Life in Fukuoka, Japan: Gardens

Yesterday my mother and I went to the botanical garden and the zoo area. I had never visited the area before so it was a first for both of us. It was a cool morning with overcast skies. We were fortunate in that it only sprinkled a little when we first arrived.

When we entered into the garden we found that there were a lot of people cleaning up from the strong winds that took place the night before from a passing typhoon. There was a tree that had broken in half from the storm.

There was a nice sized rose garden. The roses were beautiful, and the red roses had such an intense color of red. There were some purples along with yellow, white and pink. The roses were not as fragrant as the roses that are in the Portland Rose Garden. I do not know if this was due to the time of year, or if the roses here just are not as fragrant.

We went into the green house area. I thought it was going to be a small greenhouse, but I was surprised to see how large it was inside. There were many different rooms inside the greenhouse. There was a tropical area, a cactus area, a begonia area, an orchid area and a butterfly area.

Once we walked around the greenhouse we headed towards the zoo. We did see a nice walk that was for an autumn stroll, but since it has been so hot here the leaves have not changed. We decided to skip the walk. I have no doubt that if the leaves had been changing that it would have been breathtaking.

We went to the zoo since we were in the area. I am not a fan of zoos for many reasons, but I thought I would give it a try. Once my mom and I entered and saw the animals in such small cages we had to leave quickly. I understand that some of the animals that are in zoos could not survive if they were in the wild, but it just seems so sad to have them in such small spaces. We knew once we saw the hippo in its tiny area that we were done. We found the exit and left the zoo.

We began walking back towards the subway area. Since we had never been there we were not sure which directions to head in, but luckily we were on the right track. We saw a woman waiting for a bus so we asked directions, and luckily she spoke some English.

Once we arrived back in Tenjin we walked around the underground shops and found the large food area in Daimaru. It was huge!!!

Today we went to the Japanese Garden that is located in the Ohorio-Koen Park. Mark joined us today. It was the first time he has really been out at all during our October break.

The Japanese Garden is so peaceful and beautiful. The leaves of the Japanese maple trees were just beginning to change at the very tops of the trees. I really think that this weekend they might be in full autumn colors. I would like it if my mom and I could take a short trip there. The garden would be breathtaking with the autumn colors.

We then went to the Hard Rock Café for lunch. I have never eaten at the Hard Rock in Fukuoka. I have to say that the food was delicious!!! I now know that I will be frequenting the restaurant for some good eats. We looked in the gift shop because we were hoping to find a sweatshirt or t-shirt for my sister. I can’t say if we found anything because I do not want to spoil any surprise.

Mark and I took my mother to see the Hilton Hotel that is located here. It is a very large and grand hotel. From there Mark went back home, and my mother and I headed to the Fukuoka Tower.

Upon arriving at the area in front of the tower we saw that they were setting up for a huge event. We found out that this weekend there would be a special event. We will go by there on Saturday or Sunday to see what all is going on there.

We rode up to the top of the Fukuoka Tower and looked around. While we were up in the tower we saw a bride in her wedding dress. We have come to the conclusion that it was either a photo shoot for the wedding reception areas or that it was someone’s wedding photos. Either way, the dress was gorgeous. I have one shot that I zoomed in on that had the bride and groom making a heart with their arms. I am glad my camera has a good zoom.

We left and walked through an area on a campus and then a park. We came across large chairs, lamps and flowerpots.

Then we made it to the subway and went back to the apartment. Now it is time to relax. I am not sure what is in store for us tomorrow, but I will update you all then

Enjoy the photos. Most are of flowers and the gardens.