Latest news with #JapaneseGarden
The Herald Scotland
12-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Why the Japanese Garden at Cowden is Scotland's best to see
After returning from a trip to Japan, Scottish adventurer Ella Christie sought to bring a bit of the country back with her. Her approach to the garden was "trailblazing" as she hired a female designer to create the seven-acre site, according to the garden's official website. The Japanese Garden at Cowden was the 'first' of its scale to be designed by a woman (Image: Tripadvisor) The "gifted" Taki Handa was the mind behind what was, at the time of its construction, the "first" garden of its scale to be designed by a woman. Since being given a new lease of life in the 1960s by the renowned Japanese architect and garden designer Professor Masao Fukuhara, it has won a number of awards. Why the 'trailblazing' and 'brilliant' Japanese Garden at Cowden is Scotland's best The Japanese Garden at Cowden has long been praised for its quaint little bridges, statues, paths and wildlife. Visitors gave the location in Scotland a 4.4/5 out of 278 reviews on Tripadvisor, with one person calling it one of the "most beautiful" Japanese gardens they have ever seen. They added: "It was pouring but still worth the visit as its magic is still there when raining. I will definitely go back when the weather gets better." Visitors have dubbed the garden a 'most unusual' find (Image: Tripadvisor) Another penned: "Brilliant and relaxing place. Wandered around exploring for a good while. "Lots of little things to take your attention. Bridges over water, statues, and little paths. A good amount of just-hatched frogs and dragonflies, which kept us occupied for 20 minutes!" A third user said: "Keeping it short, this garden is about as close as you'll get to seeing a genuine Japanese garden without going to Japan. Recommended Reading: "Beautifully kept and very spacious, you can spend quite a while here enjoying the tranquil pathways." Another added: "The Japanese element of the garden is well worth the visit. Make sure you book because it is busy and numbers are limited each hour." One person dubbed it "a real hidden gem," while another said it was a "delightful spot" and a "most unusual" find.
Sydney Morning Herald
03-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
What's a good tour for two or three weeks in Japan?
My wife and I are considering a trip to Japan. Our interests are mainly textiles and gardens. Any suggestions of suitable tours, perhaps of two-three weeks' duration? R. Hurcum, Tamworth, NSW Tanpopo Journeys operates a small number of textile trips to Japan each year and their Textiles and Traditional Arts of Japan tour visits several cities famous for their temple gardens. Australia-based tour operator Internationally Different operates a 14-day craft-based tour starting and finishing in Osaka. The tour is hosted by Valerie Kirk, a tapestry weaver and former senior lecturer and head of textiles at the Australian National University. ASA Cultural Tours has a 15-day 'Cherry blossom and the art of the Japanese Garden' tour led by Jim Fogarty, a landscape designer and gardening media personality with a specialist interest in Japanese gardens. My partner and I are spending six days in Ravenna, Italy, and want to take day trips to nearby towns. We have spent time in Bologna previously. We are particularly interested in art, history, architecture and archaeology. We are also taking our family to Rome for a week including our 11 and eight-year-old grandchildren, any suggestions for kid-friendly activities? G. Wilson, Northcote, Vic Expect to spend at least two days exploring Ravenna, it's a world-class wonder, packed with early Christian and Byzantine churches that preserve a superb legacy of mosaics dating back to the fifth century AD. Its UNESCO monuments bear witness to the greatness of Ravenna from the time when this was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Be sure to include Ca De Ven ('house of wine'), a beautiful restaurant at the heart of the old city, famous for its Romagna cuisine in a cavernous, cathedral-like medieval wine store. Just a short distance away, Faenza is home to the International Museum of Ceramics with a superb collection of works from all over Italy and beyond. Rimini is another worthwhile day trip, famous for its Tiberius Bridge and the Arch of Augustus as well as its grandiose cathedral, the Tempio Malatestiano, designed by Alberti, with frescoes by Piero della Francesca. In Rome, you might take your grandchildren to the Gladiator School operated by the Gruppo Storico Romano, where they'll see Roman swordplay in action and 'train' as gladiators in a safe environment. The vast grounds of Villa Borghese are a great place for them to let off some steam while the Explora Children's Museum is a hands-on discovery museum full of electronic and scientific wizardry. They might also try a gelato-making workshop or a pasta- making session. We're spending a few weeks in Tanzania next year, any recommendations on less-visited game parks as well as locally based operators who offer budget trips? How long should we spend in Dar es Salaam and what are the attractions? R. Saltman, Mosman, NSW Ruaha National Park in central Tanzania is one of the largest in the country, but despite its size it gets relatively few visitors. Together with neighbouring Kizigio and Rungwa River Game Reserves, Ruaha forms one of East Africa's largest nature conservancies. Ruaha's wildlife population includes over 10,000 elephant, 30,000 buffalo, 20,000 zebra as well as lions and leopards and more than 400 bird species.
