Tokyo

Jun 18, 2015 - 1 min read

Secret of Jindai Botanical Park

A separate, free section of the famous garden

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

The best time to visit this section of Jindai Botanical Park is late May to mid-June when the irises are in full bloom.

Look for this entrance to the aquatic plant garden of Jindai Botanical Park. Entrance is free.

The marsh contains an iris garden, rice paddies, and a field of reeds.

Many insects, birds, and other wildlife inhabit the area.

The main section of the Jindai Botanical Park opened in 1961, the aquatic plant garden in 1985.

Boardwalks crisscross the marshy area.

Students from nearby Jindaiji Elementary School planted the rice paddies.

The clean, clear water of the marsh is home to a number of turtles.

Above the marsh, in an area called 'Shiroyama', soba (buckwheat) is being grown by children in a project led by the Jindaiji Soba Association.

These man-made mounds were once part of the castle moat.

Along this forest path is a marker for Jindaiji Castle, which was originally built here in 1537.

Since most people are unaware of this section of the famous garden, it is usually very quiet.

Most people who visit Jindai Botanical Park have no idea that there is a separate section that contains a lovely aquatic plant garden and ruins of an ancient castle. This section is located in front of Jindaiji Temple, rather than behind it – on the opposite side of the main street.

Streams around the temple flow into this garden to create a marsh filled with irises, reeds, and other wetland plants. Above the marsh are walking paths through the woods, fields planted with soba, and a large, grassy lawn that is perfect for picnics.

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Sandra Isaka

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

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Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström 5 years ago

Love iris season!

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Sleiman Azizi

Sleiman Azizi 5 years ago

Wow, I've got to say that I didn't know about the castle. There you go then, if you look hard enough, you find all sorts of things in Japan.

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Sandra Isaka

Sandra Isaka Photographer 5 years ago

Agreed! The more you explore, the more you realize is hiding under the surface.

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Justin Velgus

Justin Velgus 9 years ago

It looks perfect for a stroll.

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