Jardins Secrets de Vaulx
The Jardins Secrets (Secret Gardens) are a private garden and residence in Vaulx, near Annecy in Haute-Savoie. It was built over 30 years by one man and his family. It can be visited from April to October.
sightseeing
Last post about Japan: Tokyo people
I had to leave Japan at the end of my 1 year Working Holiday Visa, which made me sad… Anyway, I mostly posted pictures of buildings or landscapes until now, so for my last post about my stay in Japan, here are a few pictures of the people of Tokyo.
Narita Airport
Narita Airport is the primary international airport for the region of Tokyo. It is located in Chiba prefecture. It has a nice observation deck to watch planes landing and taking off from up close.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple
On my last full day in Japan, I checked out early from my apartment in Tokyo and headed to a hotel next to the airport in Narita (Chiba prefecture). I then spent the rest of the afternoon strolling around Narita. The main highlight of the city is Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: It is a large buddhist temple dedicated to Fudo Myo. Besides the temple buildings, Naritasan is famous for its Gion festival, held every summer, its massive Great Pagoda of Peace and a large garden.
Sunset at Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal
Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal (晴海客船ターミナル) is the Tokyo terminal for international cruise ships. It is located in Tokyo Bay at the southern tip of Harumi Island. It has one of the best views on Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge in the city. There is a viewing platform on the 6th floor but it was closed when I was there.
Hydrangea & cats at Hakusan Shrine
Hakusan Jinja (白山神社) is a shinto shrine in Bunkyo, Tokyo. It is especially popular in early June when it holds its annual Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival (文京あじさいまつり). I was too early for the best viewing but there were still a few flowers (and a lot of cats) when I visited.
Garden of Hotel New Otani Tokyo
Hotel New Otani Tokyo is a high-end hotel in Kioicho, Tokyo. It was built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. Its Japanese garden dates back from the Edo period and, like the garden of Hotel Chinzanso in Mejiro, is open to all.
Ueno Zoo
Ueno Zoo is located inside Ueno Park. It is the oldest zoo in Japan and has about 500 species, including elephants, giraffes, polar bears and penguins. Its star animal is the giant panda.
Arisugawa-no-Miya Memorial Park
Arisugawa-no-Miya Memorial Park (有栖川宮記念公園) is a park located near Hiroo station in Minato, Tokyo. It is named after the Arisugawa-no-Miya branch of the Japanese imperial family.
Tokyo walk: Harajuku & Aoyama
The Harajuku/Aoyama area is a popular shopping and entertainment district in Tokyo. There are also shrines and a lot of high-end residences.