The Age
03-07-2025
- The Age
What's a good tour for two or three weeks in Japan?
My wife and I are considering a trip to Japan. Our interests are mainly textiles and gardens. Any suggestions of suitable tours, perhaps of two-three weeks' duration? R. Hurcum, Tamworth, NSW Tanpopo Journeys operates a small number of textile trips to Japan each year and their Textiles and Traditional Arts of Japan tour visits several cities famous for their temple gardens. Australia-based tour operator Internationally Different operates a 14-day craft-based tour starting and finishing in Osaka. The tour is hosted by Valerie Kirk, a tapestry weaver and former senior lecturer and head of textiles at the Australian National University. ASA Cultural Tours has a 15-day 'Cherry blossom and the art of the Japanese Garden' tour led by Jim Fogarty, a landscape designer and gardening media personality with a specialist interest in Japanese gardens. My partner and I are spending six days in Ravenna, Italy, and want to take day trips to nearby towns. We have spent time in Bologna previously. We are particularly interested in art, history, architecture and archaeology. We are also taking our family to Rome for a week including our 11 and eight-year-old grandchildren, any suggestions for kid-friendly activities? G. Wilson, Northcote, Vic Expect to spend at least two days exploring Ravenna, it's a world-class wonder, packed with early Christian and Byzantine churches that preserve a superb legacy of mosaics dating back to the fifth century AD. Its UNESCO monuments bear witness to the greatness of Ravenna from the time when this was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Be sure to include Ca De Ven ('house of wine'), a beautiful restaurant at the heart of the old city, famous for its Romagna cuisine in a cavernous, cathedral-like medieval wine store. Just a short distance away, Faenza is home to the International Museum of Ceramics with a superb collection of works from all over Italy and beyond. Rimini is another worthwhile day trip, famous for its Tiberius Bridge and the Arch of Augustus as well as its grandiose cathedral, the Tempio Malatestiano, designed by Alberti, with frescoes by Piero della Francesca. In Rome, you might take your grandchildren to the Gladiator School operated by the Gruppo Storico Romano, where they'll see Roman swordplay in action and 'train' as gladiators in a safe environment. The vast grounds of Villa Borghese are a great place for them to let off some steam while the Explora Children's Museum is a hands-on discovery museum full of electronic and scientific wizardry. They might also try a gelato-making workshop or a pasta- making session. We're spending a few weeks in Tanzania next year, any recommendations on less-visited game parks as well as locally based operators who offer budget trips? How long should we spend in Dar es Salaam and what are the attractions? R. Saltman, Mosman, NSW Ruaha National Park in central Tanzania is one of the largest in the country, but despite its size it gets relatively few visitors. Together with neighbouring Kizigio and Rungwa River Game Reserves, Ruaha forms one of East Africa's largest nature conservancies. Ruaha's wildlife population includes over 10,000 elephant, 30,000 buffalo, 20,000 zebra as well as lions and leopards and more than 400 bird species.
India.com
02-06-2025
- India.com
Plan The Perfect Eco-Conscious Vacation In Pune Today
Pune's reputation as the 'Oxford of the East' and the 'Cultural Capital of Maharashtra' is quite evident since it's a perfect amalgamation of nature and modernity. To top it off, its breathtaking hills, pristine lakes, historic culture, and heritage makes it an ideal tourism destination for travelers looking for an eco-friendly trip. Not only does one get to appreciate its natural beauty, but it is also an opportunity to help preserve the environment for future generations. Using this guide, you will be able to plan a perfect eco-friendly vacation to Pune. 1. Look For Sustainable Accommodation First Finding green hotels and resorts in Pune is relatively easy as they all practice environmental sustainability. Sustainable hotels and resorts greatly help in preserving the environment, and needless to say, are a key aspect to planning an eco-friendly vacation. For the best experience, choose hotels that use renewable sources of energy, conserve water, and have a proper waste management system. Additionally, many eco-friendly accommodations in Pune source organic food from local farms, which eliminates carbon emissions from food transportation. 2. Choose Eco-Friendly Means of Transportation Pune is served well with its buses, auto-rickshaws, and metro services. Try to opt for public transport, or bicycle tours to lessen your carbon footprint. Due to its flat land and pleasant climate, Pune is considered a favorable city for cyclists. Furthermore, using electric vehicles (EVs) or carpooling for longer trips can drastically cut down greenhouse gas emissions. Eco friendly travelers also like to walk to nearby sites, which is great for reducing pollution and allows getting to know the city in a calm and pleasant manner. 3. Go To Eco-Friendly Tourist Attractions There are eco-friendly tourist spots in Pune that are aimed at promoting sustainable tourism. For instance, the Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden also known as the Japanese Garden is a well maintained exhibit of sustainable gardening. It has water recycling systems, solar lighting, and local flora that do not need high levels of irrigation. One more place to visit is Katraj Snake Park which practices wildlife conservation and environmental education. It houses many snakes, reptiles, turtles, and other endangered species to help foster awareness on the need to protect biodiversity. 