Since living in Tokyo I haven't had a lot of soul cleansing. I yearn for it. So does Russell.
But recently I discovered that less than a twenty minute walk from my apartment (or ten minutes on a bike) is the Tokyo Institute for Nature Study. Sounds official doesn't it? Before I went there I imagined all kinds of weird things. What kind of nature are they studying? Are they breeding giant man eating turtles a la piranha? Not quite. Basically it's a big park that used to be some lord's property that has been left undisturbed for the past 500 to 600 years. The brochure actually says that, "for the past 500 to 600 years..." I love that. Who needs to be precise?
For a mere 300 yen, about $3.60, you too can wear a pink ribbon (so everyone knows you paid to get in) and meander the gravel paths through ancient trees and marshland. It's not hiking but it's a nice walk, with a lot of butterflies to keep you company. The turtles are the best part. They climb all over themselves to come say hi. I wonder what they're feeding them? Tourists?
Gravel path from 500 to 600 years ago, give or take.
Well hello there little turtle.
Must be feeding time.
Nice dappled, path.
Summertime and the living's easy and hot.
Nice place for a nap.
Well, except for the big spiders.
They were everywhere and they were huge.
The males are a lot smaller.
I had to pay 2 yen to get this butterfly to pose for me.
Geez.
I think you can smoke this.
Blue dragon fly kept following me around.
I am Snow White - it's true.
Those are real wood log steps, not concrete
like in the park where I walk Ranger.
That's Russell - something that doesn't occur in nature very often.
He's thinking, "why did I let her convince me to walk in this heat"
See how far ahead of me he is - moving expeditiously towards the exit.
Cat got your tail?
Even the park benches are ornamental.
Where are the frogs?
Pool, pond? Pond would be good for you.
I think these are aliens.
500 to 600 year old tree
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