Hamarikyu Gardens

Such a beautiful place with very many plants, flowers, and animals, that differ from anything I have seen on the North American continent. The crows sound a little different and have puffy heads, the squirrels are lighter in color and more slender and fast --the pine trees smell different..I could go on. The time I visited it was also very hot and humid. Rough to walk around in, but it made for some very cool additions of various dragonflies, butterflies, and birds looking to stay cool and made the shaded rest areas much more welcome.

There was a spot by the river where you could watch mudcrabs skittering about, and if you look toward the lake for any period of time you will undoubtedly see carp jumping out and splashing. There were some beautiful wildflowers and I can tell this park is well cared for as I saw people trimming the pines and tilling the soil.

My all time favorite aspect was the juxtaposition of a vibrant megacity in the background with this beautiful green respot in the foreground. If you find yourself shopping in Ginza like I did, and want a quick recharge in a peaceful place, definitely head over and check it out. For a little over $2 USD it is well worth it!!