Enjoy 6000 gorgeous Irises 💐 7-Lucky Gods & Picnic fun at a Riverside🚤park!

Sunday, June 11th, from 1:00 to 4 or maybe 5pm, let's visit the famous Horikiri Iris Gardens (Horikirishobuen) & see the finest collection of Iris flowers (both shobu & ayame) to be found in all of Tokyo!
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During the Edo period (1603-1868) the Horikiri garden became a major attraction. Among other iris gardens in Edo, it was shown in many ukiyo-e paintings by famous artists of the Edo period, such as Utagawa Hiroshige, because of the garden's magnificent scenery!
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It was renovated and extended in 2019 and now covers about 8,700 square meters. It’s traditional design utilizes winding paths and low hills to show off the iris beds accentuated with sculpted pine trees and graceful willow trees.
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A member of the famous Matsudaira family (which produced the great Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu) devoted his life to developing unique & beautiful new varieties of this remarkable flower & we owe a debt of thanks to this dedicated person!
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Even today, it's one of the most popular botanical attractions in Tokyo.
Every June, 6,000 bulbs of 200 varieties of gorgeous irises welcome the visitors. The flower is associated with words such as ”good news,” ”trust,” & ”grace.”
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(There are actually TWO iris gardens, the second one is by the riverside with an amazing view of east Tokyo & the Skytree, so this will be a relaxing & fun photo walk!)
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"The Japanese iris (Hana-Shobu) dates back to the Tokugawa Period (1603-1867), when many varieties of iris were raised in Edo. You can still see Edo irises today, as well as Izu iris & Higo iris which come in many colors: purple, red-purple, lavender, yellow, pink & white. Some varieties show marginal variegation, others have variegated leaves, semi-double or double flowers. They are perennials, classified as "emmersed" plants which grow out of the water."
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Let's enjoy the finest Iris Garden in Tokyo & also, visit the legendary "Shichifuku-jin", or Seven Lucky Gods, then enjoy talking & having late-lunch or snacks nearby on the Arakawa riverside!
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On our way, walking through the old town along a wonderful winding foot-path, we'll see many other beautiful flowers such as "Aoi", (hollyhocks) "Ajisai", (hydrangeas) & many more!
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Wonderfully clever 2-3 meter tall stone carvings of the 7-lucky gods stand in a line (near a rather curious Shinto shrine) on our route & this adds to the fun!
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Let's enjoy these wonderful monuments & make a wish there!
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Of course, on our tour, we'll practice common sense, so we can be sociable under the sun, in the park & lovely fresh-air green, grassy space by the riverside!
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* For fans of modern architecture & infrastructure, there are some amazing gigantic modern "brutalist", or maybe Art Deco water-gates of copper, steel & concrete dams, plus huge highway pylons beside the river which make wonderful subjects for photos, with the Skytree, boats & river scenery!
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Bring snacks & drinks for yourself & a picnic sheet if you like. We'll stop at a convenience store if needed, after meeting at the station.
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PLEASE NOTE: We have no set event fee, but donations of from￥2000-￥4000 per person are appreciated! We work hard to plan interesting events & guide you safely to the best places, so please give generously!
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KIDS are WELCOME & free to join with a parent!
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We look forward to seeing you & hope you will invite your friends to join in this unique experience of traditional Japanese culture!
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Do wear comfortable shoes & bring a hat in case it's very sunny, as we'll be walking for a while.
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Thanks! Your organizer, Kerry D. 😎

P.S. Any questions?

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