Evergreen Stillness: Discovering Kairakuen in December

 

When visiting Japan, do not — I repeat, do not skip the parks. In any season, Japan’s gardens are breathtaking. They are famous for their philosophical roots, cultural heritage, symbolism, and unique aesthetics. So much effort is poured into them, and it shows.

Calm. Serene. Solitude. Perfect --- this is how I describe this place 

Relaxing, right? more on www.instagram.com/wander_with_sky

In my previous posts, I shared my visits to Yamashita Park in Yokohama and Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture. Now, I’m sharing our first time experience at Kairakuen Park in Mito, Ibaraki, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens.

Look how wide the area is (more on www.instagram.com/wander_with_sky)

Visiting Kairakuen in December feels like stepping into a quieter, more contemplative version of the garden. Unlike the lively plum blossom season in late winter or the vibrant greenery of summer, December offers a calm, almost meditative atmosphere.

Lake Senba offers a good view and relaxing vibe en route to Karaikuen Park 
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Feels so good just being here (more on wander_with_sky) 

Good alternative if you're into Arashiyama Bamboo Park
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The air is crisp, and the cedar and bamboo groves stand tall, their evergreen presence giving the garden a sense of resilience. I haven’t fully explored the entire park, but what I’ve seen is enough to confirm why it’s considered one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. The wide lawns are subdued, waiting patiently for spring, while the main pathways invite slow, reflective walks lined with hibernating plum trees. I can only imagine how beautiful and fragrant it must be in spring (oh, I wish to go back!). Without the crowds that gather during festival seasons, the park feels like it belongs entirely to you.

My Mom adjusting to the cold weather of Japan 

I could imagine how this place looks like during Spring 
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Just awfully beautiful ---- I can't describe it 

I learned that most of the plum trees were planted by the daimyo Tokugawa Nariaki in 1842 he established the park. He ruled Mito during that time, and it struck me — while watching the series Shogun — that Nariaki was born about 200 years after the conflicts depicted there. I was amazed that even with Japan’s chaotic and violent past, they managed to create something so beautiful and peaceful for everyone to enjoy. Japan has done a remarkable job preserving it.

These might have been centuries old and still thriving 

Enter the wonderful bamboo grove called Chikurin  www.instagram.com/wander_with_sky

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The Bamboo Grove (Chikurin), located alongside the cedar woods and plum orchards, was the main reason we came. Knowing we couldn’t make it to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto, my kind sister-in-law brought us here instead. The bamboo variety is different from what we have in the Philippines — tall, sturdy, and covering a vast area. Walking through felt like being in a movie shot in slow motion, with soft rays of sunlight highlighting its beauty and serenity. The sound of rustling leaves made me feel as though a ninja might appear at any moment.

The Kobuntei House  more on www.instagram.com/wander_with_sky

Strolling through the park in December, I noticed how the Kobuntei Villa looked even more dignified against the season’s stillness. It’s less about spectacle and more about atmosphere — a reminder that beauty isn’t only about flowers, but also about silence and space. Stories about the Kobuntei House will be showcased on the next blog.

Location : 1 Chome-3-3 Tokiwacho, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0033, Japan

How to get there :

By Train from Tokyo:

1. From Tokyo, Ueno, or Shinagawa stations, take the JR Joban Line Limited Express (Hitachi or Tokiwa) directly to Mito Station (about 70 minutes).
2. Alternatively, take the local trains on the same line (approx. 2 hours).
3. Seasonal Shortcut: During the peak Plum Festival in late winter, some JR trains temporarily stop directly at Kairakuen Station, which is situated right next to the park.

By Bus from Mito Station:

1. Head out the North Exit of Mito Station.
2. Catch a local bus (such as the Kanto Tetsudo bus) bound for Kairakuen-mae. The bus stop is located in front of the Lawson convenience store.
3. The ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

By Car:

1. From Tokyo, take the Joban Expressway.
2. Exit at the Mito I.C. or the Mito-Kita Smart I.C. (ETC cars only).
3. The drive from the interchange to the park takes about 15–20 minutes. Parking is available, but can get crowded during festival seasons.

Pandemic Life : We Take Everything for Granted  

Ocean, one of the regulars at Maribago Bluewater Resort before the pandemic 

    Humans usually take everything for granted.  It is his nature anyway.  May it be life, people who care about us, and even things we thought as irrelevant at times.  

    Its value is realized when a situation like Covid-19 swept us like a thief in the night.  With what seemed like a snap, we experienced lockdowns, our health security was compromised, countries in chaos --- everything was not normal anymore.  

