Japan Adventure

This trolley track runs down the center of this wide city street in Hiroshima.

Margie at the entrance of the Shukkeien Garden. The design of this garden expresses the idea of collecting and miniaturizing many scenic views, and according to tradition it is a miniaturized landscape modeled on Xihu in Hangzhou, China. There are mountains, valleys, a lake, river -- all the scenery in Japan, but compacted into this one inner-city park! Construction of these gardens began in 1620. Yes -- you read that right -- about the time America was just beginning. In 1945, this garden was completely destroyed by the atom bomb, but was rebuilt in 1951 to its original beauty. There are also formal Tea Ceremonies that are performed here. This line was very long, and with our bad knees, we decided to pass on that and just enjoy the paths and beauty.

The gate to these beautiful gardens.