Biwako Ōtsukan English Garden — Attraction in Otsu

Biwako Otsukan English Garden is a western-style garden by Lake Biwa. It is quite off the beaten path and the nearest train station is 1.5 km away. Over my long walk I run a cost-benefit analysis: if the garden was underwhelming, at least I could cry with the view of Lake Biwa sunset.

Entrance cost 330 yen, which is around half the fee for most gardens I've visited in Japan. It's also wheelchair friendly and has many benches scattered around the place. When I visited, there were not many other visitors aside from some seniors visiting in groups or with their families, enjoying the view and the breeze.

The garden itself is not too big, but there was so much to see. My visit in June was dominated by roses of all colors and varieties with the supporting cast of some other blooms. Both the floral and landscape arrangement was impeccable. There was a water lily pond with a Japanese-style bridge like in Monet paintings, a hedge maze, and a courtyard with white rose arches that reminded me of Alice in Borderland's arena where they fight Queen of Hearts. We could even see cruise ships sailing on Lake Biwa from inside the garden.

After almost 2 hours of exploring, what I did with Lake Biwa view was retirement planning inspired by my fellow visitors living the dream. If everything goes smoothly, you'll find me here...

They had an interesting light up during December 2022 that I assume is a yearly event. For 330 yen it is a reasonable entry fee. There are some benches to sit on but it is cold. The overall lighting is low, so it is mood-like. But they use tons of little colored Leads throughout the...

2017年5月 ワタクシの好きな花の一つである、薔薇。言葉のリズムとイメージが好きな、白秋。薔薇を見ると、ついつい口ずさむ、「薔薇の木に、薔薇の花咲く、何事の不思議なけれど。」 と、いう事で、薔薇好きのワタクシのこの時期の楽しみ、「びわ湖大津館」の「ローズフェスタ」少し時期が早いかな～と思いつつ、でもここ数日の暑さで開花してるかも？かも？でっ、行きました！(≧∇≦)。好きです！ 好きで一時期、鉢植えで数種の薔薇を育てていましたが、如何せん、コガネムシの幼虫が、薔薇の根を食い荒らしてしまうので、諦めました。モーブや純白の剣弁咲の薔薇や、カップ咲のつる薔薇や、愛らしいミニ薔薇や・・・・ 美しい照りのある葉に、薔薇の蕾、花。コガネムシめ～。（続きは、「薔薇の木に　薔薇の花咲く（その４・５）」に書いております。） 2016年6月 薔薇の花を見たくて夫に懇願。夫が、「午前中やったら、連れて行ったるで。」連れていったる・・・・・・。って、この際、そのモノの言い方には目を瞑り、「行く。(≧▽≦)」と、そそくさと用意をし、少し雨混じりの中、行きました。 先日よりの雨で、花々は少し俯き加減で、又、昨年植え付けられたばかりのモノもあり、樹勢が弱く、花弁も雨風に散り、でしたが、綺麗でした。その中でお気に入りが出来ました。「ブルーム―ン」(青い月なんて、素敵な名前！） 入場料３２０円というリーズナブルな価格で、駐車場も利用者は３時間まで無料です。ベストシーズンで、晴れていれば、むせ返る様な薔薇の香りを嗅ぎ、美しい彩に飾られた、カップ咲き、剣弁咲きの高貴な薔薇の花花を愛で、薔薇だけでなく、様々に美しい植栽を、その変化を楽しみ。池には橋が架かり、睡蓮も柳の木もあり、まるで...