    Pandemic life taught us to become patient and impatient at the same time.  It makes us anxious about what would happen to us when this is over.  With the travel restrictions,  health safety protocols and even going out with a facemask on, this is far from over.  But this is a proper time to reflect on ourselves.  Let us be grateful that despite all these, we are doing well.  It is time for us to prioritize what matters most in life ---- BE WITH OUR FAMILY, never take everything for granted. This virus messed up many lives, let us all pray nothing will ever happen to our families.  

     Be ready to do whatever you desire most when this pandemic is over.  No, actually you can make it now,  little by little.  Show kindness, compassion and love to our neighbors.  Encourage one another and lift each other up. Our mental health is at risk at times like this,  so be kind to everyone you've met.  Personal struggles are best hidden with people with mental health issues. 

    

    As for my son, Ocean,  he longs to be with friends, giggling or even playing legos silently.  He misses school where he can talk with friends freely and share snacks with. He wants to travel where he can go anywhere without putting masks on or being stopped by guards from entering minor-restricted areas. 

Oh, soon Ocean, this will be all over. Be patient.  We will get our full freedom back.  

Osmena Peak : Relax. Revive. Relive Life

            Would you believe that I climbed Osmena Peak two months after I gave birth?  Hell, yeah, I just did. Never in my wildest dream could I have ever done that (please see your doctors first). But you see, the nothing-is-impossible feeling washed over me at that moment I decided to do it.  Maybe because the post-partum hormones I had or my 9-months deprivation of seeing the world phase tells me to do so. 

Freshly-harvested crops waiting to be delivered to Mantalongon Market
(c) @wander_with_sky

                My cousin from Manila, LA , visited us that week. As a traveler herself, we decided to bond and get a girl's hike to one of the most visited places in Dalaguete Cebu, the Osmena Peak.  It is located on the south side of Cebu with 1,013 meters above sea level mountain height. Brief history states that this mountain was named in honor of the Osmenas, a famous political clan in Cebu.  The Mantalongon area in Dalaguete is a bit far from the city proper.  Farming is mainly the source of income where I saw cabbage crops at the base of the mountain.  

            Our journey began by taking a bus from the South Bus terminal where it took us about 2 to 3 hours traveling, so I suggest you take the air-conditioned bus for a stress-free ride.  We were dropped off at the junction where we stopped at a nearby 7/11 store to get some water.  Friendly habal-habal drivers took us to the drop-off point for about P50 per head.  The ride was about 30 minutes and while on the motorbike, I can't help but be awed by the works of nature. Mantalongon is truly a magnificent greeny place, somewhat untouched by civilization.  

...and so, let's begin  (c) @wander_with_sky

                Upon reaching the drop-off point,  you need to be registered by the LGU, signed their logbook, briefed shortly and you will be assigned by a local guide.  People in Dalaquete are very friendly, accommodating and of course, they will act as your photographer so don't forget to tip them.   At the base lies planted cabbage and we even saw some locals harvesting them.  

Cabbages growing at the base of the mountain (c) @wander_with_sky

Climbing guideline is posted at the base (c) @wander_with_sky

The jagged hills are starting to appear after about 30minutes of climbing 

            The summit offers a beautiful, picturesque view of multiple jagged hills of  Mantalongon mountain range. These mounds of jagged hills reminded me of Chocolate Hills of Bohol of how they were strategically placed to be admired by many.  From the summit, you can see a 360-degree view of Badian Island, Negros, and Bohol.  With the cool breeze brushing my hair, I uttered, " I like it here".

Obligatory shot, because, why not? (c) @wander_with_sky

        The lush green is pleasing to the eyes, the vast ocean looks even better.  Making my way through the toothed hill to where I was seated in the photos both gave me an adrenaline rush and a sense of fulfillment.  I never thought I could make it here after giving birth two months earlier. My life has been pretty tensed with my new life as a mother to Ocean.  The feeling I felt while sitting on the jagged hills was a momentous event.  Another life, my second life has been born.  If somehow,  you want to challenge yourself amidst the pressure of life,  this place is a good place to start.   

Life is good  (c) @wander_with_sky

      

              Since you're already in Dalaguete,  might as well head to cool yourself up at Obong Spring.  It will only take about 5 to 10 minutes from Dalaguete junction.  What's interesting about this place is that it is situated near the sea where you can enjoy the area where the spring water and seawater meet especially during high tide. The spring itself has a bluish-green hue with trees enveloping the area which is perfect for protecting you from too much sun while enjoying the spring water. Large rock formations surrounding the spring are usually used as diving platforms.  Locals in their food stalls are also visible in the area so food is not always a problem. Since this is a public local spot where the entrance fee is low, a large crowd frolicking here is expected.  

 

Obong Spring, where spring water and seawater meets 

        

            A nearby ancient watchtower ruin can be seen on the way to  Obong Spring.  I heard it was an 18th-century watchtower and it makes a pretty good backdrop for your photos.  

