Beneath the imposing shadow of Osaka Castle, nestled within the vibrant tapestry of Tennoji Park, lies a secret sanctuary known as the Keitakuen Garden. Imagine stepping through a hidden entrance, leaving the bustling city behind, and finding yourself transported to a realm of tranquility. Keitakuen Garden, a gift from the wealthy Sumitomo family to the city of Osaka in 1926, offers a quiet escape from the urban clamor. This isn’t just any garden. It’s a carefully crafted Chisen-kaiyu shiki, a formal Japanese garden designed for strolling around a central pond. The renowned landscape architect, Ogawa Jihei VII, also known as Ueji, designed Keitakuen. His family’s landscaping legacy, spanning generations, is evident in the garden’s meticulous design. As you wander along the paths of Keitakuen, you’ll discover a world teeming with life. The pond, a centerpiece of the garden, shimmers with colorful koi fish. Turtles bask lazily on the sun-drenched stones along the shore. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse egrets and herons among the trees. A charming tea house, Choseian, perches above the pond, offering serene views of the garden. While it no longer serves tea, it provides a welcome respite from the sun and a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. Keitakuen Garden boasts over two hundred different plant species, each blooming in its own season. In autumn, the maple trees, known as Momiji, transform the garden into a breathtaking spectacle of red, orange, and yellow. Spring and summer bring the vibrant hues of apricots, azaleas, irises, and water lilies. As you continue your stroll, a meandering stream leads you across small bridges and into secluded coves. Benches nestled beneath the trees invite you to pause and embrace the Japanese practice of “forest bathing,” or shinrinyoku. Keitakuen Garden, though small, offers a world of natural beauty to explore and savor. So, escape the city’s hustle and allow Keitakuen Garden to enchant you with its serene beauty.
旧守口市立下島小学校
Shimojima Elementary School’s bell echoed one last time in March 2024. This marked the end of its 49-year history. It