and garden. |
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| I loved these little mini parks with paths that connected streets in the urban area. |
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| Most businesses and homes in the old town center would have at least a few container plants by their entrance. |
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| Lots of container plants at this home. |
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| Entrance to an old Shinto temple in a grove of ancient trees in a town park. |
Aloha