How to get there DIY way : 

1.  Take a bus from South Bus station bound for Oslob or Bato via Dalaguete (get the air-con one)  and tell the driver to drop you off at the junction. There's a 7/11 store where you can stop and buy something like food or water.    

2. Take a Habal-habal (motorcycles for rent) to the drop-off point. Habal-habal drivers are pretty much visible at the junction with minimal fare. They are pretty much friendly too.  

3. From the drop-off point, locals will guide you on the way up.They are very much warm and friendly so don't forget to reward them for some tip.  

4. To get to Obong Spring, ask a local habal-habal to take you there. The spring is located about  5 to 10 minutes from Dalaguete junction. 

Four Reasons Why You Need To Visit Sirao Garden, Little Amsterdam

To beat the stressful city life,  reconnect yourself with nature. 

"I'm off to see the flowers, darling "mood (c) skybertus @wander_with_sky

        It's time to de-stress or unwind after a stressful week at work or at school.  You may have been to the beach previously or you have been out with friends sipping milkteas at the mall. So why not try to get out in the city for a while, smell the flowers and spent a few silent moments with nature. 

 

Get a ticket to reconnect with nature  (C) skybertus  @wander_with_sky

     Everyone's doing it, so why don't you?  I mean, who doesn't know about this place?  Ever since the place went viral on the internet five years ago, it would be a disappointment if this is not part of your bucket list to visit. Your Cebu visit won't be as exciting as it should be if this place is not included.  Millennials today happen to be a generation of  "pics-or-it-didn't-happen"  and even the grown-ups are adapting to it.  The Internet has this wonderful magic of spreading information, photos, and experiences like wildfire so why not join the wagon? 

Instagram-picture-worthy shots?  You can get it here.    (c) skybertus @wander_with_sky 

    See the flowers for inspiration.  Stressful city life may drain our daily energies and it is just natural for human beings to find ways to recharge and inspire again for another round of life-hustles.  Visiting a flower garden can do wonders for you.  The 1.2-hectares of sloping terrain are covered with dozens of flower species. The most dominant is the colorful celosia flowers or commonly called  "wool flowers". Hues of red, orange, yellow, and purple are present here. They even grow huge sunflowers, which make you feel perked up under the sun.  Surrounded by beautiful and colorful flowers are good for your soul.  It wakes up the sleeping you within, it made you even grateful about life and what the future may bring. 

They know how to set the mood (c) skybertus @wander_with_sky

Dramatic, is it not? (c) skybertus @wander_with_sky

   

    Be one with nature. It is common knowledge that being with nature has health benefits; it lowers blood pressure, fresh air here is quite good for our lungs,  strolling around the garden provides good exercise on our legs --- for me, it just makes me happy.  Just sitting on a bench and enjoying the scenery makes me happy and stress-free. The Busay -Balamban green scenery gives a perfect backdrop for the blooming flowers. Locals here offer fresh fruits, drinks, and food for the tourists. These are all fresh from their farms.   Oh, I how I love the boiled sweet corn here.  Entrepreneurs here lined up in front of the Litte Amsterdam and I can see that the place provides income to locals here.  

This is often what an "obligatory shot" looks like (c) skybertus @wander_with_sky 

Thank God for flowers (c) skybertus @wander_with_sky

        The gardener in you, wake up!  Be sure to visit a lot of flower gardens in your lifetime,  it could wake up the little gardener in you.  Some people find flowers fascinating.  Visiting Sirao Garden may unleash your strong desire to make a garden and nurture precious flowers on your own. I mean,  who among us are not plantitos or plantitas? You might get fascinated by the blooming chrysanthemum, the charm of begonia flowers,  marigolds, different colors of forget-me-nots, and many more.  They are just pleasing to the eyes that your soul wants to praise the Lord for the gift of life. 

The cool Busay breeze is perfect with this view (c) skyberts @wander_with_sky

There's a lot of fun at Sirao Garden 

    Cebu has a lot to offer and this place is just one of them. Cebuanos surely knows how to optimize their blessings by sharing them with people, it is one of those reminders that we should take care of what the Lord has blessed us.  Beautiful places like this give us that recharging powers and that we must be all grateful.  

How to get there : 

    Sirao Garden entrance fee is about P100 and is operating from 6am to 630pm. Sirao Garden is located in Brgy. Sirao and this can be easily be reached by motorcycle, car or van.  You start the journey from J.Y. Square Mall, once you reached Ayala Heights, take a right turn to Sirao Flower Farm.  

     Habal-habal is also available for those with adventurous spirits. Habal-habal drivers can wait for you for about P400 to P500. The ride will take about 30 to 45minutes.  

    

Sirao Garden Farm Map