Hibiya Park and Tokyo Chrysanthemum Show 日比谷公園・東京都観光菊花大会
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Entrance to Hibiya Park near the Imperial Palace and Ginze. One of Tokyo's most centrally-located parks. Free admission.
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Map of Hibiya Park. It's a medium-size park with different areas with ponds, grassy lawns, benches, outdoor stage and concert amphitheater, and tennis courts
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About Hibiya Park in English. Hibiya Park opened in 1903 as Japan's first Western-style (mainly German) park. During the Edo Period, it used to be the Tokyo residence of important daimyos.
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Stone wall of a former gate of Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace). There are steps to go to the top of this wall.
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Stone wall of castle gate.
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Shinji Pond. 心字池
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Stone wall and Shinji-ike Pond.
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On top of the stone wall are benches overlooking Shinji Pond.
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Shinji Pond as seen from atop the castle stone wall.
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The first grassy lawn you'll see in Hibiya Park, called Flower Garden No. 1.
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But you have to keep off the grass.
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Pelican Fountain.
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Keep off the grass. This is actually a German-style sunken garden.
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There is a flower bed at each of the four corners of the German-style sunken garden.
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Nice place to have lunch for nearby office workers.
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View of the garden from a bench.
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In Nov., a variety of roses bloom in Hibiya Park.
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Roses in Hibiya Park, Tokyo.
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During most of Nov., the annual Tokyo-to Kanko Kikka Taikai or Chrysanthemum Show is held. An incredible variety of this revered flower is on display. One of Tokyo's best chrysanthemum shows in autumn.
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The Chrysanthemum Show was held in this grassy area next to the tennis courts. There were a good number of shacks housing the flowers.
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The Tokyo Chrysanthemum Show in Hibiya Park was a competition among world-class growers and breeders. The best flowers receive various award ribbons.
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There are numerous varieties of the chrysanthemum and breeders create new species each year. It's like orchid breeders.
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The results can be quite spectacular or subtle. Chrysanthemums are called "kiku" in Japanese. The ordinary chrysanthemums sold by your neighborhood flower shop are mainly used for funerals or memorial services.
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I was told that most breeders are older folk, in their 60s and 70s. Young people are not taking it up.
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The breeders/growers belong to chrysanthemum clubs or associations which participate in competitions like this one.
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The shapes, sizes, and colors are so incredibly varied.
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Tokyo Chrysanthemum Show in Hibiya Park.
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More racks of chrysanthemums.
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Bonsai chrysanthemums.
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This is the original species of chrysanthemum. The Imperial family crest is also based on this species of chrysanthemum which was introduced to Japan from China.
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Two-tone flowers are also quite common and very beautiful.
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Very beautiful and subtle color tones.
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Bonsai chrysanthemum.
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Bonsai chrysanthemum modeled after Hakone.
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Spikey flower.
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This looks more like something you would find in a tropical ocean.
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Chrysanthemum Show in Hibiya Park, Tokyo.
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Golden chrysanthemums were impressive.
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Golden chrysanthemums.
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The original chrysanthemums.
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Bonsai chrysanthemum.
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Another area of Hibiya Park is here at Kumogata Pond.
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Wisteria vines shade a few benches fronting Kumogata Pond.
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Kumogata Pond (Cloud-shaped Pond) at Hibiya Park in autumn. 雲形池
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Kumogata Pond
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Crane water fountain at Kumogata Pond in Hibiya Park. This is Japan's third oldest water fountain sculpture.
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Crane Fountain.
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Former post used in the old Kyobashi Bridge during the Meiji Period.
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Former watering station for horses.
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Large ginkgo tree in Hibiya Park in autumn.
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Kubi-kake is the name of this large ginkgo tree in Hibiya Park.
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About the large ginkgo tree.
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Outdoor stage in Hibiya Park.
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On weekends, Hibiya Park often has some event. This was a farmer's market event for kids.
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This grassy lawn we could walk on.
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This event space is actually another garden in Hibiya Park lined with roses.
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One corner of Hibiya Park is occupied by the Hibiya Kokaido, an outdoor concert venue. 日比谷公会堂
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Hibiya Kokaido in Hibiya Park. 日比谷公会堂
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Hibiya Kokaido, an outdoor concert venue. If it rains, everyone uses an umbrella. 日比谷公会堂
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Hawaiian concert at Hibiya Kokaido.
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Tennis courts in Hibiya Park.
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Photo exhibition space which nobody sees.
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Former park manager's office.
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About the former park manager's office.
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This crow was unafraid of humans. It was right in front of me and seemed to wait for food.
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