Shukkeien Garden

A couple of days ago I went to see Shukkeien Garden in Hiroshima, and it really does feel like the city's very own little oasis...

A bit of info! The garden was first constructed in 1620 by the feudal lord's principal retainer, and master of tea ceremony, Ueda Soko. Shukkeien, meaning shrink- scenery garden- is a miniature landscape based on Xihu in Hangzhou China. In 1945 the garden was destroyed by the atomic bomb, but was soon restored to it's former glory. Today it is one of Hiroshima's most popular tourist attractions.

It is easy to forget that you are still in the middle of the city once you go in, and why wouldn't you at an entry fee of just 260 yen?? That's just £1.30!! 

The hustle and bustle of the city seems to fade away beyond the perimetre of the garden as you become surrounded by beautiful flowers...

 Tranquil ponds... 

Oh and koi carp...

 LOTS of koi carp!

"Alright?"

Twisting pathways take you through beautiful woodland, making you believe you are up in the mountains with the Kodama...

If this doesn't sell it to you, surely you can't pass up the chance to hang out with this little fella!??

"what you lookin' at?"

Catch you guys later!

  

Archery in Japan!

Today myself and some friends got in touch with our inner Legolas and went to try out some archery! After an agonizing 5:00am start on a Sunday morning, we caught the train from Hiroshima to Miyauchi Kushido, followed by a 30 minute bus ride to the archery range...

... We were greeted by beautiful weather and stunning views! The range is hidden deep in the vibrant countryside, making us feel like real woodland elves!

The archery range itself is a fantastic place; a family business now run by a cheerful and very welcoming couple. Their English was also at a pretty good level so getting set up was really straight forward.

We began with a short training session at the main site, where I got to shoot my first ever recurve bow! Soon we felt confident to take the forest paths by ourselves.  And thus, our adventure began...

Me trying to pose...

... Then feeling like an idiot!

Ahhh Legolas... protecting people's privacy since 1954!

Nailed it!

Trying to kneel like pros!

For a full day of archery, including training AND equipment hire, it costs no more than 4000 yen! The owners have been in the archery business for over 30 years, so they are professionals who know what they're doing and hire out excellent quality equipment- so definitely worth the money!!

I think I've found my new hobby!

Hiroshima Castle

I've always been pretty terrible at drawing buildings or any kind of architecture. However, there are so many beautiful buildings and structures here in Japan that I am pushing myself to practice! So here is Hiroshima Castle, please forgive the wonky windows...

Here are 2 different stages of the drawing. Part of me prefers it before I added darker areas...

 

Yukata!

So this last weekend was the Toukasan Yukata Festival in Hiroshima, with lots of girls/ families walking around in their beautiful outfits. At night the streets were packed with stalls and celebration. Sadly I didn't get a chance to take some photos, but here is a quick painting I did to honor the occasion...

More blobby experimentation!!

Home Comforts

Yesterday I received my first care package from my family. Even when you are off having an adventure it's still nice to get little things that remind you of home <3

Beautifully packaged as expected...

Mum sent one of my childhood toys- how adorable!! Don't tell my friends they' won't think I'm cool...

A little shoe I was given for luck <3

My Gryffindor Badge! 

Favourite sweets!

Life saver-Japan doesn't do real deodorant!

Mum's favourite incense scent

Ohh yeh! <3

Real toothpaste!

And of course a motivational card! 

I miss my family.