Former site of Koshindo in Hamarikyū

Today I visited Hamarikyū Garden and came over a quote, which I think holds a deep truth.

When I visited the former site of Koshindo, the Audioguide didn’t came with the usual explanation, but asked me to listen to the surroundings.
Then, a little story of Shogun Ienaris wife and his daughter Morihime followed.

Both women went to worship the deity, that was enshrined in Koshindo.

One of them exclaimed: “Oh! There are so many insects calling!” Both women were really pleased about the rich sound of the insects. So the other replied: “What a rare and wonderful thing it is to hear so many insects chirping. And how joyful!”
But what my heart moved was the sentence following:

No matter what era we live in, taking a walk in natural surroundings is healing for the heart!

Because even today. When you are visiting the former site of Koshindo, the insects are still chirping.

Anika

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Anika

With twelve years of professional landscaping experience under her belt, Anika Ogusu is your perfect guide to the world of Japanese gardens. Her love of nature began early, in the woods near her childhood home and the garden of her grandmother’s house. During her teenage years she developed a strong interest in Japanese culture, and after university she decided to combine her love of Japan and gardens into a profession. Anika started her career as chief gardener in charge of the perennial valley at the Botanical Garden in Hamburg, Germany, then moved to Tokyo in pursuit of her dream. For two years she apprenticed under local landscape designers and learned the art of Japanese garden design, construction and maintenance. Now, in partnership with Real Japanese Gardens (www.japanesegardens.jp), her wish is to spread the magic of Japanese gardens to the rest of the world. Her in-depth guide books on gardens throughout Japan are available in eBook format or paperback. In her free time, Anika enjoys exploring her adopted country (especially green moss gardens), and soaking up nature and any details that interest her.

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