japan mon amour #3
Entrance to Yamamoto-tei garden, Tokyo, Japan
Canon EOS-350D + Canon EF-S 10-22mm
this is three exposure image tonemapped in Photomatix and color-corrected in Photoshop
'Go Tokyo' reference
While Tokyo can't compete with Kyoto when it comes to beautiful gardens - Yamamoto-tei is one of the hidden gems in the Japanese capital. Located in obscure Katsushika-ku, it is virtually unknown to tourists. Even so it is probably finest Japanese garden in whole city. It is consistently rated as one of top 10 in the country as well.
It is famous for the green tea which is served on the premises - it helps to meditate in relaxed state while observing carefully crafted miniature mountains with little waterfalls, stone lanterns, beautifully shaped pine trees - all traditional elements you expect to see in the Japanese landscape garden.
However most striking thing for me in Yamamoto-tei is the entrance - which looks like portal taking you from the busy concrete town into the magic land of beauty and peace. I think it beautifully summarizes essence of modern Japan as place where old and new coexist in wonderful harmony.