奈良公園近くの依水園は、素敵な日本庭園で有名な所。前から行ってみたいと思っていました。Fさんがアフタヌーンティーの前に依水園に行くと聞いて、くっついて行くことにしました。この日は雛人形の展示も拝見できると知りラッキー！
上の写真は「曲水の宴」という優雅な雛飾りです。1907年（明治40年）に麻織物を扱う商家の関藤次郎が孫娘の節句祝いとして贈った完全オーダー品。
三月三日の「上巳の節句」は、古代中国では水辺に出かけて身を清め、無病息災を願った風習があり、わが国では8世紀～（平安時代）の貴人たちが、川の流れに杯を浮かべて和歌を詠む、曲水の宴を行っていました。
お雛様とお内裏様だけでなく、そのご両親も主役の優美で豪華な雛飾りでした。
子や孫を思う気持ちは今も昔も変わらぬものだと思いますが、古都奈良の歴史深さを感じるとともに、豪商の繁栄ぶりを垣間見ました。
そして庭園は予想を上回る美しさでした。広大な敷地には季節の草花が整然と彩られていて、東大寺や若草山を借景とする最高に贅沢な庭園。お庭のあちらこちらに手入れが行き届いた茶室もあります。今度訪れた時はこのお庭を眺めながらお抹茶を頂こうと思います。
雛祭りは女の子のお祭り。ということで、FさんNさんと3人でアフタヌーンティーを楽しみました。
もとお寺の建物とお庭を活かしたレストラン「世世」は、大通り沿いにありながら、喧噪とは無縁の静かな時間が流れています。
スイーツは和が中心で、九谷焼のカラフルなカップに紅茶や煎茶に大和橘、大和当帰、黒もじなどのブレンドティーが注がれます。
すべてに奈良を意識したコンセプトを感じました。これは大人の休日ですね。たくさんお話してリフレッシュした後は、お庭を散策。野草や薬草の専門家のお二人に、植物の名前をたくさん教えて頂いた一日でした。
ご一緒頂きありがとうございました！
Isuien Garden near Nara Park is famous for its beautiful Japanese garden. I've been wanting to go there for a while. I heard that Miss. F was going to Isuien Garden before afternoon tea, so I decided to go with her. I was lucky to know that I could also see the hina doll display on this day!
The photo above is an elegant doll decoration called ``Kyokusui no En.'' In 1907 (Meiji 40), this completely custom item was given to his granddaughter by Jiro Sekito, a merchant who dealt in linen textiles, as a festival gift.
On March 3rd, ``Joushi no Sekku'' was a custom in ancient China to go to the waterside to purify oneself and pray for good health. They held a music festival where they floated a cup and recited Japanese poems.
Not only the emperor and empress, but also their parents were the main characters in this elegant and luxurious Hina decoration.
I believe that the feeling of caring for one's children and grandchildren remains the same today as in the past, but I also felt the depth of the history of the ancient capital of Nara and got a glimpse of the prosperity of wealthy merchants.
And the garden was more beautiful than I expected. The spacious grounds are neatly decorated with seasonal flowers and are the most luxurious garden, with views of Todaiji Temple and Mt. Wakakusa. There are also well-maintained tea rooms scattered throughout the garden. Next time I visit, I would like to enjoy some matcha tea while looking at this garden.
Hinamatsuri is a festival for girls. So we enjoyed afternoon tea together.
The restaurant "ZeZe", which makes use of the building and garden of a former temple, is located along the main street, but offers a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle.
The sweets are mainly Japanese, with black tea, sencha, and blended teas such as Yamato Tachibana, Yamato Toki, and Kuromoji being poured into colorful Kutani ware cups.
I felt that everything had a concept with Nara in mind. This is a holiday for adults. After talking a lot and feeling refreshed, we took a walk in the garden. It was a day where we learned many plant names from two experts in wild plants and medicinal plants.
Thank you for joining us!