Japan Adventure

Little girl resting on a wooden bench near the ice cream shop. Of course, she has removed her shoes so she won't get the bench dirty . . .


Owen LOVES ice cream & no trip here is ever complete without delicious Japanese ice cream! We all had different flavors so he got to try all of them!


Oh the magnolias are also in bloom! I've never seen them blooming here before because I'm usually back in US by now . . .


Closeup of huge magnolia blossom.


Wow! This is what I've been waiting 7 years to see! This huge area in Kikko Park near the Kintai is loaded with ayame - iris. (Click on the link to find out what Japanese think of iris flowers.) Steps lead down from the street above to walkways along the edge for closer viewing of the iris in this area.


I love this beautiful color!


One perfect pale violet-colored bud and blossom. And I love these variegated colors . . .


And this variety has even more petals, but they don't stand up in the center like the iris I've always seen in the US. Here they're more open - amazing.


It's slightly misty today, but not enough to keep us from enjoying this fabulous garden! Looking down the middle of the iris garden from a bridge. Gorgeous!


Passing the wooden pagoda in Kikko Park, as we walk around to visit another iris garden in the park.