Gingko leaves whisper secrets of a bygone era. We are standing at the \u84ec\u83b1\u5712 trace. This was once the site of a magnificent garden in Tokyo.
The \u84ec\u83b1\u5712 was no ordinary garden. It was created as a separate residence garden for the Matsura family. They were feudal lords from Hizen Province. Hizen Province is now part of Saga and Nagasaki prefectures. The garden’s construction dates back to the Edo period.
Imagine stepping back in time. Picture a landscape of about 8580 square meters. This translates to a little over two acres. The \u84ec\u83b1\u5712 was designed by Kobori Enshiu. He was a famous tea professor. He worked with the priest Kogetsu.
A large pond was the centerpiece of the \u84ec\u83b1\u5712. Water flowed into this pond from the Tone River. The pond had an island. It was called Twin Islands. A beautiful old pine tree grew there. There was a miniature stone pagoda. A curiously shaped rock called the Triplet Rock was placed at the water’s edge.
Meandering pathways led visitors around the lake. These pathways had rugged stone steps. They offered different views of the garden’s promontories. You could also see the islands and bridges from there. The surrounding areas featured hills and open spaces. Clumps of trees completed the view. Stone lanterns lit up the night.
The \u84ec\u83b1\u5712 was known for its beauty. In 1907, a Tokyo guide described it as a pinnacle of cultural landscaping. It was considered one of Tokyo’s most famous gardens.
Sadly the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 destroyed the \u84ec\u83b1\u5712. The earthquake caused widespread devastation. The beautiful garden fell into ruin.
Today only remnants of the \u84ec\u83b1\u5712 remain. A portion of the pond still exists. A tall gingko tree, a designated natural monument, stands in the northeast corner of Shinobugaoka High School.
As you stand here consider the past. Envision the beauty that once was the \u84ec\u83b1\u5712. Although time and disaster have taken their toll its memory lives on. The gingko tree stands as a testament to this history. It shows the resilience of nature and the enduring spirit of the \u84ec\u83b1\u5712.