Ganko Takasegawa Nijo-en

　Tonight, I’m taking guests to Ganko Takasegawa Nijo-en for a dinner with maiko. As photographs of the maiko are not permitted on social media, here is a picture of the garden instead.

　This garden was created in the early 17th century by the wealthy merchant Suminokura Ryōi. During the Meiji era, it became the villa of Aritomo Yamagata, who later served as Prime Minister; the garden was subsequently renovated by Ogawa Jihei, who was responsible for the landscaping of Heian Jingu Shrine and Maruyama Park, and remains in its present form to this day.

　At night, the garden is illuminated, and at this time of year, the rhododendrons create a truly magical scene.