Yahiko Park - Are you ready for this walk? 👹🍣🎎 Wonderful Japan

in japan •  last year 

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What fascinates me about Japan even after years is the blending of the old with the new. Many old Japanese traditions and values, customs and also places that are associated with them have their firm place in today's life and in modern Japan. Even in the big cities of the 21st century it is often difficult to escape the past, and out in the countryside it is almost impossible. Everywhere you can find traces and hints of yesterday, which in Japan simply belongs to everyday life, even if not all people are always aware of it.

In my travels and journeys I am drawn to both places, to the modern and glittering Japan of the present and future, and at the same time to all the many often reverent places that manage to stop the time for us and which then transport us back to the present. And especially the latter always exert this so special fascination on me, which instantly captivates me and which can hold me for quite a while. And this past has found its way into the present in the most diverse forms, especially as far as architecture and also horticultural art are concerned. Shrines and temples, and also the many landscape parks that have been inspired by them, are often an important source of inspiration and reflection for me, and they manage to provide me with much-needed retreats in these so hectic times.

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And that's how I felt recently when, during a stay in Yahiko, we took a longer walk around the town and also the adjoining forest park. It was not our first stay there, it has drawn us here several times. And each time the place catches me anew and manages to awaken in me this very special mood, which makes me perceive the world around me with open eyes and open heart.

Just come with me on a little walk, where I would like to share with you some of the impressions that I was lucky to encounter there...

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The predominant colors today are probably once again red and green, whereby the former color mainly shows up in the various Japanese style elements and the latter mostly determines the background and the surroundings. A harmonic combination, which I have already fallen for a few times and which always manages to fascinate me. And it doesn't take much at all, as in this picture. The red bridge railing literally shines, and easily attracts all the attention. Behind it, however, the lushly leafy trees and bushes manage to smoothly relax the scenery and make the wanderer pause for a moment. Even if there was not really much to see here, for me this almost everyday sight has something truly magnetic, so that I could not simply hurry past.

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I felt the same way when we passed by a side entrance of Yahiko Park, which we actually wanted to visit later. But the path into the park, lined with sakuras and lanterns, then enticed me to come closer and walk in a bit.

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Exactly on such places my thoughts manage to fly immediately and make me forget the everyday life, which just before still had me in its grip, for a short time. Especially when I have the moment and the place so completely to myself, I suddenly feel free of all the hustle and bustle, which unfortunately is also part of my life, and I walk relaxed and as if on clouds, and immediately feel light and relieved.

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To a walk through a park you also need a little water and of course a Toro 灯籠, these stone lanterns, which are so characteristic in Japanese landscaping. Even discreetly placed, they quickly manage to become the focal point of the scene, adding a magical and balanced touch to the whole scene.

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The traditional bridge railings have been perfectly staged in other places as well, deliberately and skillfully complementing and delimiting the carefully designed park. It seemes as if they manage to keep all the hustle and bustle of the street and the town outside, so as not to disturb or detract from the harmony and unity of the park.

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In the park too, it shines in several places and you have to come closer almost automatically. Of course, there are also many photo opportunities, for the more or less talented photographer. I think I have stopped and slowed down my little team many times when I was so impressed by a scene that I absolutely had to capture it for later.

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The season doesn't really matter in Japanese parks, because every time has its charm and manages to fascinate and excite. And since the abundance of rainfall manages to keep the landscape green and fresh even in the warm months, you will be able to admire this little red bridge surrounded by a sea of greens almost all year round.

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This bridge, which spans a small valley, was built to enjoy the colors that will soon appear in autumn ever more. The Momiji, the Japanese maple trees that are so characteristic of this time of year, and which are growing all over at this place will soon show their fiery red leaves.

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In some parts you are almost at the height of the treetops and even in late summer this harmonious place inspires visitors and invites you to linger and to take a close look at all that is around you.

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When standing there, I always start to rave about this great interplay of red and green, and I hope that my companions can share my enthusiasm as well. Especially at times when there are hardly any people around, this place has the strongest effect and it becomes very hard for me leave from here again.

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During a tour through a park and nature, it is also very important to keep looking down. In many places, you will see dense, lush and green carpet of mosses and I can not help but to get very close and to zoom in into this mellow picture in front of my eyes. I can't say exactly why I'm fascinated by them, but in Japan I'm very fond of mosses, and they add to the overall harmony of the parks and gardens. Japan has no shortage of water and humidity, and since both are basic requirements for life, I probably feel a very special connection.

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And let's not forget the trees, which just belong to any walk through the forest. Especially the mighty cedars impress with their size and majesty. Evergreen, they seem like sources of eternal strength and freshness and are therefore often places of worship and devotion. Throughout the country there are many sacred trees where the Shinto kami are said to have taken up residence.

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Smaller and sometimes larger shrines have been erected in these locations, and one quickly senses the majesty of the trees and also the places around them. Even though many people probably don't pause there at all in their daily lives and simply overlook these places, they have an attraction that I don't want to escape at all. At least I want to stop for a moment and look at them, maybe I then reflect a little and feel into myself. Short pauses right here and now are like little anchors that give me a strong hold in the storm of life and provide me with strength and stability. And afterwards they send me on my way, elated and strengthened, with eyes and heart wide open, always and everywhere ready to discover and grasp the magic and wonder of the world.

I'm already looking forward to my next walk and I'm willing to be surprised where I' ll pass by then. However, in the end I will certainly feel just as invigorated as I did this time.

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The location and pics are really nice

Thanks! I would love to go there again right now!