Everything’s Better When the Sun Goes Down
Nocturnal views of a famous Japanese garden
Japan’s classic gardens are well known for their unique artistic approach to horticulture. No two visits are quite the same as the sun’s movement throughout the day casts shadows that hide and then reveal each part of the garden.
But while most visits will occur during daylight hours, some gardens offer special nighttime viewings. I recently enjoyed an evening saunter through Okayama’s Korakuen Garden.
Such nighttime visits are carried out with a different vibe. The sun’s sharp radiance is gone, replaced by diffuse lighting that invites us to leave our worries behind. At this time of day, there are no urgent decisions to be made, no checklist of things yet to do, no prescribed path — just relax, let it happen, follow your muse.
Throughout the month of August, Korakuen extends its opening hours until 9:30 p.m. when the lawn and paths are dotted with hundreds of colored lights. Many visitors will purchase an entrance ticket for a daytime visit, then return in the evening to see the garden again. (This double entry option is only available in August.) Anyone wearing a yukata is admitted free.
Located in the historic center of a bustling city, Korakuen is a quiet refuge. It achieves its greatness…
