Kevers in Japan: Fulfilling a dream

When I was growing up I made some wonderful memories of visiting my Grandma Allan's home in Ottawa, Ontario. I used to spend hours pouring over old photos, reading books, and thumbing through stacks of Uncle Phillips National Geographic magazines. On one such occasion, I remember coming across a photo of a young Japanese woman reading a book in a little shelter on the edge of a pond. The caption described the setting as a park oasis in the middle of Tokyo, a city with such a dense population but teeming with wonderful parks such as this one. The setting looked idyllic, and I have just never forgotten that picture.

Well, when we found out this spring we were moving to Tokyo, Japan, I have oft remembered that park picture and dreamed of sitting in that same place. As most of you know, I go into Tokyo most every Friday, and have been to a lot of these wonderful parks. Ueno, Yoyogi, Showa, Hibaya, Shinjuku Gyoen....I looked for this spot to no avail. Did it exist? Was I daydreaming the location? These were all beautiful places...but not what I was looking for. Last Saturday as I was reading on yet another visit Japan website, I saw it. The spot. I couldn't believe it. Happo-en park truly was a tiny park in this city and not in any of my numerous sightseeing books. I had finally found it!!

So today I went. I can't say it was the most beautiful spot I have ever seen (for there are so so many here) but it was an utterly tranquil, quiet, and wonderful place. There were very few other people there, it is truly a unknown treasure for it was mostly full of brides getting there photos taken. I think I counted 8 different bridal parties.
So I had my photo taken in the spot by my friend Jamie...and I fulfilled a dream...