Kagoshima, Japan, Day 152

Senganen Garden contains acres and acres of flowers, ponds, waterfalls, manicured trees, smooth walking trails and not one speck of litter! Even the little branches being trimmed from the trees were caught almost before they could touch the ground. Sheer unadulterated beauty as far as the eye could see, dotted with a shrine or two here and there. Across the bay from the gardens was a volcano spewing forth a slight haze but far enough away that we were not bothered by it. The black and white butterfly was as accommodating as the people of this nation have been. I think it knew darned well that I wanted a picture, so it just posed for me giving me its best side. Much more accommodating than those in the actual butterfly farm wherever that was.

An errant twig out of ladder range? No worries, bucket lifts are discreetly tucked away for the taller trees.

A sign found in the gardens explains it better than I. "Sengan-en is a traditional garden and stately home built by the 19th head of the Shimadzu family, Mitsuhisa, in 1658. Sengan-en is named after a place called Sengan at Mount Longhu in China, which it is said to resemble.

Sengan-en uses the principle of borrowed scenery and incorporates the background elements of Sakurajima and Kinkio Bay as part of the gardens. Sengan-en also incorporates many influences from Chinese culture and was designed in accordance with feng shui principles. Sengan-en was recognized as a National Site of Scenic Beauty in 1958." Amen to that!

Kinko Bay with the volcano spewing forth ash in the background, however, not all that you see is ash, most is low lying clouds.

Translation anyone? This was found at the end of a very long, beautiful bank of hydrangeas that seemed to go on forever.

Shoko Shuseikan Museum, across the entryway from the gift shops, was a part of this tour,. So, once Sharon and I had satisfied our shopping needs, we headed across to the museum while our guide awaited the rest of the group. Forewarned that two of the museum buildings were closed for renovations, it did not take us long to see everything on display - many gorgeous kimonos for every occasion. No photos allowed, of course. Having seen everything there was to see, we exited the building headed to the bus when some Japanese style shouting arose behind us. By Japanese style shouting, I mean ever so slightly raised but equally polite voices. Sharon was curious as to what the raised voices were all about so she turned to find a group of some ten or twelve gentlemen who were there as a part of their training to become tour guides. Four or five of them deserted their instructor and group to practice their conversational english on us. They wanted to know all about where we were from, how we had gotten there, what all we had seen, where we were going next, and how long we had been traveling. When one of them learned Sharon and I were from Texas, he said then you must know the Texas Rangers. My first thought was the law enforcement body and I was trying to figure out how he had learned of them. But no, Ruth, this is Japan and they love their baseball. Those are the Texas Rangers to which he is referring. Took a second or two, but I got there. He even knew who they were playing that night and was pulling for them to win because he did not like their opponent. He shared the name of his favorite Japanese team, but it now escapes me. From them I learned that the part of the museum which was under renovation was an old munitions factory. All too soon they decided they must return to their instructor and we must get on to our bus. A most delightful chance encounter! Only later did I realize I had not taken a picture with them. Too bad. I have fallen in love with Japan and all its people!

Today Is Someday! Live It!