October 25th, 2008

San Mateo Japanese Gardens

Took a stroll through a local park today. Really wanted to see what all the hoopla was about the Japanese gardens they had in the middle of the park. Seeing as how it is late October there really isn't that much to see. Most of the plants are getting ready for the so called "winter" in San Francisco. I was impressed though with the sheer variety of species that they cultivated inside this small area. In addition the pond definitely tied things together. Too bad it closes at like 4PM on most days because the garden would be absolutely fascinating to see at night if they strung it up with traditional Japanese lanterns. One can hope I suppose.

Pretty sure this sign was on the 4th avenue side though I could be wrong. I seem to easily get lost inside of parks.

These signs are everywhere. I think they are mostly concerned with people trampling all their hardwork (which is understandable). What really strikes me is that they also write the Japanese translation of the sign. If you stop and think a moment, what Japanese person (or person who spoke Japanese) would haphazardly stomp around in the gardens? I'm pretty sure Japanese people have it in their genes to be neat and organized. Okay big stereotype but it mostly fits!

A small Japanese shrine. Don't really think it is all that impressive but it fits with the decor. Is there suppose to be something inside it?

The accompanying text with the shrine above. Didn't realize that San Mateo had a sister city. Apparently it is very common for cities to have siblings (read Wikipedia!)

Shot of the pond. I am finding it really hard to take good landscape pictures. This is one where I'm not quite sure what I am taking a picture of but I liked the reflections that the pond was giving off. I find that there is just so much happening in landscapes making it difficult to frame shots. Definitely more practice is in order.

One of my favorite pictures from the trip. I really like the look of Shinto shrines.

As you enter the garden this text is to the right. This garden has been around over 40 years. Very impressive.

Do you think that the city of Toyonaka has anything of San Mateo's? I mean they gave us all this cool Japanese stuff and what did we give them? Pez and McDonalds?

The front door to the Japanese gardens.

This squirrel kept following me around the whole garden. I was very amused.