There is the sea, and there are the mountains. In Saga, people’s lives are closely connected to nature. One symbol of this is Mifuneyama Rakuen, a garden in Takeo City, which took three years to create in 1845 as a villa garden for Shigeyoshi Nabeshima, the 28th lord of Takeo in the Saga domain at the time.

Mifuneyama Rakuen is attractive both day and night

When most people think of Japanese gardens, they think of small ponds, artificial mountains, and manicured plants, but the scenery of this Mifuneyama Rakuen is much wilder. Towering before you is the 210-meter-high Mt. As if covering the rugged, undulating rock surface, cherry blossoms bloom in March, azaleas from April, and autumn leaves add color in the fall.
The grounds cover an area of about 150,000 tsubo. A leisurely stroll through the park in the daytime is fine, but at night, when the lights are turned on, the scenery becomes even more magical. The lights are not glittering. Rather, as you stand amid the subdued lights, you are enveloped by the smells of the plants and flowers, and your mood is relaxed and calm.

Mysterious world created by Team Lab

For an even more magical experience, visit the Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel on the grounds. After passing through the automatic entrance door, you will find yourself in a magical world of countless colorful Venetian lamps shimmering and shining. Surrounded by mirrors, the space seems to spread out forever. What should have been a rich natural setting was instantly transformed into a space of art. The dramatic change is so dramatic that it is almost impossible to keep up with it, and it is easy to lose track of where you are.

The post Mifuneyama Paradise, a symbol of the connection between the people of Saga and nature / Takeo City, Saga Prefecture first appeared on NIHONMONO.