We woke up in the Ōarai-Ibaraki port after a relatively calm night. Right after breakfast, it was time for a visit to the Kairaku-en Garden. We wandered through the Mousou Bamboo Garden and marveled at all the Japanese plum trees as local guide Roy described the garden, which was created in 1842. This garden is considered one of the three most beautiful official gardens in Japan.
Kasama Village was our first destination after lunch, an artist’s village of potters. Fukuda-San, a sixth-generation potter, graciously showed us his kiln and wares. Shunpuu Banri-So Villa is the former home of the renowned artist Kitaohji Rosanjin. Now an art museum, the area is surrounded by the most enchanting Japanese garden in a rural setting. We were invited to take a stroll and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet before we head to Tokyo tomorrow.
