The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace | Review by 王小鈞

Tucked away in Tokyo, Aso Shrine is guarded by enormous cypress trees and has a long history spanning more than 1,400 years, with a peaceful, rustic atmosphere. I came here especially to see the “golden needle tree,” which is said to have been growing here since 940 AD. Even after more than a thousand years, it still stands quietly within the shrine grounds, making you marvel at the vitality of nature and history. Perhaps because the location is relatively remote and transportation is not as convenient as at Tokyo’s popular attractions, there were surprisingly almost no tourists even though I visited on a holiday, making the entire shrine exceptionally quiet. With no bustling crowds or noisy commercial atmosphere, it was easier to feel the tranquility and solemnity of an ancient Japanese shrine.

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is one of Tokyo's historic daimyo gardens. The garden has a strong Chinese-inspired atmosphere, with features such as Horai Island, small bridges over flowing water, and the Karamon Gate, making you feel as though you've stepped into a classical landscape painting.

Although the garden isn't particularly large, every area has its own distinctive scenery. The pond, lush trees, garden stones, and pavilions complement one another beautifully, making it well worth seeing. It is especially charming during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons.

I visited this time in the summer. The weather was clear and sunny, and the entire garden was filled with lush greenery. It lacked the colorful scenery of fall and winter, but instead had a fresh and peaceful summer atmosphere.

Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park is a great place to take a walk for anyone who enjoys nature and birdwatching. You can observe various wild birds and wetland ecosystems while experiencing a natural landscape that is rare in Tokyo.

Admission is only JPY 300, which is quite affordable. The entire park feels a bit like Guandu Nature Park in Taiwan. As an important habitat for migratory waterfowl and native wildlife, it also gives you a sense of how beautifully the city and nature can coexist.

When I visited over the holiday, I was surprised to find that there weren't many visitors. Without the crowds of a typical tourist attraction, the atmosphere was quiet and relaxing. Walking through the greenery and wetlands, listening to birdsong and taking in the natural scenery, it was hard to imagine that I was still in bustling Tokyo.