4. Support Local and Sustainable Businesses Two of the best ways to make sure your holidays are friendly to the environment is to patronize shops that are focused on sustainability and local businesses. Pune is home to several shops and vendors at its many local markets who offer handmade, organic, and eco-friendly products. If you're in the area during late October, make sure to check out the Bhimthadi Jatra, an annual festival celebrating the best of food, textiles, crafts, and other traditional Maharashtrian offerings. By purchasing from local artisans and farmers, you not only contribute towards the local economy but also mitigate the environmental effects of mass-produced goods. 5. Taking Part in Eco-Friendly Activities Pune is a city that has a lot of green initiatives put in place, helping you connect with nature. Trekking within the Sinhagad Fort and Rajmachi Fort is one of the activities that lets you see the beautiful Sahyadri Mountains. These treks are both a wonderful way to exercise and a great chance to view the beauty of the region. For something more lowkey, try visiting the Pashan Lake or the Mulshi Dam where you can go birdwatching, enjoy a picnic, or walk around while taking in the beautiful sights. Always remember to follow the principles of 'Leave No Trace' such as taking back all your trash and avoiding carrying out any activities that can endanger the local nature. 6. Buys and Uses Less Plastic For a holiday to be really eco friendly, getting rid of single use plastic is incredibly important as well, helping to combat plastic pollution. Always carry a reusable water bottle and shopping tote as well as cutlery. Multiple restaurants and cafes around Pune are becoming more eco-friendly by offering compostable containers and encouraging people to bring their own food containers. Also, you can cut down on bottled water by filling your bottle at the different water refill stations that are set up around the city. 7. Get Involved and Help The Environment Pune is a city in India that focuses on environmental conservation. While visiting, you can partake in several such initiatives. Join local cleanup drives conducted by certain environmental groups, or engage in their tree planting programs. The Pune Municipal Corporation often works together with different NGOs for the awareness campaigns and for planning and executing several conservation projects. By taking part in these activities, you make contributions towards the community while enhancing your understanding of the area's wildlife conservation issues. Conclusion Pune is a city where responsible travelers will find everything with the promise of an eco-friendly vacation that these travelers are looking for. And not only will the environment benefit but the travelers will benefit, too. Make sure to have some places for supporting local businesses and accommodations and participating in environmentally friendly activities. There is something to do in Pune for everyone and to do it all while making as little impact on the environment as possible. Now every effort on sustainability matters, and responsible choices can greatly help with conserving the environment. Remember to preserve the beauty and culture of Pune for the future masses to enjoy. So grab your things and remember to be eco-friendly as you prepare to visit Pune.
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Scotsman
Steve Cardownie: Take a stroll around Edinburgh's hidden gem
When I was convener of the Recreation Committee on the City of Edinburgh Council one of the properties that came as part of the committee's property portfolio was Lauriston Castle near Davidson's Mains. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Visit Scotland says that 'Lauriston Castle is a hidden gem in Edinburgh with beautiful free grounds cradling the sea and with stunning views. Spend time relaxing in our calm and tranquil Japanese garden. Double up with a visit to historic Cramond and take a walk along the iconic promenade.' The Japanese Garden at Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh. The grounds include the Edinburgh/ Kyoto Friendship Garden which is one of the largest Japanese gardens created in the UK in the last century and which I had the pleasure of declaring open back in August 2002. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It was designed in traditional Japanese style and features a pond, a waterfall and various Japanese plants with bench seating provided throughout. It was created as a symbol of the friendship and cultural exchanges between Edinburgh and Kyoto and was designed by Japanese designer, Takashi Sawano. The grounds also have an Italian garden, designed by William Playfair in 1844. As they had no children, the property was bequeathed to the city in 1926 by its last private owners, Mr and Mrs Reid. They left the castle and its grounds to 'Scotland' on the condition that their home would be preserved as it was gifted. The city council has responsibility for the care and maintenance of the house which was 'modernised' by the Reids, who installed modern plumbing and electricity and also added their collection of furniture and artwork to the house. I have spent many an hour walking my dog in the grounds, meandering along the circular, wooded path, taking in the impressive views across The Firth of Forth to The Kingdom of Fife. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With a car park and serviced by nearby public transport it is readily accessible and offers a great opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern living and which is no more than twenty minutes from the city centre. Visit Scotland's description of the castle as 'a hidden gem' is spot on - see for yourself!
