06 May 2024

Influenced by the Edo Period – A walk through Tenshaen Gardens

After a voyage filled with fabulous sunshine, signs of rain greeted us as we arrived at the coastal city of Uwajima. We managed to hold off the rain through the morning, and it didn’t dampen our spirits when it came later in the afternoon.

Marvelling at the landscape in front of us, Uwajima Castle and Tenshaen Garden were visible from Heritage Adventurer. Heading into Uwajima, we arrived at Uwajima Castle. The castle is, like Matsue, one of the 12 original, not rebuilt, castles in Japan, and is a thing of beauty. We walked up the hill to the lookout point, and from the plateau at the top, the castle presents in an elegant and resolute style. Inside the castle, we marvelled at the staunch structure built at the beginning of the Edo Period in 1601. This would clearly have been a tough nut to crack.

Tenshaen Garden dates from the end of the Edo Period, built in 1866. It has a direct connection with the castle as it was constructed by the seventh feudal lord of the Date clan. The name means “a place where a greater power allows us to enjoy our life” and it is packed with classical features. The promenade around the pond gave ever-changing views across to the towering misty mountains. The structures, including wisteria arches, gave beautiful shape and texture. For those who were there in the rain the circles of ripples from the droplets added another magical element. It was an absolute delight.

In the afternoon, we drove along winding coastal roads. The scenery was beautiful as we passed inlets with cultivated pearl and fish farms. The region is also famous for its mandarin oranges and the Yusumizugaura terraced potato fields, which were constructed after World War II. We were met by the friendly locals and explored the terraced areas, getting spectacular views across the bay.

After a potato tasting, which included a bowl of handmade crisps and a delicious baked potato each, we visited a pearl farm and learned the fascinating process of cultivation and harvesting of the pearls. To end our time here we visited a range of shops, where there were so many gorgeous pieces of jewellery that some of us couldn’t resist a purchase.

Back aboard, and in preparation for our visit to Hiroshima, Hide-san told us the story of Sadako Sasaki and instructed us on the folding of origami cranes. We got busy preparing our offering in memory of this brave girl and to support the city’s quest for peace in the world.

Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions