Some people were relaxing< on the benches in Rikugien Garden

Benches were set up in a little square around the famous cherry tree. This photo was taken in September, so of course the cherry blossoms were not in bloom. Still, I could see some people relaxing on the benches under the trees. Rikugien Garden was empty, and there was a peaceful atmosphere in the air. When I come here, I can forget that I am in the middle of the city. This is one of my favorite places in Tokyo.

Rikugien Garden was a daimyo's garden built by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, a servant of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, as his own suburban residence. After the end of the Warring States period (1467-1568), feudal lords started to compete to build residences with gardens like here because they didn't need to fight anymore. In order for culture to develop, it is essential to live in peace.